How to get started in real estate investing
Real estate investing can be a great way to build wealth, according to Todd Baldwin, a 31-year-old who has grown his net worth to over $4 million through smart investing and frugal habits. From buying homes to rent out on Airbnb to converting his basement into a rentable apartment, Baldwin has used real estate in a variety of ways to bring in extra income and even live in his home for free.
But before you dive into real estate investing, Baldwin recommends getting your finances in order. This means cutting down on living expenses and making sure you have a solid credit score before buying any property. Baldwin also suggests finding roommates to help save on rent, especially during your younger years when you can tolerate a little more discomfort.
Once you are ready to buy property, Baldwin advises being extremely selective about the properties you purchase. He has never lost money on a real estate deal, thanks in part to his commitment to checking off each of his five strict criteria before investing in a property. These criteria include a good bedroom-to-bathroom ratio, enough parking spots for the expected number of tenants, a location that’s going through a transition, no homeowners association fees, and close proximity to public transportation.
Real estate investing can be a lucrative way to build wealth, but it requires careful planning and a willingness to take some risks. Keep reading for answers to some common questions about real estate investing.
FAQs
Q: Is real estate investing a good way to build wealth?
A: Yes, real estate investing can be a great way to build wealth over time. However, it requires careful planning and a willingness to take some risks.
Q: What should I do before investing in any property?
A: Before buying any property, it’s important to get your finances in order. This means cutting down on living expenses and making sure you have a solid credit score.
Q: How can I save on rent?
A: Finding roommates is one great way to help save on rent, especially during your younger years when you can tolerate a little more discomfort.
Q: What should I look for in a property before investing in it?
A: When looking for property to invest in, it’s important to be extremely selective. Todd Baldwin recommends a number of criteria, including a good bedroom-to-bathroom ratio, enough parking spots for the expected number of tenants, a location that’s going through a transition, no homeowners association fees, and close proximity to public transportation.

Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investment
Todd Baldwin, a 31-year-old successful real estate investor, shares his top two pieces of advice for building wealth through real estate. One key to success is to get your finances in order before buying property. This includes cutting down living expenses and ensuring you have a solid credit score by putting everyday purchases on a credit card and paying it off right away. Baldwin also suggests finding roommates to save on rent while you build up extra cash.
When you are ready to buy, Baldwin emphasizes being selective about the properties you invest in. He has never lost money on a real estate deal, and he attributes this to being extremely picky about the properties he purchases. He has set strict criteria for every home, including a good bedroom-to-bathroom ratio, enough parking spots, and proximity to public transportation. Baldwin also looks for locations that are going through a transition, such as seeing an uptick in new businesses opening or a new grocery store going in nearby, and avoids homes with homeowners association (HOA) fees.
By following these guidelines, Baldwin has grown his net worth to over $4 million through smart real estate investing.