5 Free Ways To Learn About Minneapolis Duplex Investing

Between Minneapolis duplex appointments yesterday I saw a kind of bandit sign I haven’t in a while. It read “Real Estate Investing – Classes – Coaching”.

From the moment I saw the sign I thought it was suspicious.

Of course, when I got back to the office I typed the telephone number into Google and searched.

Nothing came up.

So I called the number. I got a pre-recorded message asking me to leave my name and number. The message mentioned real estate investing classes, but nothing about a company, a Realtor, or anything that would lend credibility to it.

It reminded me of all the real estate investment courses I’ve heard of over my years as an investor and Realtor. I know that many of those classes were and are successful at convincing students to take more classes and invest more money. Few actually resulted in the pupil actually buying property.

Whether you’re interested in building a real estate empire, diversifying your portfolio or simply finding a more cost efficient place to live, you don’t have to pay for an education. In fact, there are many places you can learn for free.

To start learning how to invest in real estate, here are  free or low cost resources to start with:

1. Books. Titles like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and his whole series on wealth building. “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller, “Hold” by Steve Chader, Jennice Doty and Jim & Linda McKissick, and “Flip” by Rick Villani and Clay Davis. These are all honest, basic books that can give you a broad overview of real estate investing.
2. Cash Flow Game- Few things will get you more familiar with the idea of creating financial independence than Robert Kiyosaki’s Cash Flow board game. This is played several times a month around the Twin Cities. Look for meetup groups or check the Minnesota Real Estate Investors Association calendar.
3. Bigger Pockets.com This web site has blossomed into essentially a multimedia empire. They have countless books on the basics as well as more advanced investment strategies, as well as a Youtube channel and numerous podcasts. While the site sometimes has a little bit of “enroll in my class now” to it, you can glean a lot for free. If you’re very new to the game, I recommend starting with their Real Estate Rookie podcast.
4. Real Estate Investment Groups. Think Minnesota Multi Housing Association and the Minnesota Real Estate Investors Association. or local meetup groups. Again, be wary of anybody who teases you with information but won’t tell you the rest until you sign up for their paid course.
5. Real Estate Agents who invest themselves. Not every Realtor owns investment property, nor can they do the calculations to determine whether a property is truly a good investment. I am always happy to teach people how to calculate cash flow, as well as share what I know as to what separates a good investment from a bad one. The only time there’s a charge is if you actually buy a property; and even then, we can usually get that expense included in the cost of your loan.

• If you’re interested in getting started investing in real estate, give me a call. I’d be happy to help you get started.