You have questions. Good. Investors who ask questions before they sign lose a lot less than investors who ask after.
Below are the real estate investing questions I hear most — at closing tables, in my Facebook groups, and in REI Skool. Each answer is short on purpose, with a link to the page that teaches the topic properly.
If your question isn’t here, bring it to REI Skool, my free community on benlovro.com. Post your numbers and get experienced eyes on them before you commit. You can also browse the real estate hub, the beginner start investing guide, or the deal analysis site for deeper answers.
Straight answers
Where should I start in real estate investing?
Start by learning to analyze a deal and talking to real sellers, not by picking a fancy strategy. Figure out your stage and follow the reading path, one action at a time.
Can I invest in real estate with no money?
You can start with little of your own money, but not with no skill and no effort. Partnerships, seller financing and private money all depend on you finding a good deal first. The honest version is on investing with no money.
Which real estate investing strategy is best for beginners?
The one that fits your capital, your time and your temperament. Wholesaling leans on sales skill, flipping on project management, rentals on patience. Compare them on real estate investing strategies.
How do I know if a deal is good?
Run it on paper before your emotions get involved: after-repair value from sold comps, a real repair estimate, your exit, then your maximum allowable offer. If the numbers don’t work, walk. Learn the sequence on how to analyze a real estate deal.
Do I need a license to invest in real estate?
You don’t need a license to buy property for yourself. Marketing property you don’t own is different, and some states now regulate it. In South Carolina, read wholesaling in South Carolina and talk to an attorney.
Is wholesaling legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s 2024 revised Real Estate Practice Act addresses wholesaling directly, and marketing property you don’t own can require a license. I won’t call any path legal for you. Read the plain-English summary on the SC wholesaling site and talk to a South Carolina real estate attorney.
How do I find off-market properties?
Pick one or two lead sources — driving for dollars, probate, direct mail, calls — and work them consistently for months. Most deals come from follow-up, not first contact. See how to find off-market properties.
Can I invest in real estate while working full time?
Yes, if you protect a few focused hours each week and spend them on lead generation and seller conversations instead of research. The plan is on real estate investing while working full time.
When should I hire help in my real estate business?
When your own time is the bottleneck and you can measure the role. Hire for the thing you’re worst at first, then the thing that eats the most hours. See first hires for real estate investors.
How can I sell a property to Ben Lovro?
If you own the property, are the licensed listing agent, or are an investor who holds title, send it through the submit a deal page. I’ll review it and give you a straight answer.
Does Ben Lovro offer coaching or a community?
I run REI Skool, a free community where investors post deals and get feedback before they sign. You can join from benlovro.com.