How to find partners

Question

What are some ways that I can find partners for investing in real estate? I am a new investor so I'm willing to put in time equity in exchange for knowledge and experience. I've heard a lot about Masterminds, but what all does masterminds encompass? Does that facilitate finding mentors or partners?  Besides masterminds what other ways can I find partners?

Travis Timmons · Answer

It's really tough and risky if you are just starting out. The friends/family circle is going to be the most likely route for your first partnership. Outside of that, my suggestion is to do something really hard and/or interesting. The advantage of a partner is providing something that one could not get on his/her own. Showing a level of expertise to do something hard or exciting certainly piques the interest of a guy with money and no RE experience.

We lived in Houston and self managed properties in Oregon and Maine that we snuck away to in the summer. We had enough rich friends hear what we were doing; it felt like we cracked a code - a vacation property that made money. I have not partnered with any of them bc I view partnerships as a last resort - just a personal preference. However, I would get an out of the blue phone call about once a month from someone saying that they'd put up some money if we wanted to go in on a property together.

Julia Lyrberg · Answer

Hi Ryan, like @Nathan Gesner mentioned, it's important to be selective when choosing people to partner with. A strong partnership is built on trust, shared values, and aligned goals, so it's not something to rush into.

I recommend attending in-person networking events to meet like-minded individuals. Focus on building genuine friendships and strong relationships rather than jumping straight into partnership discussions. By getting to know someone’s work ethic, goals, and character over time, you’ll be in a much better position to determine if they’re a good fit for a long-term collaboration. Partnerships can be incredibly rewarding, but only when built on a solid foundation. Take your time—it’s worth it in the long run!

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Ryan Daulton, as you can probably tell from the replies, "having a partner" means different things to different people.

Like Nathan noted, entering into any type of partnership, where there is communal ownership of an asset, is a lot like finding a spouse.  While I guess a few people do it by meeting someone over the internet and getting married, it is very risky.  You will generally want to make sure you are compatible and have similar visions, clear responsibilities of what each partner will be doing, and can openly communicate with this person.

At a high level, though, what does "finding a partner" mean to you?  Are you wanting someone else's money?  It sounds like you want their knowledge, but in what areas do you feel you are lacking?  Are you wanting to buy your first single family rental, or are you trying to dive in and buy a 20 unit apartment?  How active are you wanting to be in the deal?

As noted, I would get on meetup.com and search your area for "real estate", "real estate investing", etc.  I would also see if you have a REIA chapter in your area.  And you can look for Facebook groups (most markets have some form of Abilene Real Estate Investors group).  Often these are wholesalers posting crap properties, but you can start reaching out to people to connect for coffee or lunch.

As your base level of knowledge grows, you will start to develop a clearer picture on the things you want to do, and where you skill sets lie, which can narrow down who you may want for partner.  Typically, you want someone whose skill sets compliment yours, not match.

Wale Lawal · Answer

@Ryan Daulton

From my experience, the best way to find partners in real estate is through networking events, local REI groups, and online platforms. Reaching out directly to investors, agents, or property managers can also lead to great opportunities. Mentorship and joint ventures are excellent ways to gain experience, and it’s essential to start small, communicate clearly, and build trust. Always make sure to have written agreements in place to ensure consistency and avoid misunderstandings.

Good luck!

Jonathan Greene · Answer

When you are new you want to focus on building relationships, not seeking partnerships. Because, think about it, if you are new what value are you bringing to the equation other than potentially money? If you have some house skills, that helps, but when you go out looking for partners it usually means money and people don't want to get that vibe in their first conversation. I would go to in-person real estate investor meetups (not masterminds) for six months without an ask and your partner or collaborator will appear.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Network with local investors and build relationships. It doesn't make sense to partner with complete strangers on the internet that are mores likely to use your money and screw you over. Watch this podcast and learn the lesson the cheap way.

Jared Smith · Answer

@Ryan Daulton a great place to start is to find a local meetup. I would bet there are several around where you are. Once you find that group find some folks you resonate with that are 2-3 steps ahead of you and figure out how to get there!

Best of luck getting started!

Jared

Jared Smith · Answer

@Travis Timmons - My wife and I are of the same mindset of partnerships as a last resort. We are ok with making calculated risks with our money, but when you introduce other peoples' money to the equation as a variable it can get sticky. I have seen some long term friendships fall apart as a result and not sure that is anyone's end goal.

Jared Smith · Answer

Definitely start with local meet-ups and as you go along you will find people and maybe companies that align with your vision and goals.

Ryan Daulton · Answer

@Travis Timmonswere you doing the Oregon properties as STR MTR or LTR? Are they still doing positive cash flow?

How to find partners

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