How would you describe yourself as a real estate investor? We’d hope you’d use descriptors like diligent, ambitious, successful, and driven. Unfortunately, though, not all investors have such sterling reputations. While there are many things you can be as a real estate investor, the one descriptor you want to avoid is sloppy or careless.

We all know that the real estate market moves in cycles. We’re waiting for a market correction to take full effect and move us into more favorable conditions – but where exactly are we right now? And, more importantly, how did we get here?

Because investing in real estate is a numbers game, getting those numbers to fall in your favor is everything. While maximizing profits and minimizing expenses is sound on paper, it doesn’t always work in practice.

Portfolio expansion is a necessary step to building passive wealth. Multiple properties and several streams of cash flow are par for the course. Expanding, however, isn’t as easy as hitting Zillow and finding an attractive property to buy! Investors set themselves up for success with careful planning, risk mitigation…and consulting their portfolio advisor!

We all want to enjoy retirement. In this day and age, achieving financial security in our golden years is more challenging than ever. Statistics paint a picture of retirement realities. American workers have saved a median $97,000 for retirement. Compare that to the standard goal for a “comfortable” retirement, $1.4 million.

Why choose REI? Well, let's review the numbers...

In many ways, investing in real estate is straightforward. We know, however, the new investors want the reassurance they’re going into this venture prepared. We don’t blame them – this is, after all, a big step in building a better financial future for yourself and your family!

Plenty of inexperienced real estate investors choose to fly solo. They imagine doing it all themselves will save money and leave more rental income in their pocket each month. While this is true, their overall portfolio will suffer in the end. Doing it alone stunts and limits your growth, which is critical for building lasting wealth across multiple income streams.

Investing in something, whether real estate or another asset, is a monumental decision for your financial future. At best, you begin the journey that will create generational wealth for you and your family to enjoy for decades to come.

There will always be tried-and-true financial strategies we can rely on. However, that isn’t true of all age-old wisdom. Believe it or not, the same advice that worked for your dad and his dad won’t necessarily work for you. If you’re looking for financial wisdom, you must be sure it’s relevant and applicable to your time, circumstances, and personal finance.