Starting Out
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies

Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal



Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback
Updated about 9 years ago on . Most recent reply

In my 50s and just starting out, seeking advice
Hello everyone,
I am a new investor from Lubbock Texas. I joined biggerpockets about 4 months ago. I have been researching my options in real estate ever since, trying to decide which aspect of it would best fit me. I’ve been reading on the forums and blogs and listening to the podcasts every time I get in my car (about half way through all of them now). I’ve also been scouring trulia and zillow trying to get familiar with what’s out there and costs of different properties. I’ve decided on buy and hold. I am open to either single family or small multi family. I want to have at least one rental by the middle of the year and I would like to have at least two by the end of the year. I would also not be opposed to a flip if the right deal surfaced while I’m searching for a rental.
With the holidays behind, I am now dedicated to putting things in action. My first step was to contact banks. I have 2 appointments this week and have emailed a few others. One of the banks is a portfolio lender. All of this leaves me with a few questions.
Any specific questions I should ask while interviewing the bank? I am intrigued by self directed IRAs since hearing about them. Should I discuss this with the banks I visit or should I find a financial advisor for that later on?
After deciding on a bank, what other team members do I need to find next? Any recommedations? I am planning on managing the property myself, at least in the beginning. I can do most minor repairs myself but will hire out bigger jobs out.
What documents should I obtain before purchasing my first rental? I know I need a lease. But from where? Online? Attorney?
Any other advice? I appreciate everyone on here, this is such a great community.
Most Popular Reply

Welcome to the vibrant BP community. Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.
Below, are some links that will help to get you started.
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/05/26/real-estate-financing/ (RE financing)
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/27/financing-options-rental-property-guide/ (financing options for rentals)
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/03/06/bp-podcast-060-serge-shukhat/ (0-68 rentals in 4 years)
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/08/02/passive-real-estate-investing/ (slowly building wealth through passive investing)
http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)
http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)
- http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere
- http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts
- How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/rules
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/terms
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/invites
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categories
- https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/
https://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)
https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)
REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/
REI books suggested by BPers
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)
http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?utm_source=search&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=books (books recommended by BPers)
Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.
Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars
Lastly, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.