Real Estate Investing

Real Estate Investing: Knowledge is Power

Real estate investing has historically been a way to generate solid wealth. It can be very complicated, and investors who want to be successful or even make real estate their career need highly specialized education. From REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) to triple-net commercial leasing, to 1031 exchanges, what you don't know can hurt you in real estate investing. And education gained solely through trial and error can be especially expensive.

Education geared to real estate investing ranges widely. Choose from one-day seminars on buying your first home to a full load of coursework designed to prepare you to pass the national and state real estate licensing exams. Additional programs are available for those who wish to specialize in real estate appraisal. Further education and experience is required to achieve designation as a broker-salesperson or real estate broker. Those interested in careers in real estate should refer to their state's real estate board and select an approved course. Many of these are available online.

Skills Required for Real Estate Investing

Fast Facts:

Finding property: Learn to look up public record data, search the multiple listing service (MLS), interpret advertising, and investigate rumored possibilities.

Analyzing property: Understand how to determine value and rental income from the property and predict its future cash flows.

Renting and selling property: Acquire great marketing techniques and sales skills. - Dealing with income taxes: Learn about minimizing tax consequences of real estate transactions. - Handling ownership issues: Understand title issues, such as easements, liens, and quitclaim deeds, and how they determine who actually owns a property.

Real estate education:
Students can choose from many different real estate education programs. Most schools offer the information in a variety of ways, from online courses to locally-based seminars. The education you get can make you a savvy investor or open up a real estate career.

Sources:

Rich Dad's Guide to Real Estate Riches by Dolf De Roos

Loopholes of the Rich by Diane Kennedy

Real Estate Investing

Skills Required for Real Estate Investing

Real Estate Courses