There was an ABC News story that came across my desk today on Real Estate Flipping. It was one of those, "this is where everyone is getting rich" stories that tends to send a whole bunch of "get-rich-quick-types" rushing out to buy investment property without so much as a clue as to how much work- or risk- is involved. ABC might as well have said, "Dot com stocks are back; buy Pets.com again."

Having worked with a variety of investment properties over the past several years, let me first say YES it is possible to make a nice living working with investment properties. However, I've also met a lot of individuals who have failed miserably at it. In fact I've seen so many failures; I don't even know where to start in discussing them...

One of the biggest mistakes I've seen people make is they spend time "researching" i.e. watching videos or reading the internet, but they never seem to seek advice from ACTUAL investors working in their local market. Buried near the bottom of the ABC article, it mentioned you should have a "home inspector, contractor, realtor, tax accountant and attorney to advise you."* Although I would add lender to that list as well, the point to be made is having a core group of experts from every aspect of the investment stage to help you should something go wrong can mean the difference between making a profit and losing your proverbial shirt.

From my experience, most would-be investors are afraid of looking “stupid” in front of other investors, or are afraid they will be perceived as competition. Trust me; successful investors do not see a first time neophyte as a threat. Most of you will fail so there is no need for the expert to feel angst by the presence of a novice. But believe me, it’s a whole lot less embarrassing to ask a stupid question of an experienced expert than to lose your home because you didn’t ask in the first place. And remember because laws and regulations vary from state to state, and city to city, the “great advice” you get from someone on the internet in California can land you in hot water in Missouri. For that matter, the differences between an established inner city and a budding subburb can be night and day.

The best advice, as well as the FIRST piece of advice I offer every “new” real estate investor or would-be rehabber is to seek excellent tax and legal council. When seeking advice of an accountant, research for a company or individual with experience in real estate. When it comes to home improvements and rehabbing, things like repairing a door verses replacing a door depreciate very differently having varying tax consequences. A knowledgeable tax advisor can be your greatest asset when Uncle Sam comes a callin'!

This is also true of your legal ally a.k.a. your attorney. Protect your current assets and minimize your exposure and vulnerability to liability should the unexpected occur- like

Along theses same lines, when you go to look for the rest of your core group of “experts” as you begin your endeavor into investment properties, seek out individuals who not only know their business, but have also owned investment properties themselves. For example, I run into residential real estate agents far too often than I care to reveal who are offering all sorts of bad advice to would-be investors because they are trying to find an investment property and don’t know the difference between an investment and a primary residence.

Not to beat my own drum, but my experience in these matters is first hand and once you’ve worked with investment properties you will realize it’s not like buying a home to live in. Think of it this way, a gynecologist is in fact a doctor, but would you go to him/her if you had a sore throat? It’s no different with real estate agents. Find an agent who has experience in investment properties, first hand, because you seek investment properties in a completely different approach than you do a home to live in (Again, another story, another day). The same is true of lenders because borrowing money on an investment property is extremely different than a primary residence- and finding out your lender didn’t know that after the project starts can break you.

If you really want to enter the world of investment properties, be certain of your goals and stay within those narrow parameters. If you think investment properties will be “fun” and a “bonding” experience with your teenager because of too many hours spent in front of the T.V. watching “Trading Spaces”, think again. Investing in real estate should be approached like any other investment. If the numbers look good on paper, proceed. If not, put on your tennis shoes and run like heck!

* The original ABC News story can be found at: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Business/story?id=553568

About The Author

Kimberly Shallenberger-Cameron currently manages the STLagent Team of Real Estate Consultants in St Louis, MO. Her website is http://www.stlagent.com

Kimberly publishes the St Louis Real Estate Blog, and also moderates the St Louis Community Forum Message Board at: http://www.stlagent.com/forum

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