A Complete Guide on the Strategies Pros Use to Invest in Real Estate

If that wasn’t shocking enough, between April 2021 and March 2022, foreign investors purchased $59 billion worth of US residential properties (57% of those foreign investors either live in the US as recent immigrants or were non-immigrant visa holders).

The top destinations of those foreign investors include:

• Florida (24%)
• California (11%)
• Texas (8%)
• Arizona (7%) 
• New York (4%) 
• North Carolina (4%)

Even though many of those purchases were made by large investors, small investors still have a foot in the game — even against 44% of foreign investors who paid cash for their investment properties.

It’s also worth noting that international buyers only accounted for 2.6% of the $2.3 trillion in existing-home sales during the same time period.

It’s true that many people are looking for investment properties for sale, but don’t let that discourage you. There are many reasons people choose to begin investing in real estate.

We asked a few experts their opinions on why people want to become real estate investors. Here are some of the responses:

Passive Income

The money you receive from your investment properties is a relatively reliable source of income that you can expect every month, providing that your property isn’t vacant and your tenant pays their rent on time, of course.

Long-Term Financial Security

Real estate investments are usually part of a long-term investment strategy. On top of monthly rental payments, the longer you hold onto a property, the more value your property will gain over time. When you decide to sell your property, the larger the profit will be.

Build Equity

Your remaining balance will decrease as time passes and your monthly mortgage payments are paid on time. At the same time, the value of your property is increasing, thus building equity. If you need to, you can borrow against that equity. If you don’t need to tap into the property’s equity, the profit you stand to gain when you sell will get higher.

Fun fact: Homeowners who have owned their properties for less than a year often overestimate how much their properties have increased in value. Typically, they’ll estimate that the value has increased by 10.2% when in reality, it’s more like 3.5% to 3.8%.

This may seem confusing because home price appreciation across the nation increased by 13.5% in August 2022, but on a month-to-month basis, home prices actually declined by less than 1% (0.7% to be exact). Experts estimate that by August 2023, price increases will slow considerably—a mere 3.2%.

The true rate of appreciation actually depends on where it’s located. For example, of the largest 20 metro areas in the country, Miami home prices increased by 27.1% in August alone. On the other end of the spectrum, Washington, DC, ranked last with a meager 2.4% appreciation.

If we were to look at the data for a 50-year period, we can clearly see that investing in real estate has the return potential to make a huge profit, no matter where you are. In 1972, the median price for a home was $26,200. Fast forward 50 years and now the median home price is $433,100! That’s an astounding 1553.05% increase!

Tax Benefits

You can claim many tax deductions while managing the property as a landlord. These deductions include property taxes, property management fees, mortgage interest, maintenance, and more. Just be aware that if and when you sell, you will be expected to pay the capital gains tax. SmartAsset has a capital gains tax calculator you can estimate how much you’ll have to pay.

Along with those deductions, an important deduction you’ll want to take advantage of is rental property depreciation, which can be claimed over a 27.5-year period. Instead of taking one large deduction in the tax year that you’ve bought (or improved) a rental property, depreciation will distribute that deduction over the course of the property’s useful life. 

Rental property depreciation is a complex topic that your tax advisor can walk you through. However, if you’d like to read up on your own, here’s a link to the IRS’s publication on the subject: Publication 946 (2021), How To Depreciate Property.

Inflation-Proof

Investing in real estate is a wise move that can help you retain the purchasing power of your money while also safeguarding it from the effects of inflation. Just like the cost of other goods, real estate prices tend to go up during periods of inflation. However, when you lock in a low-interest rate, you’re going to pay less for your mortgage over time during an inflationary period.

Let’s say you bought an average size home in July 2020 for $330,600 (the median price for the time) at the 30-year fixed-mortgage rate of 2.99%, thus making your monthly payment $1,392. Your mortgage payments will stay the same, regardless of today’s interest rates. 

Conversely, if you bought the average size home in July 2022 for $440,300 (2022’s median price), not only are you getting less house for the price (the average size being 1,890 sq. ft.), the interest rate has almost tripled, thus bringing the monthly payment to a staggering $2,722. 

6. Ask for Referrals

Referrals are a real estate agent’s bread and butter, but they can also be an investor’s. Influential investors rely on their reputations, and when others in the industry hear about an investor’s excellent reputation, referrals are almost guaranteed. You can never have enough people in your network!

7. Never Stop Learning

“One of the most commonly held beliefs is that real estate is an easy way to make money. In reality, real estate can be a complex and time-consuming investment, and it requires a significant amount of financial knowledge and experience to be successful,” says Mr. Biggs.

