{"id":84765,"date":"2024-06-20T07:00:22","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T14:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=84765"},"modified":"2024-12-17T13:57:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T21:57:21","slug":"real-estate-investing-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/real-estate-investing-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 12 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Investment Property"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever been captivated by the ins and outs of real estate investing, declaring, &#8220;I could do that,&#8221; or even, &#8220;I want to do that,&#8221; but couldn&#8217;t pinpoint where to start? If so, you&#8217;re in luck because this Redfin article is tailor-made just for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first investment property has the potential to be an exhilarating and profitable adventure. However, let&#8217;s face it: The complex landscape of real estate investing can be intimidating without the right knowledge and guidance. But fear not. In this all-encompassing guide, we will unveil a treasure trove of expert tips and invaluable insights that will empower you to fearlessly navigate the process. From relationship-building to conducting due diligence, you&#8217;ll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to enter the world of real estate investing and buy your first investment property with ease. Let\u2019s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84770\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094.jpg\" alt=\"couple talking to real estate agent in the apartment. while holding plans\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1421526094-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Learn from experienced investors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to real estate investing, there&#8217;s no better way to learn than from those already doing it. Learning from experienced investors can vastly build your understanding of how it works, beginning with market research and ending with either the sale or signing a tenant in your new rental. You can even learn from other investor professionals by identifying if there is a way you can help them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;I hear many new investors say that they don&#8217;t feel they have anything to offer, but that is untrue,\u201d says Kathie Russell, a board member of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncreia.com\/default.aspx\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North Carolina Real Estate Investors Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cEveryone has something to offer. I guarantee that something you do in your day job or as a hobby will be helpful to somebody.&#8221; She adds that to begin building your relationships with investors is to find your local REIA. &#8220;These groups are an absolute must for new or aspiring investors. There you will meet your lenders, your mentors, your friends, and your advisors.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subhadip Chakraborty with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fastcashmyhome.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast Cash My Home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shares that it is \u201ccrucial to dedicate time to research.\u201d They add how your research should encompass \u201cunderstanding the process and expenses involved in purchasing the property, including closing costs and other financing fees, expenses for repairs, extra monthly payments for utilities, property taxes, insurance, and the potential market value of the property after renovations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The learning curve isn\u2019t overnight, therefore you\u2019ll want to manage your expectations. Leigh Ballen with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicagohardmoney.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago Hard Money and Bridge Loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states that you should \u201cexpect to do several [home flips] before you learn all that much or make money.\u201d Don\u2019t be discouraged by the curve, instead, Leigh shares how each flip is an opportunity to \u201cto do these well\u201d and adds how \u201cit doesn\u2019t come from doing one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Assemble your team<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a reliable team of professionals who specialize in real estate investment can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the process. Max Boyko with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/optimuscapitalcorp.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optimus Capital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shares how there are \u201cthree pillars to a successful venture.\u201d Those three pillars are all individuals who will be a part of your team: \u201ca strong real estate agent, an experienced contractor, and an investment specialized lender.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eric Feldman, SVP of Sales and Marketing at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/longhorninvestments.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Longhorn Investments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stresses the importance of knowing who your decision makers are regarding your investment strategy and process. Within the world of real estate investing, everyone is trying to secure the best deal, thus meaning properties move quickly \u2013 so having a team of trusted individuals in place is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should identify a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you identify promising investment opportunities. Additionally, having a competent real estate attorney can ensure that your legal interests are protected during negotiations and contract signings. An appraiser will help identify the actual value of a property, which can help you avoid overpaying. Collaborating with an experienced property inspector can help identify potential issues and prevent costly surprises down the line. Lastly, establishing relationships with reputable contractors and property managers can streamline property renovations and day-to-day operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84772\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862.jpg\" alt=\"Business meeting\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1453843862-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Invest in your tools<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing your projects is crucial on different levels. To do that effectively you\u2019ll want to be sure you have all the right tools in place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don Costa with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forefrontcrm.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forefront CRM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> calls having an \u201ceffective CRM tool the \u201ckey to success.\u201d He shares how your CRM can \u201chelp you manage leads\u201d in addition to \u201ccreating tasks, automating your follow-up, generating end-of-day reports, and accessing on-screen comps and property information in one tool.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tools such as a CRM can also help you manage your conversion rates. Brian Rudderow with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hbrcolorado.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HBR Colorado<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to this rate as a \u201ckey performance indicator of how many deals it takes to get one closed\u201d and adds how when you are \u201cfirst starting off\u2026expect 30 leads to close one deal.\u201d Brian adds how \u201cthat number should be tracked and monitored until it is optimized to around 1\u201315 leads per deal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Rely on market data<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to real estate investing, Doug Van Soest, founder of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/socalhomebuyers.