Starting any journey is tough, especially when you don’t know where to begin. I remember reading Rich Dad Poor Dad as a teenager and feeling inspired to dive into real estate investing. The problem? I had no idea who to talk to, and Robert Kiyosaki’s mentorship program was way out of my budget. So, like many of you, I had to figure it out on my own.
If you’re in the same boat and on a budget, here are my top 5 resources to help you get started in real estate.
1. BiggerPockets
BiggerPockets is a powerhouse platform for beginner and experienced investors alike. They offer podcasts, forums, and a library of books that cover all areas of real estate. My recommendation: start with the podcast. Listening to real stories and strategies will help you figure out what niche in real estate suits you—whether it’s rentals, flips, wholesaling, or something else.
2. Facebook Groups
Facebook can be a hidden gem for real estate networking. If you already have a Facebook account, you can dive in today. I’m in several real estate groups—everything from wholesale deal networks to tenant-landlord Q&A forums. In fact, Facebook is where I closed my first wholesale deal!
Just a word of caution: watch out for scammers and bots. If someone promises you a no-money-down deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But if you sift through the noise, there’s real value here.
3. Meetup Groups
Check out Meetup.com. It’s a great tool for finding in-person real estate groups in your area. In Detroit, for example, Renegade Detroit Investors meets every month at a pizza bar. It’s a chill setting where you can talk real estate over a beer with like-minded people. You don’t have to say much on your first visit—be a fly on the wall and soak it all in.
4. REIA Groups (Real Estate Investors Association)
Similar to Meetup groups, REIAs are found nationwide. They typically meet once or twice a month and often feature guest speakers who specialize in different investing strategies. Before the main event, there’s time to network with other investors and connect with local service providers, like property managers, lenders, and contractors. Some REIAs even offer mentorship programs, especially focused on wholesaling.
5. Ask Friends & Family
This one is so underrated. You’d be surprised who you already know—or are connected to—who has real estate experience. When I bought my first property and ran into tenant issues, I vented to my dad. He connected me to one of his best friends—someone I’d known all my life and never realized owned multiple properties and had 20+ years of landlord experience! He could’ve helped me much sooner if I had just asked.
Moral of the story: Don’t be afraid to ask around. That one conversation could be your first step into the world of real estate.
Conclusion
If there’s one quote I want you to keep in mind as you begin your real estate journey, it’s this:
“Not all who wander are lost.
Take your time. Take action. And remember—every investor started with a first step.
