YOUR FUNDING PARTNER
Find the Best Real Estate Strategy for Your First 1–5 Properties
Take this strategy quiz to match a real estate strategy to your strengths, time, goals, and resources. I work with new and growing investors who want to build steady income and grow their net worth without feeling overwhelmed or confused by lender rules.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent hours watching YouTube videos, reading blog posts, and listening to podcasts about real estate investing. And somehow, you’re still asking yourself: “But which strategy should I actually pursue?”
Take the quiz below and find out!
Who this quiz is for
I created this strategy quiz for investors exactly like me people going from 0 to 5 properties who are:
✅ You’re in the right place if:
- You’re ready to take action but not sure which direction to go
- You have some capital saved but want to deploy it strategically
- You’re tired of generic advice that doesn’t fit your situation
- You want a clear roadmap instead of more information overload
- You’re balancing real estate with a full-time job (or other commitments)
- You’ve consumed tons of content but need personalized direction
- You’re past the “should I invest?” phase and into the “how should I invest?” phase
❌ This quiz probably isn’t for you if:
- You already own 5+ investment properties and have a proven system
- You’re not ready to invest within the next 6-12 months
- You’re just casually curious but not committed to taking action
- You want someone to tell you exactly what to do without considering your unique situation
What you’ll learn from this quiz
Asks the questions that actually matter:
- How much cash do you have available right now?
- How many hours per week can you realistically commit?
- What skills do you already bring to the table?
- What does your local market look like today?
- How involved do you want to be day-to-day?
- What’s your actual risk tolerance (not what sounds cool)?
Considers 8 distinct strategies not just one “magic bullet”:
- Traditional Long-Term Rentals
- BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat)
- Fix & Flip
- House Hacking
- Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO)
- Turnkey Rentals
- Wholesaling
- Passive Syndication Investing
Gives you your top 3 matches because sometimes the “best” strategy isn’t feasible right now, but your second or third choice might be perfect for getting started.
Which real estate strategy fits you so you can set yourself up for success in Fix & Flip, BRRRR, rental, Airbnb, or House Hack.
Every strategy works but you need to find which is for you!
FAQs
Everything You Want To Know Before Buying Your First 1 to 5 Investment Properties
What credit score do I need to get started
Most new investors start with a score between 640 and 700. You do not need perfect credit. A stronger score helps you get better rates and lower down payments, but you can still get funded with average credit if the deal makes sense.
How much cash do I need for my first fix and flip
Most first time flippers start with $50,000 to $80,000. Your cash covers the down payment, early rehab before draws, closing costs, holding cost, and your safety buffer. You do not need hundreds of thousands. You need a good deal and a smart plan.
How much cash do I need for my first rental
Most first time rental investors start with $50,000 to $100,000 depending on down payment, appraisal, closing costs, small repairs, and reserves. The better the deal cash flows, the easier your approval becomes.
What is ARV in simple words
ARV means After Repair Value. It is the price your property should sell for after renovation. Lenders use this number to decide how much they can lend. Higher ARV with realistic sold comps means better funding.
What is DSCR in simple words
DSCR(Debt Service Coverage Ratio) tells the lender if the rent is enough to pay your mortgage and expenses.
DSCR = Rent minus taxes minus insurance minus HOA divided by monthly payment.
If DSCR is 1.0 or higher, the property pays for itself.
How long does loan approval take
For fix and flip loans, initial approval can take 2 -3 business days.
For DSCR rentals, initial approval often takes 2 -3 business days.
If your documents are ready and the deal is good, it can move very fast.
What documents do I need for DSCR loans
A property with rent that covers the payment is the main requirement.
You will also need:
- A credit report
- A bank statement showing reserves
- An appraisal
- An insurance quote
- LLC documents
- No income documents are required because the property qualifies itself.
I’ll take you step by step, no need to be overwhelmed by the documents.
How do rehab draws work on fix and flip loans
You pay for the first part of the rehab. Once that portion is complete, the lender sends an inspector, verifies the work, and releases your next draw. This repeats until the project is finished. I help you plan this so you do not run out of cash.
Can I use private money
Yes. Many beginners use private money, gap funding, or partners to reduce how much of their own cash goes into the deal. Some lenders allow second position lenders and some do not. I help you structure this correctly.
Should I start with a flip or a rental
If you need cash fast and want experience, start with a flip.
If you want long term income and stability, start with a rental.
Many new investors do one flip first, then use the profit to buy their first rental.
What makes a good flip deal
- A discount of at least 30%-40% below ARV
- Rehab level that fits your experience level, don’t go for a gut rehab if you’re a first time fix and flipper
- A stable neighborhood with rental demand
- Clear contractor bids and timeline
- Strong profit even after holding and closing cost
What makes a good rental deal
- DSCR of 1.0 or higher at today’s rates
- Positive monthly cash flow
- A good rental location
- Manageable repairs
- Safe reserves