If you want to know how to invest in real estate in 2025, even if you earn an average salary, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we’re going to break down the exact steps YOU can take to buy your first or next rental property—yes, even in today’s tough housing market!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley, Tony, and investor Luke Carl are going to share how they would invest in real estate in 2025 if they were starting from scratch. We’ll look at today’s housing market from the perspective of someone who earns an average salary of $75,000 or less and share our favorite strategies, property types, and loans for a beginner.

Stay tuned to learn why Ashley recommends forming a partnership for your first real estate deal, why Tony loves the NACA mortgage, and why Luke likes to target properties that need a little love. We’ll also share our top tips for new investors—from getting a mentor and building rapport with lenders to avoiding “shiny object syndrome” and fast-tracking your savings for a bigger down payment!

In This Episode We Cover:

How to invest in today’s market with an average salary ($75,000 or less)

Creative ways to put low (or no) money down on an investment property

The best real estate investing strategies for a new investor

Whether you should pay off debt before investing in real estate

Managing your own rentals versus hiring a property management company

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile

Tony's BiggerPockets Profile

Join BiggerPockets for FREE

Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group

Real Estate Rookie YouTube

Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram

Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply

“Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook

NACA

Luke’s Website

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust

Grab the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals”

Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

Real Estate Investing for Beginners: How to Get Started

Connect with Luke

(00:00) Intro

(00:57) First Steps for Rookies

(07:44) Building a Financial Foundation

(11:40) Getting Preapproved

(16:35) Best Property Types

(23:04) Finding the Deal

(29:38) Paying Off Debt vs. Investing

(33:29) Advice for New Investors

(36:16) Connect with Luke!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-531

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. 

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