I am from NJ and new to real estate investing. Currently I have been reading up on may real state investment articles and resources. I have some capital of my own hard earned money which I’d like to put to good use. I am thinking of educating myself and learning the rules of the game for the next 3 months or so before jumping into flipping, rehabbing, and they do excite me a lot. I would like to you know your suggestions, tips on what to do next. Are there any good real estate seminars available in NJ area? What would your top 1-2 books that you recommend for me read? Are there good online resources that you recommend me to buy and learn? I would like to be in touch and learn more. This looks like a great forum. So much resources, so much to learn. Thanks a lot.
Books, courses, videos and events are all good. However, I’ve seen too many people to name get “lost” in the deadly information-collecting cycle. My advice is to use the information to decide which niche(s) you want to go in to. Then, jump in… either by yourself or by investing in a mentor. The greatest lessons you’ll learn will come via your action… not any book or seminar.
Your next step is to find a good deal. A REAL deal, not a so-so, maybe kind of deal, but a REAL deal. Real deals differ in price and type depending on the local economy, market, and comparables, but assuming you have some knowledge of the market you are working in, A REAL deal is the one you would jump on in a heartbeat even if you were not an investor. Generally I look for distressed houses in good neighborhoods at rock bottom prices but you area may differ.
Thanks jmd_forest, maestro for your tips. I agree with you. I hear you and I don’t want to get into analysis paralysis. However I think just enough information or knowledge that gives oneself confidence and help to map out an investment strategy is good. I look forward to be in touch with you and rest of the community.
There are so many books and seminar offering all sorts of advice. I agree with a lot of the posts that you need to jump in and start investing. Reading and attending seminars can stall investors in indecision.
My advice to success is to limit your risk by doing all your due diligence.
First determine your investment location (low prices, high rents and increasing demand).
Then locate your properties. The foreclosure market is one of the best places to find heavily discounted properties. But here is where your due diligence counts.
Make your purchase agreements contingent to a satisfactory home inspection. Then locate a reliable licensed and recommended inspector. Ask and check his references.
Even if it is not required, buying title insurance is a good protection from hidden title problems that can freeze a future sale and cause all sorts of legal expenses.
When it comes to renters, you have to do credit and reference checks. If it sounds fishy, do not risk it. It just isn’t worth it in the end. Wait until you find good tenants.
If you start with these basics, then your investment risk will be substantially less. You can pick up the finer points as you go along.
I’m from Jersey too and there are a number of really good RE investment groups in NJ. Two of them you can find at Meetup.com, one is named TriState Mixer and the other Real Estate Social Network. I know the people the runs these groups and they are real investors.
As far books, there are too many good ones to post but I would suggest to start with these two…
(1) What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow… And 36 Other Key Financial Measures by Frank Gallinelli
You need to educate yourself about the numbers.
(2) Buy It, Fix It, Sell It…PROFIT by Kevin Myers
If you’re looking to get in to the rehab game this a good book to start with.
Real estate investing is a vary wide arena. You need to determine what you like to do and get good at doing it. If you try to do every strategy you will set yourself up for disaster or never get started because of information overload.