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SoCal Home Buyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, wisely emphasizes the potential risks involved in buying an investment property. However, these risks can be mitigated by leveraging available data. Van Soest suggests conducting a thorough comparative market analysis (CMA) using the wealth of data at your disposal to understand the current state of the marketplace. Shane Dulgeroff, president and broker for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westlakevalues.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shane Homes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/11203\/CA\/Los-Angeles\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Los Angeles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, says to \u201cbe bullish\u201d and \u201ccautious if you are looking for a quick flip.\u201d He adds how the market can shift quickly; therefore, be certain to examine factors such as property prices, rental rates, vacancy rates, and historical trends, so you can make informed decisions and alleviate some of the risks associated with real estate investments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Consider area potential and long-term equity gains<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first investment property doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean it will be where you reside. When considering where to purchase, you&#8217;ll want to think about a location&#8217;s potential and the possible long-term equity gains associated with the area. Bri Steel, broker and owner of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livelovesantacruz.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live Love Santa Cruz<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, recommends studying an area for \u201cdesirable characteristics\u201d such as \u201cwhether it&#8217;s close to the ocean, a lake or park, and the school district.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace Woods, real estate agent and founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamcatchproperties.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revest Homes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shares not to \u201cbe afraid to branch out geographically; look for a state or area that has an affordable entry point, while still offering solid capitalization rates and appreciation.\u201d Ace cautions that your \u201ccapitalization should be higher than your interest rates, or else you may find yourself upside down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shona Lepis with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shonabuyshouses.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shona Buys Houses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shares how \u201ccrunching numbers is crucial and you have to buy at the right price from the beginning to make sure there\u2019s a profit.\u201d She adds how it can be \u201ceasy to get swept up in the excitement of finding a deal, but if it doesn\u2019t pencil, it\u2019s simply not worth it.\u201d One of your financial projections should be determining your after repair value (ARV). Shona states that the ARV should be \u201cconservative\u201d and the scope of your rehab budget should be \u201crealistic\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scott Jones, the economic development director for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofmanor.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">city of Manor, Texas<\/a>, proudly showcases his community as a shining example of a location&#8217;s potential. \u201cManor either has or is working to have it all as we speak,&#8221; says Jones. \u201cManor is only minutes away from everything Central Texas offers. This includes abundant, relatively inexpensive land for development, a high-quality education system, first-class public safety and utilities, mass transit to Downtown Austin, and much more.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manor, Texas, has seen significant housing growth year over year. In May 2020, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/11849\/TX\/Manor\/housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">median sales price<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was $234,000; as of May 2023, the median sales price equals $350,000 (nearly a 50% increase YOY). Consulting with local experts and real estate agents can help identify up-and-coming areas that can play a pivotal role in creating high ROI opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84766\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946.jpg\" alt=\"Land for Sale sign with trees in the background\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-92266946-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Explore your loan options<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When buying your first investment property, it&#8217;s essential to explore the available loan options. Understanding and comparing mortgages, government-backed loans, and private financing can greatly impact your financial success. Research and consult experts to make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals and long-term stability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/homeabroadinc.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HomeAbroad, <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a service for connecting buyers to lenders<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/homeabroadinc.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has a tip about <a href=\"https:\/\/homeabroadinc.com\/dscr-loans\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans<\/a>. &#8220;While conventional loans may require income and debt to income, DSCR loans evaluate the property&#8217;s income potential and cash flow to determine loan eligibility. DSCR loans do not consider investors&#8217; income, making them ideal for investors seeking cash flow-driven investments.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84771\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108.jpg\" alt=\"person sitting on couch while checking their bills on a calculator\" width=\"899\" height=\"599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1408404108-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Perform your legal due diligence<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joshua Holt, the founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biglawinvestor.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big Law Investors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, urges real estate investors to understand the importance of conducting comprehensive legal due diligence before purchasing a property. Holt expands on this by saying, &#8220;check the title deeds to ensure there are no hidden encumbrances or disputes, review zoning laws and local ordinances to ensure that the property can be used as intended, and double check that all taxes are clear.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;The last thing you want is to find out that local laws prevent short-term lease arrangements after you&#8217;ve purchased the property for that specific purpose,\u201d says Holt. \u201cConducting legal due diligence before purchasing the property is important to ensure you protect your investment and avoid costly legal issues later on.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086.jpg\" alt=\"Woman crouching while measuring floor of new house with man\" width=\"899\" height=\"599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1315344086-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Never buy a property without having an inspection<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-home-inspections\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is pivotal in identifying potential flaws within a property. Home inspections can also help determine an investor&#8217;s renovation budget and help alleviate newfound stressors throughout the rehab process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ronnie Jackson, general contractor of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/austinhomerenovations.