New member from Sacramento, California

[MICHAEL WILLIAMS]

I am new to biggerpockets.com, I am a new investor in the Sacramento area. I have never purchased  a rental investment property before and I am looking for guidance from experienced investors to help guide me through the process. 

[Clayton Mobley]

@MICHAEL WILLIAMS Welcome to BP! Since you're new, there is an unlimited amount of information for you to dig through here, so don't be overwhelmed. Try to narrow down the type of investment that suits your needs best, since there a several ways to invest in real estate.  Do your research and figure out what your goals are, what you can invest upfront, and what level of interaction you are looking to have with your investment. 

Do you want to invest short-term (flipping) or do you want a long-term source of investment income? Flipping can be lucrative but it isn't for everyone. If you want a buy-and-hold investment, there are even more options! If you like the idea of finding your own properties, refurbing them yourself and managing tenants etc, then building your own portfolio of self-managed rental homes may be great for you and can generate great returns if done right with quality properties and good tenants. If you want something that generates passive income with little effort beyond cutting a check, much like a dividend stock but with less volatility, then consider using a turnkey outfit.

Full disclosure, I am the CEO of Spartan Invest. While I won't try to sell you, I can honestly say that turnkey can be a great entry point for beginners because all you need to do is find a market that you feel good about and a provider that you trust. That is actually even more important than the market. There are good rentals all over, not just in the hotspots like Memphis and PA. Take a look at what is available in your area, but also consider out-of-state options if your market is overpriced (which most of CA is). if you like the idea of turnkey, focus on finding a provider that you mesh with. You should have a good rapport and trust them to show you ALL the numbers on a property and exactly how the ROI is calculated. You should know where every single dollar of your investment goes.

There is a ton to learn at BP and an absolute treasure trove of knowledgeable investors, providers and real estate professionals, so it can see a little daunting at first. But once you narrow down which type of investment works with your needs and finances, the amount of information you need to absorb is greatly diminished. Don't get overwhelmed! The BP community is here to help you out wherever we can.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give me a shout!

All the best in your new advenure,

Clay