1. Start with Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
If you don’t have the cash to buy a house, REITs are a perfect entry point.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is a company that owns, operates, or finances real estate. You can buy shares of a REIT just like you buy stocks.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Requires very little money (some platforms start at ₹100 or $10)
No property management required
Easy to start online
Some platforms and apps let you invest in REITs from your phone—making it one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into the real estate world.
2. Consider House Hacking
House hacking means living in part of a property while renting out the rest. For example, you could buy a duplex, live in one unit, and rent out the other to cover your mortgage.
Benefits of house hacking:
Live for free or at a reduced cost
Build equity while gaining experience
Use a low down payment loan to get started
This strategy works best if you’re comfortable being both an owner and a landlord.
3. Explore Wholesaling Real Estate
If you’re short on cash, wholesaling might be your way in. Here’s how it works:
You find a distressed property
You get it under contract below market value
You assign the contract to another investor for a fee
It takes hustle, negotiation skills, and market knowledge—but not a lot of money.
How to start wholesaling:
Network with property owners and investors
Learn how to analyze property value
Use simple contracts and build a buyers list
Wholesaling teaches you the ropes of real estate deals without needing to buy anything.
4. Use Other People’s Money (OPM)
This isn't a scam—it’s a common real estate strategy. Many investors start by using OPM (Other People’s Money) through partnerships, private lenders, or joint ventures.
Ideas for using OPM:
Find a good deal, then pitch it to an investor
Partner with someone who has money but no time
Offer to manage the deal while they fund it
When people see you’re bringing value (like a good deal or management skills), they may be open to teaming up—even if you have no money.
5. Look into Seller Financing
Sometimes, the seller of a property might allow you to pay in installments rather than get a bank loan. This is called seller financing or owner financing.
Why sellers might agree:
They want steady income
The house is hard to sell traditionally
They trust your ability to pay
You’ll need to negotiate the terms, but it can be a great way to buy a property with little money down.
6. Take Advantage of Low Down Payment Loans
If you qualify, certain loan programs allow you to buy property with just 3%–5% down. That’s a game-changer for new investors.
Examples:
FHA Loans (in the U.S.)
First-time homebuyer programs (varies by country)
Subsidized housing loans or rural development programs
These loans often require a good credit score and steady income, but they make real estate more accessible than you might think.
7. Learn as Much as You Can (For Free)
Experience comes with time, but education is free if you know where to look. The more you learn, the more confident you’ll feel.
Free ways to learn:
YouTube channels focused on real estate
Podcasts by real estate investors
Online communities and forums
Free local networking events or webinars
The key is to learn, take action, reflect, and repeat.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need deep pockets or a decade of experience to begin your journey in real estate. Whether it’s REITs, house hacking, wholesaling, or creative financing—you’ve got options.
Start small. Stay consistent. Keep learning.
Your first investment might not be a million-dollar mansion—but it could be the start of your long-term wealth journey.
