Real estate Investing can be a lucrative endeavor, but it is not without its challenges and complexities, nor is it black and white. Choosing the right market, property, and strategy is essential for success. Think about all the decisions to be made. Where will you invest, what property type, which specific property? Should you invest in residential or commercial property? Buy and hold or fix and flip? What about simply investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)? Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting in the real estate market, working with a real estate investment consultant can provide you with invaluable guidance and support. Here’s how a professional can not only help you protect your assets, but also multiply them.
Real estate markets can be highly localized and dynamic, and what works in one area may not work in another. Even if an investor knows a particular real estate market, there are still challenges. One of the most compelling reasons to work with a real estate investment consultant is their expertise and in-depth knowledge of not just real estate markets but specifically real estate investing in these markets. Asking a realtor about your primary residence in a certain zip code is a completely different ballgame than inquiring about the potential ROI of a flip in it. Real estate investment consultants have years of experience and are well-versed in various aspects of the industry, including market trends, property valuation, and investment strategies. Their insights can help you make informed decisions and reduce the risk associated with real estate investments.
One particular challenge to discuss when it comes to selecting the right real estate market is navigating the legal and regulatory aspects of that market. Let’s say you want to purchase a vacation rental. Many cities have strict regulations on what is allowed. For example, New York City recently enforced a requirement that all short-term rental hosts be approved by the city through a stringent application process. A real estate investment consultant can help ensure that you adhere to all local laws and regulations, from zoning ordinances to tax codes.
Every investor has unique goals, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances. Real estate investment consultants recognize this and can create tailored investment strategies that align with your objectives. Whether you’re interested in long-term rental income, fix-and-flip properties, wholesaling, or commercial real estate, a consultant can help you devise a plan that suits your needs and preferences. Picking the wrong strategy can be costly; one investor lost $27,000 using the wrong strategy. A real estate investment consultant will consider factors like your investment timeline, budget, and desired returns when crafting your strategy.
Regardless of the real estate investment strategy or market, you are going to need a team of professionals in order to be successful. Unless you have ample cash on-hand, you will likely need a lender. Perhaps, you are doing a flip and need to outsource some of the construction. Or maybe you need property managers for your mixed-use building. Real estate investment consultants often have a network of industry contacts that you can tap into, and building the right team can be priceless. One investor shares his experience of losing $134,000 due to working with the wrong team.
Investing in real estate comes with inherent risks, from unexpected property issues to market fluctuations. Simply listen to this BiggerPockets Podcast on navigating six figure losses to gain a better understanding of how costly mistakes can be. A real estate investment consultant can help you mitigate these risks by conducting thorough due diligence on potential properties. They’ll assess factors like property condition, potential maintenance costs, zoning regulations, and the surrounding neighborhood to ensure you’re making a sound investment.
Another area a consultant can help with is diversifying your real estate portfolio. By investing in different types of properties or across various geographic locations, you can reduce your exposure to market-specific downturns and protect your overall investment portfolio.
An example of a risk mitigation solution a real estate investment consultant can help with is procuring an LLC for your investments. Lawsuits are quite prevalent in real estate. In fact, in one year a Southern Florida district saw over 365 real estate lawsuits. An LLC or business entity can ensure your personal assets are separate from your business ones.
At MXM Acquisitions, we have over two decades of experience in helping real estate investors build successful portfolios. Investors ourselves, we have first-hand expertise on:
Author: Barry M. Johnson