The Kulka Group

Real estate investing is never an easy task, and this is especially true for beginners. While numerous companies sell properties specifically for those who are just starting out in real estate investing, new investors must evaluate how trustworthy these companies are.  Specifically, new investors should ask if this company or individual be trusted with your money, or will they leave you bankrupt? Some predatory companies and individuals will intentionally lure beginners into a false bargain. The following tips will help new investors figure out what to look for when considering the purchase of a specific property from investment companies so that you can create a profitable investment portfolio.

Conduct a Background check

The first thing you should do when considering investing in a real estate company is to check if the company has a positive background record. While it is true that many companies are new and were created a mere few years ago, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid conducting due diligence. You should research the company’s current status, search for any legitimate testimonials that you can find, and look for reputable referrals. Most importantly, you should confirm that the company is financially sound and stable. You can review this general information on the internet and use other resources.

Expect to Receive Positive Cash Flow

You should look closely at the cash flow of any property that you are considering investing in. Specifically, it should be clear from the beginning whether a property will turn a profit monthly or will just be an investment nightmare. When considering a deal, you must require concrete proof from the company or individual. Evaluate the leases and the rent rolls etc. Overall, avoid signing a contract based on a promising conversation. Instead, conduct due diligence and conduct your own research to ensure positive cash flow from the apartment.

Evaluate the location of the property

Before agreeing to any investment deal, you should evaluate the location and rental market where the property is located. As a new investor, it is advisable to stick to investing in properties located in good areas with solid rental markets. On the contrary, bad locations for new investors include those areas that don’t financially stack up and where rents do not cover the mortgage and other expenses for the property. You should be suspicious of companies or individuals that want to sell properties or invest only in properties located in areas that have high crime, poverty, drugs, etc. While theoretically, new investors can invest in these types of areas, these investment deals pose additional risks, that new investors may not be suited to handle.

Verify the Numbers

Do not let emotions drive your decisions as a new investor. The first thing you should consider is whether the property is affordable. It is simply unwise and foolish to invest in property without checking the numbers. Figure out if the property is affordable for your budget. Some companies specialize in making people want to buy their offers, specifically for new investors who are eager and gullible.

In any event, when evaluating various real estate deals, you will learn to make fast decisions on whether to proceed or walk away from a deal. Try to analyze the investment deals accurately and then make an informed decision. You need to ensure that all your investment deals are profitable, which can be done by checking the numbers. Understand the income and the expenses involved, as well as the capitalization rate (“cap rate,”) NOI, cost segregation, and other investment calculations. By knowing the critical numbers, you can ascertain how specific changes allow you to raise the income, and what effect it has on the value of the property. A “feeling” about a property, without sufficient numbers to back, is up, is foolish.

Never Stop Learning.

Real estate investment is a constantly changing field. As such, you should constantly be developing your skills and knowledge further by continuously reading new real estate educational materials and staying up to date about your local market.

Overall, as you embark on your real estate investment career, remember to learn from your mistakes as you gain additional experience. As the years pass, with more experience, your investment portfolio will also grow.