A successful real estate investor always stays on top of the latest trends, laws, regulations, terminology, and market predictions. You can’t be a master of your market if you aren’t on top of local and federal laws. You also need to familiarize yourself and stay on top of tax laws, lending laws, economic changes, and other regulations that will directly (and indirectly) impact your investment strategies.

8. Acknowledging the Risks

Investing in real estate is risky — there are no two ways about it. Seasoned investors block out all the get-rich investment scams because they know there is no such thing as “the lazy way to invest in real estate.” Investors understand the risks, legally and financially, and can adjust their investment strategies to mitigate them.

9. Hire a Real Estate CPA

Real estate investors don’t rely on H&R Block to handle their taxes — they have a real estate CPA (certified personal accountant). A CPA knows the tax code inside and out, and they will make sure to maximize your deductions.

The cost to hire a CPA varies widely — anywhere from $30 per hour to $300 per hour. That said, as your portfolio grows, they’re certainly worth the money!

10. Heed Advice from Experienced Investors

If you hadn’t noticed, asking for help is a big part of learning how to be a real estate investor. You can join real estate investor Facebook groups to help you with the simple stuff, but when it comes to complex transactions with grey areas, you never want to do it alone. You’ll want to hire a real estate attorney for legal concerns, real or perceived.

11. Networking Like a Champ

Real estate investors are constantly making connections. No matter where they go, they network, make connections, and foster good relationships with existing contacts. It doesn’t matter how far along your investing career is; you should always make the time to network like a champ.

The United States has the most Airbnb listings and is the most expensive market. The average price per night for an Airbnb rental in the United States in 2021 was $216. If someone booked your rental for 7 days, that’s $1,512 — that could be a full mortgage payment! Surely you can see how lucrative turning an investment property into a short-term Airbnb rental is, right?

Just be aware that short-term rentals present a higher risk for damage, theft, and illicit activity because you can screen long-term renters much more thoroughly than short-term renters. Also, you’re part of the hospitality industry now, and you’ll need to ensure your property is clean, with enough linens, towels, pillows, etc., on top of general landlord duties.

Note: If you are thinking about turning your investment property into a short-term rental like Airbnb, you may be required to put more money down and have several months of cash reserves to cover prolonged vacancies and maintenance.

Wholesaling

Real estate wholesaling involves more than simply buying the first rental income property for sale you come across, fixing it up, and renting it or selling it for a profit.

As a wholesale investor, you’re searching for deals on wholesale houses for sale, buying them, and before closing on the deal, selling it to another party for a little more than you paid.

It sounds easy, but you need to know what to look for in an investment property and how to write a legally binding contract. You’ll also need a robust network of eager investors or buyers who will buy it before you go to closing and must follow through with the deal.

Investing in commercial real estate is more like office buildings, apartment buildings, industrial spaces, and retail spaces. Although there is a lot of money to be made in this space, it comes with a lot of risks as well. These risks include tenants not paying rent, rampant inflation, higher interest rates, and more. You can learn more about these risks here and here.

Due to its complexity and the higher risks, new investors might find commercial real estate investing overwhelming and too much to learn.

Investing in raw land ultimately means you’re buying undeveloped land. There aren’t any roads, buildings, crops, utility connections, etc. Now, if you’re thinking that investing in empty land is pointless and there’s no money to be made, that’s not true.

Raw land investors can lease the land to farmers to grow crops, or you can hold the land until it appreciates and sell it to a developer for profit. However, there are few tax advantages available to you. And, depending on what the land is zoned for, it may be challenging to get the local municipality to approve the plans you might have for developing it.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) oversee numerous real estate investments, and since you aren’t directly purchasing or selling real estate, this is an indirect form of real estate investing. When you give your money to a REIT, you generate income from the properties the company manages.

Investors who go this route are diversifying their portfolios, even though some REITs are publicly traded and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick investment opportunity, this is not it. Investing in a REIT is a long-term strategy that requires patience and time before you start seeing a profit.

Crowdfunding real estate is similar to REITs in that a group of investors combine their funds and invest in real estate that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford on their own.

Some crowdfunding is open to the average investor, but many require proof that you’re a serious investor with adequate income to begin investing.

There is no “best” type of real estate investment because each investor has unique circumstances and investing strategies. There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration when you’re trying to choose which investment is right for you.

