For the absolute beginner

[Drae C.]

Hey, My name is drae, I'm 24, and I live in Austin TX. After watching a rich dad poor dad video I decided it was best I focus on investing in real estate asap. I was wondering how much money should I save up as a down payment to buy my first home? And, does it matter if I go for a single or multi family income property? Also, I've been thinking about charging tenants around 500 for rent to make a property more appealing and guarantee a tenant. Please help me make a decision and begin my path to becoming a real estate investor. 

[Paul Timmins]

@Drae C. 

Welcome. Time to build the foundation below.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice. And you get the benefit of having over 90 past ones to catch up on.

Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info. Here you will meet wholesalers who provide deals and all the cash buyers (rehabbers) you will need.

Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing. Rents can be 2-4 times more. Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10. Real Estate Rewind Starting over

http://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-book

Good luck

Paul