How to Plan Your First Real Estate Investment (2024)

That being said, it isn’t easy money and you must prepare carefully before actually signing on the dotted line to buy your first investment property. Here is what you should do when setting up your operations.

Create A Business Plan

Although it may not seem like it at first glance, investing in real estate is essentially running your own business. You will need to treat it as such in order to be successful, and that includes drafting a business plan.

Your business plan should include key information such as the type of housing units you wish to purchase as well as your business model. For example, you have the option of flipping homes or functioning as the landlord of your owned properties.

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Like other businesses, some kind of niche or specialty makes it much easier to market your properties and stand out from your competition.

Your business plan should also outline your regular operations, operating expenses and plans for growth. You will likely need a business plan if you plan to ask for commercial loans.

Gather A Network Of Professionals

Most real estate agents work with clients who are buying or selling properties for their own use. These agents are not as useful to a first-time real estate investor and you should seek to find an agent who works specifically with investors. An agent who has real estate investing experience of their own would be best.

Find an agent you like so you can work with them to manage your portfolio over a long time. Aside from a real estate agent, there are other professionals you should bring into your network as you get started investing.

Attorneys dealing in real estate sales and landlord-tenant laws are essential to help you purchase properties and draft up leases that will protect you from serious legal liability down the road. Qualified contractors will also be necessary.

Finally, you may choose to bring in a property manager to provide professional management services and handle many of the day-to-day matters of your property for you.

Get Insured

According to KBD Insurance, a company that does landlord insurance in Montreal, owning a rental property is a great way to build wealth. With that said, you will also need to carry insurance on your new properties.

You will be required to have insurance if you purchase the property with a mortgage or if it is otherwise required by your state. Even if insurance is not required, failing to carry it could be catastrophic, as you will have no protection if the property is damaged or destroyed in a disaster or a tenant injures themselves due to an issue you could have prevented.

Look into local providers near where you are purchasing properties to find solutions that will meet your needs, the needs of your tenants and the law. Another thing you will have to consider is your policy on renter’s insurance.

Your insurance as a landlord very rarely covers the belongings of your tenants, and many landlords either require tenants to carry renter’s insurance or strongly recommend it. Determine what your policy will be.

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Base Decisions On Cost-Benefit Analysis

You should not base your property purchasing decisions on emotion or any other factor you would normally consider when buying a property in which to live yourself. It needs to instead be based on hard data such as expected value appreciation, how much you will be able to charge for rent, how much it will cost to fix and maintain the property, and more.

Every decision regarding this property must be a business decision, driven by hard numbers, so you can turn a profit and ultimately be successful. For example, when looking for a house to buy and flip, you will need to consider the asking price in comparison to other properties in the area as well as how much money and work will need to go into the property before you can resell it. That information then needs to be compared to the expected resale price.

Much needs to be considered before you buy your first investment property. If you plan correctly, you are far less likely to run into problems that could put your business into trouble. Learn from mentors, other real estate investors, and other professionals as you begin this journey.

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How to Plan Your First Real Estate Investment (2024)

FAQs

What is the 4 3 2 1 rule in real estate? ›

Analyzing the 4-3-2-1 Rule in Real Estate

This rule outlines the ideal financial outcomes for a rental property. It suggests that for every rental property, investors should aim for a minimum of 4 properties to achieve financial stability, 3 of those properties should be debt-free, generating consistent income.

How a newbie can start investing in real estate? ›

5 Ways to get started in real estate investing
  • Buy REITs (real estate investment trusts) REITs allow you to invest in real estate without the physical real estate. ...
  • Use an online real estate investing platform. ...
  • Think about investing in rental properties. ...
  • Consider flipping investment properties. ...
  • Rent out a room.
Feb 29, 2024

What is the 1 rule in real estate? ›

The 1% rule of real estate investing measures the price of an investment property against the gross income it can generate. For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must equal at least 1% of the purchase price.

What does Dave Ramsey say to invest in? ›

Plain and simple, here's the Ramsey Solutions investing philosophy: Get out of debt and save up a fully funded emergency fund first. Invest 15% of your income in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Invest in good growth stock mutual funds.