If you’re trying to figure out which type of rental properties to invest in, here are some considerations:

• Location: Is the property near amenities, services, and recreational activities? What’s the school district like? Is it a high-crime area? Are there other businesses in the area similar to yours that could be your competitors (if investing in commercial real estate)? Is it better to have a short-term rental vs. a long-term rental in the area?
• Investment purpose: What do you intend to use the property for? Are you going to fix and flip, or do you intend on being an owner-occupant? Will you develop the land, or are you holding on to it to sell for a profit later?
• Future development: What future development plans are in the works? Will new houses be being built around your properties?
• Property expenses: Will you need a property management firm, or will you do it yourself? What kind of work needs to be done, and do you want to pay for those repairs? Can you afford the property taxes and utility bills?
  When it comes to which type of real estate investment is the easiest for new investors, our experts weighed in:

Mr. Howard: “REITS are easy investments for first-timers and require the least amount of capital to get started, while more experienced real estate investors build their empire from flips and rentals.”

Mr. Davis: “I have no experience or interest in trusts or crowdfunding real estate deals because as an investor, you have little to no control over them. In my perspective, those are the “easy ways out,” much like the stock market. I also don’t do raw land since it produces no cash flow.”

“Single-family houses are the easiest to get into as a new investor. However, if you have enough money to skip single-family and go straight to apartments, you should. It is faster, and you can control the property’s value yourself.”

Mr. Capozzolo: “In my opinion, indirect investing would be the better option for new investors. Investing in real estate requires capital and time. A simple investment also takes thousands of dollars in starting capital. But, buying shares of a REIT is similar to buying stocks in a company. It requires less amount and offers less risk.”

Mr. Biggs: “It is difficult to say which type of real estate is easiest and most challenging, as every investment has its own set of challenges. REITs, for example, are excellent investments for people who do not have the capital to invest in other real estate types. REITs are usually considered quite safe investments, just like bond funds, but they have a potential for capital growth as well.

Buying a turn-key property isn’t challenging to find and close on. However, the house might need some work that the investor can’t do alone. Or the house may need to be sold to a tenant, which is no simple task.

On the other hand, buying raw land can be difficult because finding the suitable land can be tricky. The investor may need to do a lot of due diligence before investing in the land to ensure the property is suitable for development. Ultimately, it’s all about market timing and what type of market is in demand.”

Mr. Shpanya: “The easiest type of real estate for new investors is existing apartments that are one to four units. The one-to-four-unit residential space is how I and many other successful investors got started. A one-to-four-unit residential loan is far easier to attain as banks actively encourage homeownership.”

“This is the best way to start. Additionally, house hacking is where you live in one unit and rent out the others is a great way to start investing too.”

Mr. Phelan: “Most people who opt for direct investment start in residential real estate. There is plenty of inventory, the price point for entry is typically much lower than for commercial real estate and it’s familiar to the average person because we live in residential real estate.”

Mr. Shekhar: “Most people who own a home already will find residential real estate investing easier since they already understand some basics of residential real estate. They should be able to evaluate potential rental opportunities and be able to project cash flow. It should also be easier for them to work on remodeling or upgrades since they might have done something similar with their house.”

“The cash flow with commercial real estate investing may be harder to project and buying raw
land and construction could take years and involves several layers of complexities that may
be very difficult to plan around.”

Conclusion: REITs and residential properties are typically the easiest real estate investment for new investors.

You can do these things, but there are better (and more effective) ways to find investment properties for sale.

There are no shortages of active real estate agents in the United States. The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) estimates there are more than 4 million licensed real estate agents — 1.5 million are members of NAR (National Association of Realtors®) in the country, so there’s no shortage of agents.

A real estate agent (or Realtor®) can access the MLS (multiple listing service) to find properties already on the market and even share off-market properties for sale. They can negotiate on your behalf to get you the best price on a property and so much more.

Pros:

• Access to MLS and information that is only available to licensed agents
• Get expert advice about real estate and real estate investing
• Have access to a robust network of properties

Cons:

Could be expected to pay a “finders fee” to the agent for off-market properties for sale
Need to build a strong rapport with an agent to get first dibs on deals

Although real estate agents have access to the MLS and you do not, you can use real estate listing sites like Zillow, Trulia, or Redfin to see what’s currently on the market. These sites may not have the most up-to-date information for all of the listings on their site, but it’s a good start.

If you’re working with an agent, you can show them the properties you’re interested in, or you can contact the listing agent directly.

