If you’ve been thinking about a career change, the probabilities are that you’ve thought of really starting that new career in Raleigh real estate. You’re not alone: data shows that more than 17,000 people in the U.S. Google “how to work in real estate” every month! Rental real estate investing, particularly, is a delightful option simply because of the potential to earn both a monthly income and to increase real wealth through property appreciation. Though, is a career in real estate investing right for you? Here are various questions to ask yourself to know!
What do you already know/need to learn about investing?
Among the first questions, you should ask yourself is how much do I already actually know with regards to buying, leasing, and managing rental properties – and how much do I need to learn? Lots of people have various things to learn since investing in rental properties requires a wide range of skills and know-how. The great news is that ascertaining the business of real estate investing is something you don’t need a college degree to do. There are plenty of free courses, podcasts, books, and other investors to learn from.
Are you self-motivated?
As a rental property investor, you are in business for yourself, and frequently (at least in the beginning), by yourself. That specifies that you have to stay motivated and on track to land your first (and second, and third) real estate deal, then manage a variety of tasks from property maintenance and repairs to promoting positive tenant relations. If you find yourself attempting and struggling to set goals, follow-through, or manage your time effectively, these are all needed skills you may desire to develop and cultivate first before getting into real estate investing full-time.
Where do you stand financially?
To invest in rental properties, it’s an open secret that you will have to have your finances in order. You’ll similarly have a need for a useful credit score and, if you get ready to finance your investment properties, cash saved up for the down payment, closing costs, and renovation expenses. It’s, in like manner, logical to know your financing options and have a backup plan realized if things change. Real estate investors mostly need to move quickly when the right property is available, so you want to be pre-approved for any loans and otherwise have everything ready to go.
What is your risk tolerance?
Another significant question to ask yourself when considering a career as a real estate investor is how comfortable you feel about taking risks. Like all investments, real estate is accompanied by its own set of risks, from obtaining an unsatisfactory property to ending up having a less than ideal tenant. On the other hand, there are various ways to minimize these risks, more particularly if you know how to thoroughly assess a potential property, understand your local rental market, and accurately crunch the numbers.
What are your purpose and end goal?
Ultimately, it’s far more logical to have a clear understanding of your purpose and goals for starting a career investing in real estate. Are you seeking more flexibility in your schedule? Higher earning potential? The freedom to work for yourself? These are all the best benefits that come with the business. Though, together with why you want a career as a rental real estate investor, it’s also important to know your end goal.
Can you visualize your end goals or exit plans? Do you have a retirement plan? Although buying and owning rental properties is a long-term investment strategy, to cash in, you’ll eventually need to know how to handle your investment properties and at the appropriate time to retire.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in rental real estate investing, give Real Property Management Excellence a call. We assist investors to conduct market analyses, locate off-market deals, finding quality tenants, and setting accurate rental rates. If you’re earnest in relation to launching a new career, making our Raleigh property managers part of the team is one of the best ways to get your business off to a great start!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
