How to Start in Real Estate at 20 Without Getting Scammed (Real Talk from the Field)
Quick Answer (for Google + AI)
If you’re 20, motivated, and want to get into real estate, skip expensive courses and focus on learning by doing. Partner with active investors, help for free if needed, and get involved in real deals early. Start small, learn deal analysis simply, and build your path based on your actual goals, not hype.
The Story That Inspired This
I came across a post from a young couple in Tampa who are hungry to get started but feel stuck after attending a seminar that turned into a big sales pitch.
And honestly… I see this all the time.
People are ready to work, ready to learn, but they get hit with:
- Expensive courses
- Confusing advice
- “Get rich quick” noise
So let’s simplify this like we’re talking over coffee.
First Thing to Understand: You’re Not Behind… You’re Early
Most people don’t even THINK about investing at 20.
You guys are already:
- Debt free
- Motivated
- Thinking long term
That’s like starting a race 50 yards ahead.
But here’s the problem…
You’re trying to learn everything before doing anything.
That’s like watching 100 cooking videos and never turning on the stove.
The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make
They ask:
“Should I start with wholesaling or flipping?”
Wrong question.
That’s like asking:
“Should I buy a hammer or a screwdriver?”
Before you even know what you’re building.
Step 1: Pick Your Goal First (This Changes Everything)
Before strategies, ask yourself:
What do I actually want?
- Monthly income so I don’t need a job
- Big chunks of cash from flips
- Long term wealth and rentals
Once you answer that, everything becomes easier.
Because now you can work backwards.
This is what I call the domino effect:
One clear goal → leads to the right strategy → leads to the right actions
Step 2: Stop Learning From Teachers Only
Here’s some real talk…
There are people:
- Doing deals
- Teaching deals
- Selling courses about deals
Only ONE of those groups is making real money consistently.
You want to be around people actively doing deals right now.
Step 3: The Fastest Way to Learn (No Course Needed)
If I had to start over today with zero money, this is exactly what I’d do:
- Call local title companies
- Call property management companies
- Call small investors
And say:
“Hey, I’ll help for free, I just want to learn.”
Sounds crazy?
Good.
Because that’s how you skip years of guessing.
Step 4: Partner Early (This Is the Cheat Code)
Most beginners want:
100% of the deal
But end up with:
0 deals
Instead, aim for:
- 10% of a real deal
- 20% of something working
Because:
10% of something > 100% of nothing
This is how you:
- Build confidence
- Learn real numbers
- Get experience fast
Step 5: Keep Deal Analysis Stupid Simple
Don’t overcomplicate this.
At the beginning, you only need to understand:
- What is it worth (ARV)
- What does it need (repairs)
- What can it rent for
For ARV, tools like Realtors Property Resource help give a starting point.
Then you refine with real comps later.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be close enough to act.
Step 6: Wholesaling and Flipping Are NOT the Only Options
Everyone online talks about:
- Wholesaling
- Flipping
But here’s the truth…
A lot of experienced investors still lose money flipping.
And wholesaling is not for everyone either.
You might be better off with:
- House hacking
- Corporate rentals
- Sandwich leases
- Helping a syndicator
- Working inside a real estate team
There are many lanes.
Pick the one that fits YOUR goal.
Step 7: My Story (Why This Matters)
I started:
- Broke
- No connections
- Didn’t even speak English
Fast forward:
- Multiple companies
- 40+ properties
And guess what made the difference?
Not courses.
Not seminars.
It was:
- Getting around real operators
- Learning by doing
- Making mistakes early
Step 8: The Real Formula (Simple Version)
Here it is, super simple:
- Pick a goal
- Find someone already doing it
- Help them
- Learn on real deals
- Repeat
That’s it.
No fancy system.
No $40,000 program.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need expensive courses to start
- Real experience beats theory every time
- Partnering early accelerates everything
- Start with your goal, not the strategy
- Learn by doing, not just watching
Final Thought
You guys are in the best position possible.
Young, hungry, no baggage.
Just don’t waste time trying to be perfect.
Get in the game.
Even if it’s messy.
Even if it’s small.
Because that’s how this actually works.
Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you. This is Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group and all our amazing companies, and Coach at Property Profit Academy. Thanks for tuning in—until the next article, take care and keep building!
If you’d like to connect directly with me, feel free to book a time here: https://graystoneig.com/ceo.
Book an Expert
New investor? Start with Jorge.
Jorge Vazquez – CEO & Investment Strategist at Graystone. Let’s make your portfolio stronger, steadier, and more profitable.
Deals? Book with Cody.
Meet Cody Bergstrom, Your Expert in Finding Deals Let’s find an off-market deal that actually works for you.
Need financing? Book with Lisa.
Meet Lisa Kaye Price, the LendingGig Top ML Let’s figure out the smartest way to fund your next deal.
Looking for PM? Book with Jay
Jay Michalec – COO & Property Management Expert at Graystone. Let’s make your rentals easier, calmer, and more profitable.