Pros:

• Find properties quickly and easily from your smartphone, tablet, or PC
• Wide selection of properties and property types for sale

Cons:

Some sites require members to pay a subscription fee to access listings
Not all websites offer reliable, up-to-date information on properties
Inadequate source of information to determine a property’s ARV

As of July 2022, ATTOM Data shows that 30,358 properties are going through the foreclosure process. This figure is up over 143% from 2021, when foreclosures were at historic lows, thanks to the temporary policies to halt foreclosures and evictions during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

Public auctions are a good place to find good deals (often below market value) on properties. However, be warned that the properties may require extensive work because you cannot inspect the property before bidding. If this is your method of choice, keep extra money on the side to make repairs.

In addition to costly repairs, you also inherit all leans. Most of the time you don’t know about them until you go under contract, which is a big risk time-wise and money-wise. This is an important factor to consider since 10% down is typically required to get the property under contract after winning the auction.

There may be some situations where you’re bidding on a property that hasn’t completed the foreclosure process and the title is still in the previous owner’s name. This is called a zombie foreclosure and can present unique opportunities for investors.

Typically, you’ll need an “insider” to find zombie foreclosures. Still, you can research by looking through the county’s appraisal district website to find properties two or more years behind on their property taxes. Chances are, those properties are abandoned.

Pros:

• Find below market-value properties that can be sold for a big profit
• Fewer people bidding on properties

Cons:

• Unable to inspect the property before bidding
• Bidding on a foreclosed home typically requires payment in cash, in full
• Potential of inheriting problems from the previous owner (liens, owe property taxes, etc.)
• Could lose the property if the owner is able to get caught up on their mortgage

Don’t be afraid to tell the people in your life about your efforts to find a rental property for sale. Your network is one of your greatest resources because you know these people. You can relate to them on a level that you can’t with other sellers.

You can ask your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances if they or someone they know is looking to sell their property.

By using word of mouth to find investment properties, you don’t have to buy run-down houses for sale that no one else wants. You could work out an arrangement with the seller that is beneficial for you both without all of the hassles of a traditional transaction.

Pros:

• It’s as easy as asking a question
• Potential to find pre-market homes for sale

Cons:

• It takes time to build good connections to find good investments
• Requires a large network

If you want to skip the hassle of dealing with a real estate agent and want to deal with a property owner directly, then you might be interested in an FSBO, or for sale by owner. In 2020, only 7% of sales were FSBO, so it’s not going to be easy.

You can drive around your target neighborhood to find properties with bright red FOR SALE signs on them. You can browse local social media groups, look for ads in the newspaper, and visit community centers, post offices, libraries, or municipal buildings for “Homes for Sale” signs.

You can even check ForSaleByOwner.com!

Pros:

• Saving thousands of dollars because you aren’t paying a commission
• Working with the seller directly means more information on the property

Cons:

• FSBO properties tend to be sold as-is, which means they may need repairs
• If the seller withholds serious issues, you can litigate, but it’ll be costly

Firstly, real estate investing groups, or REIGs, are not the same as REITs because they don’t gave to adhere to specific limitations or disclosures, and one focuses on commercial real estate (REIT), and the other focuses on residential rental properties (REIG).

In an REIG, there are several partners and shareholders who pool their resources to purchase real estate. These groups can facilitate property financing, flipping properties, and lease rental properties to a property management company or directly to a tenant.

Pros:

• Unlimited investment opportunities to diversify your portfolio
• Large pool of capital to fund future acquisitions

Cons:

• Group fees that will eat into profits
• Possibility to join a group of inexperienced investors and lose money

Now that we’ve looked at the different investment opportunities and where to find investment properties, let’s look at your options for financing.

Wholesalers are able to assist investors in locating foreclosed or otherwise troubled homes at favorable rates, which may then be remodeled and resold as “fix-and-flip” investments or converted into rental properties.  A wholesaler (the assignor) will  transfer their rights and obligations under the contract to a third party (the investor) through a contract called an “Assignment of Contract For Purchase of Real Estate.” Essentially, they’re acting like a middleman between the buyers and the sellers, bringing them together when a seller wants a quick sale and a buyer is ready to buy it “as is.”

Wholesalers sign contracts with buyers to buy homes, and they never really take full ownership of the property or put any money into it (down payment, ernest money deposit, or making repairs).  They then show the property to prospective investors in exchange for a cut of the final purchase price.

Be aware that these deals tend to move quickly because they want to secure a buyer before the original agreement with the owner ends.  This is very important because the wholesaler doesn’t want to be stuck footing the bill, so to speak.

Pros:

• Find investment opportunities that aren’t on the market (aka a pocket listing)
• Have a chance to buy properties below market value
• Expand your network of wholesalers who can present you with good deals

Cons: 

Not all wholesalers are honest and there’s potential to get scammed
Property could need extensive work – more than you’re prepared to take on

Bonus: New Western

Of all of the ways you can find an investment property, none of them simplifies the process like New Western can. We help you find investment properties, but we have cultivated a robust network of professionals who can work with you to make sure the buying process is as seamless as possible.

