With a value exceeding $230 trillion globally, real estate stands as the largest asset class in the world.
For many women, it’s one of the most reliable ways to create financial independence while building an asset you can see, touch, and manage. But before you jump in, it’s important to understand the basics, and how to invest smartly.
Getting Started Checklist
Deciding whether you should invest in real estate, and what channel to go through comes down to a simple set of factors:
- Financial Foundation
Make sure you’re contributing to your retirement accounts and have an emergency fund in place. Real estate can be a fantastic wealth-builder, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your financial safety net. - Time and Risk Comfort
If you’re early in your investing journey, lean toward growth-focused assets like fix-and-flips or value-add rentals with higher upside potential. If you’re closer to retirement, stable income-producing properties or debt-backed real estate investments may be a better fit. - Money and Know-how
If you’re ready to get hands-on, direct property ownership could be right for you. If you prefer a more passive role, consider real estate investment trusts (REITs), public or private, which let you invest in property without the day-to-day management.
Pro Tip: There’s no “perfect” starting point. The best entry strategy is the one that aligns with your goals, resources, and lifestyle.
Real Estate Investing for Beginners:
Solutions for Those New to Real Estate Investing
Getting started in real estate can feel overwhelming between the jargon, market research, and sheer number of investment options.
That’s why The Women’s Real Estate Investors Network (WREIN) was created to give women a clear, supportive starting point. WREIN offers programs and resources that meet you where you are, helping you understand the how and the why behind each investment decision.
Pro Tip: Joining a community of like-minded women means you’re tapping into the experiences, wins, and lessons of hundreds of other investors who’ve been where you are now.
Start Small, Profit Big
Your first investment doesn’t have to be a massive apartment complex. Many successful investors start with a single-family home, duplex, or small condo. Starting small gives you room to learn, make adjustments, and build confidence without overextending your finances.
It also allows you to test different strategies like long-term rentals, mid-term leases for traveling professionals, or short-term vacation rentals to see what works best for your goals and lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Consider “house hacking”, which means living in one unit while renting out the others to reduce your living expenses while learning the ropes.
Final Thoughts
Successful real estate investing is about building the right foundation, learning the language of the business, and surrounding yourself with people who can shorten your learning curve.
Whether you start with a single rental, a house hack, or an REIT, the most important step is simply starting. Every experienced investor was once in your shoes, weighing their first move and wondering if they were ready.
