So, you’re a teenager or young adult, and you want to invest in real estate, but you feel like you’re too young. Maybe you’ve heard about real estate from your parents, or maybe you’re just tired of the idea of working a 9-to-5 job for the next 40 years.
You want to take control of your financial future now. But there’s a voice in your head telling you, no one is going to take me seriously or I don’t have enough experience to get started.
I get it. And I want to tell you—it’s possible. You can start investing in real estate, even if you’re young, even if you don’t have a lot of money, and even if you don’t have experience. I’ve seen people in their early 20s—some even younger—skip single-family rentals and go straight into apartment building investing. If they can do it, so can you.
Let’s break down three steps to make that happen.
The Biggest Challenge Young Investors Face
The biggest hurdle for young investors isn’t money—it’s mindset.
The fear of not being taken seriously, the belief that you don’t know enough, and the lack of confidence to talk to people about real estate holds a lot of people back. But here’s the truth: These are limiting beliefs, not actual barriers.
There are young investors out there making real estate work for them. Take Cody Davis, for example.
He started investing in apartment buildings at just 21 years old. Within 18 months, he had built up enough passive income—$5,000 per month—to be financially free. Or Kyle Marcott, who was 20 years old when he raised capital to syndicate his first deal, totaling 119 units worth over $5.5 million. These guys didn’t have experience or money when they started, but they had the right mindset.
So, if you’re serious about making real estate work for you, here’s where to start.
Step 1: Educate Yourself
Before you start investing in anything, you need to understand the game. If you haven’t already, start with Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
That book will change the way you think about money. It’ll show you why working a job for the next 40 years isn’t the only option.
Next, pick up my book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing. Rich Dad Poor Dad will shift your mindset, but my book will give you the step-by-step playbook to actually make it happen.
It walks you through how to invest in multifamily real estate, how to raise money from other people, and how to structure deals so you don’t need your own capital to start.
And beyond books, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and find mentors. Make it a habit to read or listen to something educational every day. The more you immerse yourself in the world of real estate, the more confident you’ll become.
Step 2: Build Your Team
One of the biggest mistakes new investors—especially young investors—make is thinking they have to do everything on their own. You don’t need to know everything about real estate. You just need to know the right people.
Start by building relationships with property managers, lenders, and brokers. Your property manager is one of the most important people on your team because they’ll help you find deals, estimate expenses, and manage properties.
Lenders will guide you on financing options. And brokers will help you find deals before they hit the market.
When you have experienced professionals on your team, their credibility becomes your credibility. Instead of saying, Hey, I’m a 20-year-old investor looking for deals, you can say, I’m working with XYZ Property Management, which oversees 5,000 units, and XYZ Lending Company, which has financed over a billion dollars in loans. That’s how you get taken seriously.
Step 3: Always Be Networking
The more people you talk to, the more opportunities you’ll find. Every time you connect with someone in the industry, ask them, Who else do you think I should talk to? Keep the conversation going.
Networking is how you meet mentors, partners, and investors. And here’s the good news—because you’re young, people are more likely to help you. Experienced investors love mentoring younger people who show initiative. Take advantage of that.
Join real estate meetups, attend conferences, and schedule Zoom calls with people in the industry. If you’re not sure where to start, check out local networking groups or virtual real estate events.
Every connection you make increases your chances of finding a deal, raising capital, or meeting a partner who can help you grow.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a teenager or young adult, now is an amazing time to start your real estate journey. You have time on your side, and you have access to more knowledge and connections than ever before.
Start by educating yourself—read books, listen to podcasts, and learn everything you can. Then, build your team. Surround yourself with experienced professionals who can guide you.
And finally, talk to everyone. Networking will open doors you never imagined.
If you want a simple way to get started, check out my free Apartments 101 Masterclass. It’s 45 minutes of step-by-step training to help you understand how to invest in multifamily real estate. You can watch it for free by clicking here.
Age is not an excuse. Get out there, start learning, start networking, and start building your future.
To your success,
Michael Blank