You can connect with real estate agents to help you find the right property (or you can request access to our exclusive inventory of incredible deals you won’t find anywhere else), lenders who can provide the capital to facilitate the purchase, and property managers to manage the property for you so you can focus on your investment strategy. 

Of course, if you need advice about investment strategies, financing, market updates, or anything else, our blog is an excellent resource you’ll want to bookmark. 

How to Finance Your Investment

When it comes to securing financing or having enough money to buy your first investment property, there are a lot of misconceptions that we’d like to clear up first:

Myth: You need a 20% down payment.

Truth: This can be a hard one to debunk because it depends on the lender you go with. Some lenders require at least 15%, while others want 25%. However, the good news is that there are loan programs available that require little to no money down. But we’ll go into more detail about these options later.

Myth: You need a high-paying job.

Truth: While having a high income is beneficial, you can still buy investment properties on a modest income. Granted, lenders will have their own set of guidelines regarding minimum income or net worth threshold that a potential borrower must meet before being approved for a loan. It’s always in your best interest to research eligibility requirements when looking at lenders.

Myth: You need to be wealthy.

Truth: Wouldn’t we all love to be wealthy? Well, that’s the reason why you’re interested in learning how to invest in real estate, right? 

“I have seen people start with $0 including myself. In a perfect world, we would all have $50k or more to start. But don’t wait. Start from wherever you are now- if you find the right mentor, you can still be successful,” shares Mr. Davis.

Myth: You need to pay off your primary residence (or other debt) first.

Truth: Debt, especially having an existing mortgage, is a big concern that a lot of aspiring investors are worried about. However, you don’t have to be debt-free to begin investing. In fact,  our experts say that you shouldn’t pay off an existing mortgage because it’s “dead equity” and it’s not “serving your family effectively.”

All of that aside, our experts agree that you should have a decent amount of money set aside to begin investing. The amount varies, but Mr. Phelan recommends new investors “have at least the down payment, closing costs, contract and materials deposits, and enough cash in reserve to cover 3-6 months of payments.”

Now, let’s look at the many ways you can finance your real estate investment.

Finance Options for New Real Estate Investors

1. Conventional Mortgage 

Conventional mortgages are loans you can get when you apply for a mortgage through a private bank, credit union, or loan associations. This is the most popular method of financing for real estate transactions.

Minimum requirements to qualify for a conventional loan: 

Have a credit score of at least 620

• Have a debt-to-income ratio of less than 43%
• Have a down payment of 20%, or 3% with private mortgage insurance
• Have the property appraised and inspected
• Documentation of steady employment and proof of income

2. Conforming Mortgage through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

Some conventional loans will be sold to government-sponsored entities, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These two agencies buy up large quantities of home loans and then will sell them to investors as mortgage-backed securities.

Although these programs may not have a direct impact on you as an investor, they do influence the terms of the loan. These entities have guidelines for the loans that they’ll buy, which means some conventional loans can also be considered conforming loans.

Minimum requirements for a conforming loan:

Have a credit score of at least 620 (640 in some cases)

• Have a debt-to-income ratio of less than 43% (50% in some cases)
• Have a down payment of at least 3% with private mortgage insurance
• No history of short sales, foreclosures, bankruptcies, or repossessions
• Max loan amount for Single-unit properties cannot exceed $647,200 or $970,800 in expensive areas

3. FHA or FHA 203(k) Mortgage

An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and these loans are designed to help people buy a primary residence. However, investors can still get this kind of loan if they intend to house hack (live in one unit and rent out the other units).

The FHA 203(k) loan is the same thing as a regular FHA loan, except the 203(k) allows you to add the cost of repairs or renovations a property needs. These rehab projects can include things like replacing the roof, making repairs to be the house up to code, replace systems like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.

Minimum requirements for a FHA or FHA 203(k) loan:

• Have a credit score of at least 580 for a 3.5% down payment
• Have a credit score of between 500 and 579 for a 10% down payment
• Have a debt-to-income ratio of less than 43%
• Have Mortgage Insurance Premium
• Property must be the borrower’s primary residence or owner-occupied
• Proof of employment and steady income
• No recent history of foreclosures, bankruptcies, late payments, etc.

4. VA Mortgage

If you’re a service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse, then you’ll want to look into a VA loan. These loans offer unique benefits that aren’t accessible to a civilian. These benefits include no minimum down payment, no private mortgage insurance, low closing costs, and low-interest rates.

