Investing, Real Estate

7 Ways You Can Get Started In Real Estate Investing

April 3, 2025 No comments yet
A realistic photo featuring a small wooden house model and neatly stacked coins on a wooden surface, symbolizing real estate investing. The image includes overlaid text that reads: "7 Ways You Can Get Started In Real Estate Investing," with soft natural lighting and a warm, blurred background for a professional and inviting look.

Real estate investing is often seen as a path reserved for the wealthy or experienced—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, there are multiple ways to break into real estate no matter your background, budget, or skill level.

At Real Deal Network, we’re passionate about showing people that you don’t need to have millions or decades of experience to build wealth through real estate. There’s a strategy out there that fits you. So, let’s explore 7 Ways You Can Get Started In Real Estate Investing, and how you can take the first step today.

1. House Hacking: Live Smart, Earn Smarter

One of the easiest entry points into real estate is house hacking. Live in a property and rent out part of it—whether that’s a basement, an extra room, or a separate unit.

With low startup costs and simple financing options, house hacking can help offset your mortgage and teach you how to manage tenants firsthand. It’s a great move for beginners.

2. Long-Term Rentals: The Classic Path to Passive Income

Buying a single-family or multifamily property and leasing it to long-term tenants remains one of the most stable wealth-building strategies.

You’ll benefit from steady cash flow, appreciation, and potential tax advantages. And when you use smart financing and property management tools, it’s easier than ever to get started.

This is one of the most popular among the 7 Ways You Can Get Started In Real Estate Investing—and for good reason.

3. Short-Term Rentals: Vacation Cash Flow on Demand

Airbnb and short-term rentals have created a new wave of investors. With the right location and property, you can earn higher income compared to traditional rentals.

Keep in mind: this strategy requires more hands-on work, including guest communication and ongoing upkeep. But for those willing to hustle, the rewards can be big.

4. Real Estate Crowdfunding: Invest Without Owning Property

Want a hands-off way to dip your toes into real estate? Crowdfunding platforms allow you to pool funds with others and invest in large-scale properties.

You’ll gain access to commercial projects and residential developments without having to manage tenants or fix toilets. It’s an excellent passive option among the 7 ways you can get started in real estate investing.

5. REITs: Real Estate Meets the Stock Market

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) allows you to invest in real estate through the stock market. REITs offer dividend income, portfolio diversification, and liquidity.

They’re a great fit for investors who want real estate exposure without dealing with physical property. Keep an eye on interest rates—they can impact REIT performance.

6. Join a Team: Learn from the Pros

You don’t have to go it alone. Many investors start by joining an experienced team to work on flips or BRRRR deals (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat).

At Real Deal Network, we often connect aspiring investors with partners, mentors, and deal teams. This kind of collaboration fast-tracks your education and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re looking to see this in action, joining us on a property tour is a great place to start.

7. Follow the SMARTER Framework: Invest With Intention

The SMARTER method—Strategy, Market Analysis, Acquisition, Rehab/Rent, Tracking, Exit, Repeat—is a full-spectrum approach to real estate investing.

It helps you set clear goals, evaluate deals wisely, and avoid “shiny object syndrome.” Whether you’re flipping, holding, or house hacking, a SMARTER plan gives your investing a solid foundation.

It’s also one of the most comprehensive ways to approach the 7 ways you can get started in real estate investing.

Ready to Make Your Move?

There’s no perfect time to get started in real estate—only a smart time. And that time is now.

Whether you’re drawn to long-term rentals, short-term cash flow, or passive strategies like REITs and crowdfunding, these 7 ways you can get started in real estate investing prove that the doors are wide open.

At Real Deal Network, we help people just like you find the path that fits their lifestyle, their goals, and their budget. If you’re ready to take your first step, join us for an upcoming introduction meeting to learn how to evaluate deals, build partnerships, and start your journey. Or, if you’re more of a hands-on learner, come along on a property tour and see real opportunities in action.

Your future in real estate starts with a single step. Take it with a team that’s already walking the path.

Eric Counts is an entrepreneur, speaker, and strategic marketing consultant with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and businesses reach their financial and professional goals. Best known as the founder of CreditNerds.com, Eric has helped thousands of people improve their credit, build wealth, and gain access to real opportunities through education and systems that work. When he’s not building businesses or training new marketers, Eric helps support The Real Deal Network, a growing community of real estate investors and aspiring entrepreneurs who are serious about changing their financial future.