Real estate investing is gaining in popularity, and like any investment, the goal is to make money. It’s an ever-changing game, and if you don’t know how to play it well, you could lose. Here’s how to get started investing in real estate.

1. Know the market 

   Study home prices in different areas and compare to see which are healthiest. Research property taxes to identify savings opportunities.

    

2. Consider the suburbs

   With rents and property values rising, the outskirts are popular alternatives to downtown. Research commute time before committing.

    

3. Grade the schools

   You’ll get a higher dollar value for your rental investment property if it’s in an area with good to great schools.

    

4. Future development

   Some of the neighborhoods won’t currently have all the amenities, but they might be on the horizon. Talk to neighbors or visit the town hall for development details.

    

5. Know your limits

   A lot of investment properties are vacant or need some rehab before they’ll start earning income. Know what you can (and can’t) handle in terms of repairs and upkeep.

    

6. Talk to a bank

   If you think you’ve identified the perfect place to invest in real estate, get your financing in order so you can make a decent offer.

    

7. Start small and learn

   You’ll want to start with something small and easy to manage, but with experience, you can replace your starter property with a bigger, more expensive — and more lucrative — option.

Real estate investing is accessible to everyone. A qualified agent can help you learn more about what’s available.