Minimum requirements for a VA loan

• Meet the minimum active-duty service requirements
• Have a credit score of at least 620
• Have a debt-to-income ratio no higher than 41%
• Property must meet the minimum property requirements

5. Self-Directed IRA for a Non-Recourse Loan

Using a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) to fund your investment purchase is a good option if you already have a substantial amount of money in a retirement account. You can transfer a traditional retirement account, like a 401(k), and direct it into an SDIRA. You can then use that money for a down payment on a non-recourse loan.

A non-recourse loan does not allow the lender to pursue anything other than the collateral… In this case, the lender can only foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults. They cannot pursue any other legal action. 

Minimum requirements for a non-recourse loan (varies by lender):

• IRA must have at least 40% to 50% for a down payment plus reserves
• Have a debt service coverage ratio of 1.25 and up
• House must be built after 1940
• Property cannot be a primary residence — it must be an investment
• Property must be worth more than $70,000
• Must have own roof — it cannot be an apartment, condo, or townhome

6. Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to borrow against a property that you already own without needing to sell it. A HELOC works similarly to credit cards, meaning you can access the equity when you need it, instead of in one large lump sum.

With a home equity loan, you can borrow up to 80% of the equity in your home and use the money for a down payment on an investment property, make repairs, or do some renovation projects. For example, if your property is valued at $250,000 and you have $150,000 left on your mortgage, you could borrow up to $80,000.

$250,000 home value – $150,000 mortgage balance = $100,000 equity

$100,000 equity x 80% = $80,000 home equity loan

Minimum requirements for a home equity loan or HELOC (varies by lender):

• Must have at least 15% to 20% equity in your property
• Have a credit score of 680 and up
• A debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower
• Proof of income
• Reliable payment history

Note: Lenders may work with people with lower credit scores, but you’ll have higher interest rates, lower loan amounts, and short repayment terms

7. Investment Line of Credit / Portfolio Line of Credit

Investors can get short-term financing for a property through something called an investment line of credit. The lender places a lien on the property, and then the borrower will have a revolving line of credit that can be used for whatever they need. Essentially, this type of LOC works much like a HELOC, meaning you can use it to renovate an existing property in your portfolio or buy and renovate a new investment.  

Borrowers will only have to pay interest on the money that is drawn, rather than the full loan amount (i.e., a mortgage). You’re able to make monthly payments toward the money borrowed, or you can pay the balance in one lump sum. This type of LOC is a good option for those with high credit scores and who have accumulated a lot of equity on the property they’re going to use the LOC for. 

A portfolio line of credit functions much like an investment LOC and HELOC, but instead of using real estate as collateral, the borrower is borrowing “against a taxable brokerage account.” This means that instead of real estate being the collateral, the borrower’s stock holdings and other investments are used as collateral. This type of LOC is best for people with a robust portfolio or who have more than $1 million in equity.

Most LOCs are unsecured, but HELOCs are considered secured. If you’re looking into different ways to finance an investment property, it’s important to know the difference between unsecured and secured. 

An unsecured LOC is like a credit card in that it doesn’t have an asset that’s used as collateral, whereas a secured LOC does; in the case of real estate, that could be a piece of property. Unsecured LOCs tend to have lower credit limits and higher interest rates, while secured LOCs have the opposite (higher credit limits and lower interest rates). 

8. Private Lender

Private lenders are generally people in your network (be they family, friends, colleagues, etc.) that you can borrow money from. Anyone can be a private lender, as long as they have money they’re willing to lend.

If you don’t want to ask the people in your life to lend you some money, there are other ways to find a private lender. There are a couple of steps you could take if you decide to approach an individual investor rather than a nationwide private lender for a private money loan:

• Create a network: Building relationships is essential. Find and cultivate connections with title agents, real estate agents, lawyers, financial planners, and attorneys. These people probably know private lenders who would be eager to collaborate with you. Additionally, friends and relatives could be able to help establish contacts with possible investors.
• Get materials ready in advance: Before approaching a private lender, you need to make sure you bring your A-game. You’ll want to have a detailed account of how the money will be spent, what work needs to be done to the property you want to buy, earning potential of the property, and so on.

Since private lenders can be anyone, the minimum requirements and terms for repayment will vary widely.

9. Seller Financing

Sometimes if a homeowner owns their property outright, they may be willing to provide an interested investor financing. Instead of paying the homeowner one large lump sum, the investor will give the homeowner a down payment and they pay monthly installments (including interest).

