Monday, June 13, 2011

An Introductory Guide to Investment Properties for Beginners

If you are new to property investment, it is best that you start small. It is always a wise idea to take things slowly, and not to dive right in. In other words, do not go buying a huge apartment complex before first buying property that is easier to manage, such as a single family home or small office building. While you are at it, do not go throwing your money toward multiple investment properties; for beginners, it is best just to start out with one small one.

Why start out small?

A small property, such as a single family rental home is easier to manage. It costs money to learn the business-you cannot simply buy property, sit back, and wait to earn income. There is always the possibility that you will make some mistakes when trying to manage it properly. If the property is small, however, your financial losses should not be too unbearable. Investment properties for beginners, if not properly managed, can cause huge losses. Even a small 5% loss on your investment can cost you long-term damages!

Gain experience by starting off small

Starting off with one, small investment property can help you become a good property manager. It is much easier to deal with the needs of one tenant than many. Learning how to properly maintain and manage your property will add to its long-term value. The experience you gain from learning how to please one tenant can come in handy when dealing with more later on, which means you will be better able to handle bigger, complex properties. In other words, investment properties for beginners can ultimately lead to a more profitable future.

Determining the worthiness of an investment

Now, before you go investing in your first property, you need to know what to look for. You need to know how to determine whether or not you are going to get a good deal. Starting off small is not good enough-you need to make sure you spend it on the right property!

Many people make the mistake of spending money on the wrong investment properties; for beginners, this could mean failure before even starting! Here are a few things to look for when thinking about buying a property.

Its condition. Is it in decent condition? How much will you have to spend on repairs and remodeling?
Cash flow opportunities. Does it have positive cash flow opportunities? Will you be able to rent it out as soon as you buy it?
Location. What is the rental market like in the area in which it is located?
Purchasing. Can you afford to buy it in cash? If not, what are the long term loans like? If you are offered a long-term loan, will you be able to rent it out long-term?

Investment properties for beginners can be very profitable, just as long as you choose the right type of property. If a property is going to cost you just as much money to repair as it will be to buy it, then it is probably not a sound investment. However, if it is in a good location, such as a tourist spot, it may very well be worth buying.