New Investor Seeking Guidance – How to Start with Limited Capital?

Question

Hey everyone,

I’m new to real estate investing and looking for guidance on the best way to get started. My long-term goal is to create passive income, own rental properties, and eventually transition into entrepreneurship.

So far, I’ve taken a few steps:

✅ Purchased an acre of land in New Mexico

✅ Invested in REITs and Fundrise

✅ Learning about wholesaling as an entry point into real estate

✅ Networking with experienced investors to get different perspectives

✅ Listening to podcasts like Wholesale Inc. by Brent Daniels and others

✅ Watching YouTube videos on different strategies

✅ Working a 9-to-5 job while figuring out the best investment strategy

My Challenge:

Since I have limited capital, I want to find a way to get started without a large upfront investment. I’m currently exploring wholesaling but also want to own rental properties in the future.

Looking for Advice On:

👉 What are some creative ways to get into rental properties with limited funds?

👉 Is wholesaling a good first step, or should I focus on another strategy?

👉 How can I balance investing with a full-time job?

👉 Are there any financing or partnerships strategies that could help me get started?

I have a call scheduled with Wholesale Inc. to explore my options, but I’d love to hear from investors who have been in my position.

What worked for you when you were just starting out?

Looking forward to learning from this community. Thanks in advance for any insights!

Best,

Jardin

Josh Bowser · Answer

Network Network Network - build as many in person relationships as you can. Don't spend money on courses just yet - you won't understand how to implement (everything is available for free as well).I see you have Atlanta tagged - get involved with the GAREIA it's a great way to meet people in the ATL that are here to help.

Wale Lawal · Answer

@Jardin Gwin

You're taking the right steps by educating yourself and networking—those are key to success in real estate investing. If your goal is rental properties, consider house hacking (buying a multi-unit or renting out rooms in your primary residence) or using seller financing, lease options, or BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) to minimize upfront costs. Balancing investing with a full-time job is doable by focusing on strategies that require less active management, like partnerships or turnkey rentals.

Good luck!

Jardin Gwin · Answer

@Wale Lawal

Hi Wale,

Thank you for your insights and advice! I really appreciate it. I’ve been focusing on educating myself, networking, and reaching out to agents to find off-market and distressed properties. Right now, I’m exploring wholesaling as a way to generate capital, but my long-term goal is to acquire rental properties for passive income.

I’ve looked into seller financing, partnerships, and BRRRR as potential strategies, but I’d love to learn more about how to structure deals with no or extremely minimal upfront costs. Do you have any recommendations on resources or strategies that have worked for you?

Also, if you know any investor-friendly agents or cash buyers in the Atlanta area who might be open to partnering or networking with me, I’d love an introduction. I’m looking to grow my network and collaborate with experienced investors.

Thanks again for your time and guidance!

Best,

Jardin

David Atis · Answer

With seller financing, the seller acts as the lender, and you pay them directly over time. This could be a great way to avoid traditional bank financing and the associated costs. The key here is negotiating a good deal with the seller, including the terms (interest rate, repayment schedule, etc.) that work for both of you.Partnering with someone who has the capital but wants to be passive (or doesn’t want to deal with the property management side) could help you leverage your skills and time without needing to provide the upfront cash. A common structure is for you to handle the property acquisition, rehab, and management while the partner funds the deal. You can structure it in various ways: a 50/50 split of profits or a preferred return to the investor until they make their money back, then a split.

Sadler Surratt · Answer

Hi @Jardin Gwin

Your approach is solid! You're taking all the right steps—educating yourself, networking, and exploring different strategies.

When you say "limited capital," what does that look like for you? Are you working with savings, leveraging credit, or looking for creative financing options?

Wholesaling can be a great way to generate quick capital, but if your long-term goal is rental properties, have you considered partnerships? Turnkey opportunities allow you to invest with minimal hands-on involvement while still building passive income.

Would love to hear more about your goals and see how different strategies might fit your situation!

Jardin Gwin · Answer

@Sadler Surratt

Hi Sadler,

Thanks for the encouragement! Right now, I’m reaching out to agents to get off-market distressed properties before they hit the market. I then send those deals to my buyers list for evaluation. I want to avoid taking on a lot of debt, so I’m trying to wholesale properties to generate capital before transitioning into long-term rentals.

When I say “limited capital,” I mean I’m working with savings and want to avoid leveraging too much debt at this stage. I’m definitely open to creative financing, but I want to start by wholesaling to build capital.

Do you know any experienced wholesalers or investors who would be open to connecting with me and possibly working on some deals? I’d love to build my network further.

Best,

Jardin

Jardin Gwin · Answer

@David Atis

Hi David,

I really appreciate your insights! I want to minimize debt as much as possible, so I’m currently saving money while reaching out to real estate agents for off-market distressed properties before they go public. I’ve already connected with a few agents who are willing to send me their deals, which I then send to my buyers list for evaluation.

I’m still learning, and I like the idea of house hacking or creative financing options like seller financing or partnerships. Do you have any advice on the best way to structure deals with minimal upfront capital?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best,

Jardin

David Atis · Answer

Hi Jardin,

Sounds like you're off to a great start by learning, networking, and making strategic moves with your investments. Since you're exploring rental properties with limited capital, here are a few ideas that could align with your goals:

House Hacking: This is a fantastic way to start building rental income with minimal upfront costs. Buying a multi-family property (2-4 units) with an FHA loan allows you to put as little as 3.5 percent down. You can live in one unit and rent out the others to cover your mortgage.

Seller Financing: Some property owners are open to creative terms that don't require traditional bank financing. With the right pitch, you could secure a property with little upfront capital by structuring favorable terms directly with the seller.

Partnerships, Private Lending, or Joint Ventures: Since you're already networking, consider teaming up with someone who has capital but may lack the time or experience to manage deals. Bringing your knowledge and dedication to the table can create a win-win scenario. If you find a promising deal, you may be able to structure it with a private lender or investor who’s willing to fund the project in exchange for equity or interest payments.

Wholesaling as a Stepping Stone: Wholesaling can be a great way to generate capital quickly, but it’s heavily reliant on marketing, negotiation skills, and consistent deal flow. If you go this route, consider allocating some of those profits toward long-term rental investments.

Balancing all this with your 9-to-5 may feel overwhelming, but focusing on time-blocking and systems can help. Set aside dedicated time each week for outreach, learning, and analyzing deals to keep momentum without burning out.

Your proactive approach is already putting you ahead of the curve. Best of luck, and feel free to reach out