Investing in a rental property can be a great way to generate an income that appreciates over time. However, experienced investors are not the only ones in the position to build wealth through rental properties. First-time rental property investors also have the potential to generate cash flow – as long as they do it correctly. To help aspiring real estate investors select the right property for success, MoneyGeek turned to AlphaCore Senior Wealth Advisor Stephanie Williams, CAIA, for insight.
“It’s never too early to start investing in real estate,” says Williams. “Once a person is financially stable and has saved enough for a down payment, I say go for it. I would start with one property to gain an understanding of the time and financial commitment required, then add more over time.”
However, when investing in your first rental property, it is important not to forget about cash flow. Williams recommends weighing the expenses that will come with the property, such as maintenance and taxes, against the expected gross income to estimate the net operating income to see if it is a worthy investment.
“The best advice I can offer is to be flexible,” Williams also tells the publication. “Real estate ownership can be a fantastic avenue to wealth accumulation and financial stability, but there will surely be some surprises along the way. Don’t let your first electrical malfunction or waterline leak discourage you.”