What is the 80% rule in real estate? ›

When it comes to insuring your home, the 80% rule is an important guideline to keep in mind. This rule suggests you should insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost to avoid penalties for being underinsured.

What is the 7 rule in real estate? ›

In fact, in marketing, there is a rule that people need to hear your message 7 times before they start to see you as a service provider. Therefore, if you have only had a few conversations with the person that listed with someone else, then chances are, they don't even know you are in real estate.

How much money do you need to invest in your first property? ›

How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy Investment Property? Lenders typically have stricter guidelines when it comes to rental properties. Though you can buy a primary home with as little as 3% down, most borrowers need to put down 15% to 20% to buy a rental property.

How to be successful in real estate investing? ›

  1. Make a Plan.
  2. Know the Market.
  3. Be Honest.
  4. Develop a Niche.
  5. Encourage Referrals.
  6. Stay Educated.
  7. Understand the Risks.
  8. Invest in an Accountant.

How to invest in real estate with $1000? ›

  1. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are one of the best ways to invest 1,000 dollars, and are beginner-friendly. ...
  2. Real Estate Crowdfunding. ...
  3. Real Estate Partnerships. ...
  4. Real Estate Wholesaling. ...
  5. Peer-To-Peer Microloans. ...
  6. Turnkey Rental Real Estate. ...
  7. Tax Liens. ...
  8. Hard Money Loans.

What type of real estate is the best to invest in? ›

One reason commercial properties are considered one of the best types of real estate investments is the potential for higher cash flow. Investors who opt for commercial properties may find they represent higher income potential, longer leases, and lower vacancy rates than other forms of real estate.

How much monthly profit should you make on a rental property? ›

Keep in mind, when it comes to real estate cash flow, calculating your expenses and rental property income will be your number one key to success. Anything around 7% or 8% is the average ROI. However, if you'd really like to succeed, you should always aim higher at around 15%.

How do I make my house pay for itself? ›

How to Make Your Mortgage Pay Itself
  1. Rent Out Your Home.
  2. Rent Out a Spare Room.
  3. Create a Rental Studio Apartment.
  4. Rent Components of Your Home.
  5. Use Solar Panels and Water Tanks.
  6. Grow Your Own Food in Your Yard.
  7. Need a Home Mortgage in WA, OR, CO, or ID?
Nov 22, 2019

What is the 80 20 rule Dave Ramsey? ›

There's an 80-20 rule for money Dave Ramsey teaches which says managing your finances is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent knowledge. This 80-20 rule also applies to constructing a healthy life. Personal wellness is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent knowledge.

What is the number 1 rule investing? ›

Warren Buffett once said, “The first rule of an investment is don't lose [money]. And the second rule of an investment is don't forget the first rule.

What is the 7 year rule for investing? ›

According to Standard and Poor's, the average annualized return of the S&P index, which later became the S&P 500, from 1926 to 2020 was 10%. 1 At 10%, you could double your initial investment every seven years (72 divided by 10).

What is the 4-3-2-1 investment strategy? ›

The 4-3-2-1 Approach

One simple rule of thumb I tend to adopt is going by the 4-3-2-1 ratios to budgeting. This ratio allocates 40% of your income towards expenses, 30% towards housing, 20% towards savings and investments and 10% towards insurance.

What is the 90 10 rule in real estate? ›

Roger shared his 10/90 rule, balancing risk by investing 10% in higher-risk projects and 90% in stable, cash-flowing properties. This strategy helps navigate economic cycles and maintain a steady income stream. Proper documentation's crucial role in avoiding issues with seemingly trustworthy partners was emphasized.

What is the 4321 rule for appraisals? ›

4-3-2-1 rule

The front quarter of the standard site receives 40% of the total value. The second quarter receives 30% of the total value. The third quarter receives 20% of the total value; and the rear quarter receives just 10% of the total value.

What is the 50% rule in real estate? ›

The 50% rule or 50 rule in real estate says that half of the gross income generated by a rental property should be allocated to operating expenses when determining profitability. The rule is designed to help investors avoid the mistake of underestimating expenses and overestimating profits.

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