Seller financing can be complex and it’s recommended that you seek out professional help to make sure the deal is legal and above board.

Of all of these financing options, FHA and VA loans are great options for new investors with limited cash. You can use these loans to buy a multi-family property, live in one unit, and rent out the other units.

10. Commercial Loan

Commercial loans are only used for properties that bring in money, like stores, offices, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Unlike a loan used for buying residential properties, the repayment terms for these loans are often much shorter (ranging between 5 to 20 years) and are taken out by business entities (corporations, funds, land developers, limited partnerships, and trusts)—not individuals. However, if you are a small business owner, then you may be able to get approved for this type of loan. 

These loans aren’t like residential loans, where you’re paying the same amount each month for the entire life of the loan—usually 30 years. Commercial loans are drawn up with shorter loan terms and a longer amortization period.

For example, an investor would make payments on the loan for a period of 10 years equal to an amount based on the loan being paid off over a period of 30 years. After these payments, there would be one last “balloon” payment for the rest of the loan.

Minimum requirements for a commercial loan (varying by lender):

• Credit score of 660 and up
• At least 25% for a down payment
• Loan-to-Value ratio between 65% to 80%
• Debt-Service Coverage ratio of at least 1.25

To figure out the debt-service ratio, you’ll compare the annual net operating income to the annual mortgage debt service. This ratio shows whether your property generates enough income to service the debt. 

For example, a business has an annual net operating income of $500,000 and annual debt payments are $365,000. The equation you’ll use will be:  

Annual Net Operating Income/Annual Debt Payments = Debt-Service Coverage Ratio 

OR

$500,000 / $365,000 = 1.37

11. Construction Loan

Construction loans are a good source of short-term funding to cover the cost of constructing a new property or making improvements to an existing one.

Construction loan borrowers only take out what they need for the timeframe needed to finish the construction or renovation project. These loans are disbursed in chunks called “draws” to the contractor rather than to the borrower. As some of the project’s phases are finished, such as pouring the foundation or erecting the frame, drawings are marked.

The main benefit of construction loans is the ability to build a new home, but the freedom to design a building comes at a cost. For instance, it is well known that construction loans have interest rates that are higher than typical.

Most of the time, the framework is made to protect investors who believe a project will be finished successfully and be worth a certain amount when it’s done. However, due to the benefits of this kind of financing, homeowners shouldn’t discount it.

Minimum requirements for a commercial loan (varying by lender):

• Minimum credit score of 680 and up
• Have at least 20% for a down payment
• Solid construction plan with a team of licensed and qualified builders/construction team
• Appraisal must be done once the construction is completed to ensure the collateral equals the loan amount

12. Hard Money Loan

Borrowers can use hard money loans when they need to raise money quickly for a short-term loan. These loans typically have higher fees and interest rates than other financing options, so that is something to take into consideration. However, it may be a good choice for you if you have difficulty securing a loan or need flexible loan terms. 

Minimum requirements for a hard money loan (varies by lender):

• Must have a credit score of 600 (680 if you’re renting the property)
• Loan-to-Value ratio of:
  • 15% investment of a flip’s purchase price or 25% of the ARV
  • 25% investment for a rental property
  • 25% investment for a refinance loan
• Cannot have any judgements, liens, or bankruptcies 
• Sufficient liquid assets 

Q: Should I pay off the mortgage on my home before I begin investing?

A: “No there is no need to pay off your home first. Home mortgages typically last 15 to 30 years, so you’d be putting off getting started for a decade or more,” advises Mr. Phelan. 

Mr. Shekhar adds: “There is no reason for a real estate investor to pay off their home first. Real estate investing should be stand alone with its own return on investment and cash flow analysis. In fact, paying off the home could take years and would mean much less cash available for real estate investing. Hence, there is no reason for a potential investor to wait that long. Not to mention there could be tax advantages of paying a mortgage on the primary residence.”

Q: What to do with $30,000?

A: Depending on factors such as stage of life, risk tolerance, and financial aggressiveness, what to do with $30k will range for every individual. If your portfolio leans heavily on traditional investments such as stocks and bonds, a large sum of money can help you diversify your portfolio into non-traditional investments such as precious metals, equity crowdfunding, or real estate.

Q: What is the 1% rule in real estate?

A: The 1% rule in real estate states that the rent for a property should be at least 1% of the purchase price in order to give you a positive cash flow. Use the following equation to see how the 1% rule applies to a property: 

If Y is less than 1%, than you do not have a 1% property and may consider adjusting your monthly rent. 

