What made you immediately decide not to buy something you were considering? A bad review? A greater expense than anticipated? Unfortunately for us real estate investors, there are no reviews for potential properties. Thankfully, there are red flags that help us know when a real estate deal is less than ideal.

Turnkey investors have an advantage here – their turnkey partners have plenty of experience identifying and vetting ideal investment properties. But that doesn’t mean you’ll always go this route. Regardless of your investment strategy, it’s good to know what red flags to look for…if only so you can ask informed questions!

To our Floridian readers out there, fair warning: we’re about to pick on your state a little.

In the sea of real estate investment asset types and strategies, two tend to pique the public’s interest more than others: short-term and long-term rentals. But how do these two stack up against one another?

In the information age, misinformation is a big problem. Plenty of people say whatever it takes to earn a buck, stir up controversy, or gain notoriety. It’s no different in the crowded world of financial and investment content. Take a look, and you’ll find your fair share of financial gurus offering empty, inactionable advice. And from people like that come plenty of myths…namely about earning passive income!

Every parent wants to see their child better off than they were. Setting our children up for financial success involves more than what we leave them in the will. It’s what we teach them – how to steward, grow, and preserve their wealth.

By nature, real estate investing isn’t a particularly speculative investment. While the level of speculation varies among investment strategies, real estate will always be more sure (and secure!) than betting on the stocks of unproven start-ups. At the same time, real estate investors may fall into speculative habits – habits that ultimately increase risk.

Have you ever watched a trapeze act? Performers dazzle crowds with their impressive aerial feats. They balance, swing, and fly through the air! These acts are entertaining no matter what, but some feel the need to up the ante by removing the safety net. The tension – and entertainment – comes from the knowledge that a single mistake could mean serious injury…even death!

Are your investment goals out of reach as a “late bloomer” investor? Sure, in this business, time is of the essence. The sooner you can get started, the better. That doesn’t mean you’re disqualified from real estate investment success if you don’t start until your forties, fifties, or beyond!

Picking the right investment market can be tricky. There are tons of factors that contribute to an area’s potential…or downfall. Real estate investors know the power of location – but picking the right places to own property isn’t always easy. Sometimes, seemingly beneficial qualities, like rapid property appreciation, can backfire when the market becomes untenable to buyers and renters. 

Every investor benefits from the counsel of a financial advisor. Ideally, your advisor knows you, what you want and need, and the essential aspects of your investment strategies. Their perspective and know-how help construct effective action plans and mitigate risk along the way.

But advisors aren’t just there for big-picture talk. Before you move forward with a property acquisition, consult your advisor to ensure you’re making the best decisions possible for the health of your investment portfolio.

As a passive real estate investor, here are some key topics to cover: