Real Estate Financial Advisor?

Question

My husband and I are trying to form our goals for real estate investing over the next several years but are feeling like we need advice on what options our best based on our unique situation and objectives. I’ve tried meeting with a traditional financial advisor but they’re primarily focused on stock market investing. We’re not ready to buy yet so we don’t need a realtor or a lender.

Is there such a thing as a real estate focused financial advisor or consultant?

Mason Liu · Answer

Hey Sarah,

Would be happy to chat, I work in the space. However, long story short, yes there is, although I would recommend finding an advisor who is skilled in holistic financial planning that includes not just traditional stock market investments or real estate investments exclusively, but all investment strategies to help in your specific goals.

In general though, you can either find a fee-only CFP that has expertise in real estate and other alternative investments, or you can find an advisor who is at the very least willing to have a conversation free of charge prior to any actual investments so they can give you a very good idea of whether they would be able to help you prior to beginning a relationship.

Matthew Irish-Jones · Answer

Actually you do need a Realtor.  You need an investor focused Realtor.  They will be able to guide you through setting up financing, creating an investment plan, getting subs set up, and creating an execution plan.

A good investor focused Realtor should be able to guide you on what markets you can afford, help you focus on your personal risk tolerance, and find a property that fits your skill set and financial goals.

The more educated you are as an investor the better, but the right Realtor is going to unlock a wealth of information that is going to super charge your knowledge of investing, and help expediate your plan.

Kim Rondina · Answer

@Sarah R Pullen your 'what options are best' related to real estate investing has brought about a wide variety of responses!  Yes, your season of life matters, and most influencers or educators focus on the HOW, but you may have run into the feeling that their HOW doesn't feel right.  Principles help create the framework once you know what result you need to create.  Start there.  What result do you need financially.  RE Investing both changes and never changes.  Your ability to be successful is less about knowing strategies, and more about knowing what result you need, what type of investor you are, and maximizing the results by having systems in place.  Happy to chat with you.

Brent Sutherland · Answer

Talk with Cynthia Meyer at Real Life Planning.  She's the real deal.  A legit fiduciary financial planner who is a seasoned real estate investor/pro herself.

V.G Jason · Answer

You don't need an advisor. You need to establish what your goals are and start working towards them.

This means not using simply cookie cutter advice, because your situation is likely not going to be cookie cutter. Define what you want done, walk that line. Understand risk/reward in how you move on that, and how comfortable you're keeping yourself. Identify your risk tolerance and work within those margins. Don't just do something cause someone on a REI forum said so, really understand what it is and what you want to do.

Rachel March · Answer

Hello Sarah,

Most of the time Financial Advisors aren't able to make recommendations within real estate because FINRA and the SEC make a really big deal about suitability for the consumer and most advisors aren't licensed or educated in real estate therefore they can't make any recommendations regarding it.

I hold licenses within real estate, insurance and securities for this very reason. I love real estate investing and wanted to do all of it so I am! Everyone's situation is unique and I'd be more than happy to do a strategy session with you and your husband (free - I'll never ask you for money!) because I love talking real estate investing and I believe in community. I owe a lot to the people who came alongside me and helped me get started.

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

Over the years, I have had multiple investors reach out to me to discuss strategies and what works and what doesn't work. Some of those relationships have turned in to partnerships. I am always willing to connect with anyone that is interested in help, advice, or just talking shop.

Devon Huff · Answer

Hi Sarah,

As  mentioned above, I don't think such a thing exists. However, that's kind of the beauty of this forum. If you have specific questions or specific goals, I'm sure the Bigger Pockets Community would have suggestions for you. I'm local in Buffalo and would be happy to try to help. I'm not a professional financial advisor or anything... but I'm also free, which is a plus!

Dylan Speer · Answer

Hey Sarah,

Yes. I work at a firm that advises solely on real estate. Happy to chat.

Real Estate Financial Advisor?

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