Note: Sometimes you’ll hear investors talk about a 2% rule in real estate. This rule follows the same principles of the 1% rule. However, the 2% rule basically says the monthly rent should equate to 2% of the purchase price. It’s more aggressive than the 1% rule and is usually only used by investors who buy properties in neighborhoods with a D or F classification. 

Q: Do I need a real estate license to be a real estate investor?

A: No, but it doesn’t hurt either. With a real estate license, you know the industry and can access the MLS to find properties. You can find your own deals (and skip the commission fees) and network with other agents who could tip you off about properties that may be coming on the market soon. 

Additionally, you can save money on the backend by only paying 1/2 the commission when re-listing a property. It really boils down to what your goals and priorities are.

Q: What does ARV stand for? 

A: ARV real estate refers to a property’s value after repairs… or “after repairs value.” As an investor, you’ll want to know how to calculate a property’s ARV to determine if it’s a good investment or not. Ideally, the ARV should be higher than 10% of the purchase price plus repairs, otherwise you’ll have minimal profits. The equation for this is:   

Purchase price + Value from Renovations = ARV

Q: Is flipping mobile homes a good investment strategy? 

A: Flipping mobile homes can be a good investment strategy, especially because, for many, it’s a cheaper alternative to buying a house. Unfortunately, mobile homes have a low market value and you’re limited by the renovations that can be done. 

Q: Is real estate wholesaling the same as flipping?

A: Wholesaling yields higher profit margins but will require fewer deals, microflipping is done at a quicker rate with smaller profit margins. It’s important to ask, what is microflipping? Most micro-flippers buy and sell homes within a week or two without doing any work on the property.

Q: What does cap rate vs cash on cash mean? 

A: Cap rate (capitalization rate)  is the potential profit you can earn from an investment without including financing. Cash on cash refers to how much profit you’ll earn for every dollar you invest into the property. In terms of which is better, cap rate vs cash on cash, they work hand in hand.  

Cap rate is used to find prospective properties and cash on cash is used to choose an investment that can generate the highest ROI. 

Q: How do I know if I’ve found a good deal or not? 

A: This entirely depends on the investment strategy you use. Many investors have different definitions of a “good deal” considering there are many different ways of investing in real estate. Some of the more common methods are outlined below. 

There are many factors to take into consideration when you’re trying to determine if an investment is a good deal or not. First, you need to choose a property that is in a good location because that will affect how likely it is to be rented out and how much money you could make from it. 

After finding a property, you’ll want to compare the purchase price to the fair market value, you can do this through a real estate CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). It’s likely a good deal if the fair market value is higher than the price you pay, but you’ll want to get an appraisal to estimate the value of the property.

Next, you’ll want to figure out the cap rate (or capitalization rate). You’ll take the gross income and subtract your monthly operating expenses to get your net operating income. Then you’ll need to divide that by the fair market price. The resulting percentage will be the potential return on the investment property. This is the equation you’ll want to use: 

(Net Operating Income)/(Current Fair Market Value) = Cap Rate

Of course, if you’re going to rent the property, you’ll need to factor that in when you’re figuring out the net operating income. Assuming the property is rented 100% of the year, you’ll want to use this equation to get the property’s true net operating income: 

[(Gross Rental Income) x (Occupancy Rate)] – (Operating Expenses) = Net Operating Income

NOLO recommends a minimum acceptable cap rate of 5%, but other sites like Mashvisor, FortuneBuilders, and Stessa recommend 5% to 12%. Just remember that the higher the percentage, the higher the risk!

Q: How many mortgages can I have as a real estate investor?

A: Technically speaking, there isn’t a limit to how many mortgages you can have. but the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) increased the limit of conventional mortgages a person can have to ten. However, it’s more challenging to get approved for mortgages after your first four. We highly recommend consulting your lender for more details and look at your options — if any. 

Q: Can I rent from my own LLC?

A: Technically, yes you can rent from your own LLC. If you’re considering doing so, you should not focus on the lagality of self-rental, but rather the practical merits of the situation.

Q: How many properties can I flip in one year?

A: How many houses you can flip in a year relies on dedication and grit, starting out, you may flip one or two properties per year. Flippers with cultivated crews and systems who are still manageing projects on site may do three to six deals a year. Professional investors do anywhere from 12 to 50 deals.

Q: What is a 1031 exchange?

A: A 1031 exchange, also called a Like-Kind exchange, means you can exchange one investment property for another without paying capital gain taxes. To avoid paying capital gains, your transaction must meet the requirements of a 1031, otherwise, your swap will be taxed as a sale. Consult your CPA for more details so you can avoid an accidental partial 1031 exchange.