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Austin Home Renovations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, urges buyers to &#8220;never purchase a property without an inspection provided by a licensed real estate inspector.&#8221; Additionally, Jackson adds that you shouldn&#8217;t &#8220;complete your option period without having that inspection evaluated by a professional contractor.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Don\u2019t forget about taxes<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, taxes are a significant component of real estate investing. First, there are property taxes. Tony Trahan, a property tax consultant of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.keatax.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KE Andrews<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, shares that &#8220;when buying a real estate investment property, one of the most critical factors during your due diligence or underwriting process is correctly modeling the property taxes owed going forward. In many states, this valuation determines your taxes and is highly negotiated.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/taxtopics\/tc409\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capital gains tax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another tax to consider (and budget for), especially if you intend to sell your investment property. There are two forms of capital gains taxes, short-term and long-term. Short-term capital gains tax refers to the tax paid on profits from the sale of assets that have been held for one year or less. It is generally subject to ordinary income tax rates, which vary depending on an individual&#8217;s tax bracket. On the other hand, long-term capital gains tax applies to profits from the sale of assets held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains tax rates are typically lower than ordinary income tax rates, offering potential tax advantages for investors who hold their assets for an extended period. The specific long-term capital gains tax rates depend on the individual&#8217;s income level and the type of asset being sold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878.jpg\" alt=\"Happy real estate agent showing a property\" width=\"900\" height=\"641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878-1024x730.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878-768x547.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878-211x150.jpg 211w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878-884x630.jpg 884w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1389993878-421x300.jpg 421w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Submit a competitive offer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When making an offer on your first investment property, you should be prepared to act swiftly and present a strong offer with attractive terms, such as a pre-approval letter, a substantial earnest money deposit, and flexibility on closing timelines. While it&#8217;s important to be competitive, it&#8217;s equally crucial to ensure that your offer aligns with your financial goals and allows for a profitable investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Get insurance coverage<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re in the rehabilitation stage of your home flip or are holding a property as a rental, you&#8217;ll want to be sure you&#8217;re adequately insured. Comprehensive property insurance should protect the structure, renovations, and fixtures, guarding against perils like fire, theft, and natural disasters. Liability insurance is crucial to cover potential lawsuits or claims by others for injuries or property damage. Builder&#8217;s risk insurance can safeguard against losses during construction or renovation, while rental property insurance is specifically designed for landlords, covering structures, liability, and rental income loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pegramonline.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pegram Insurance Agency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> elaborates on landlord policies, &#8220;which can help protect you financially in case of damage to your property or liability claims.&#8221; Understanding which coverage works best for your situation is critical; Pegram Insurance Agency adds that &#8220;there&#8217;s a big difference between renting to long-term tenants and renting on Airbnb\/VRBO. Airbnb and short-term rentals require specific endorsements for additional coverage, so check with your insurance provider.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-84769\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365.jpg\" alt=\"Construction worker installing windows on wooden house\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1456185365-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Renting your property<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your investment strategy includes renting your property, Jordan Davey, digital marketing director of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/victoryrealestateinc.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victory Property Management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, offers insights from mitigating rental risks to maximizing received applications. Davey highlights performing screenings on all applicants, reminding landlords to &#8220;not take rental applications for face value. Get income verification and be on the lookout for anything that may appear suspicious.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, Davey recommends working with your real estate agent to price the property accurately. It&#8217;s important not to overprice a rental home, but equally important to not underprice. Do your due diligence and review accurate CMA data to determine a price best suited to your market&#8217;s demands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A final note on buying your first investment property\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In conclusion, purchasing your first investment property can be an exciting and potentially lucrative endeavor. Jeremy Bourgeois with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/scout-peak.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scout Peak Home Buyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights the importance of understanding and performing your \u201cdue diligence\u201d which encompasses understanding your local market, property values, and assessing necessary repairs and renovations.\u201d By considering these key factors you can set yourself up for success. Remember to approach the process with careful planning, a long-term perspective, and a willingness to adapt as needed. So, take the leap, embrace the opportunities, and embark on your journey as a real estate investor.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Real estate investing for beginners is made easier with these 12 expert tips for buying your first investment property.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":587,"featured_media":84770,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[10756,34277],"tags":[3621,34617,34828],"coauthors":[34687],"class_list":["post-84765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-post","category-finance","tag-finance","tag-home-buying-process","tag-real-estate-investing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 12 Expert Tips | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Real estate investing for beginners is made easier with these 12 expert tips for buying your first investment property.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/real-estate-investing-for-beginners\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 12 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Investment Property\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Real estate investing for beginners is made easier with these 12 expert tips for buying your first investment property.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/real-estate-investing-for-beginners\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; 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