New to real estate and eager go get started

[Sven Zimmermann]

Hey there,

my name is Sven and I am originally from Germany. I moved to the USA 3 years ago. I got interested in real estate investing last year and since then have read several of the BP published books on real estate.

I still have a lot of unanswered questions floating in my head but my goal is to buy my first property and some point next year. 

[Sven Zimmermann]

Quote from @Ray Hage:

Quote from @Sven Zimmermann:

Quote from @Savannah Holzer:

Hey Sven! Love that you're eager to start investing soon!

Do you know which markets in particular you're looking at? Would also love to answer any questions!

For now I am looking in the broader Miami area, since I would preferably house hack a duplex and need to be somewhat close to my main work.

As for questions I think the biggest unknown right now for me mostly revolves around the timeline and order of steps. I am won't buy anything this year but rather next year so I am wondering if it makes sense to approach an agent or a lender months in advance, weeks in advance or only when I really already saw something I want to buy.

I don't want to waste anybody's time and I am not yet sure what the best course is.

 Hey Sven! It is ok to not know but it's good you're on here in the forums trying to learn. I have been investing in Fort Lauderdale for 9 years and I am also very familiar with Miami (lived in Edgewater). I am also a realtor. In my opinion, one of the best ways to start is with a househack especially if you are planning to stay in the south florida area for a while.

 Hey Ray,

thanks for your input! I also believe after reading into it that a house hack is a great way to get started. While I currently live in Coconut Grove I am not opposed to move further to the north of there is a deal to have. 

I'll keep you in mind once I got all my criteria straight.