How to Invest in Real Estate with Little Money in 2025
Real estate has always been one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, but many people assume you need a big bank account to get started. The truth? You can begin investing in 2025 with far less money than you think—if you know the right strategies and have the right team guiding you.
To help break it down, we spoke with Nancy Franklin and CarmenLuz Vizcaino of the VF Team, trusted Realtors® who have helped countless clients step into real estate investing without massive upfront capital.
1. Consider House Hacking
One of the most beginner-friendly strategies is house hacking. This is when you buy a multi-unit property, live in one unit, and rent out the others. The rental income can cover most—if not all—of your mortgage payment.
Nancy Franklin explains, “In today’s market, house hacking is one of the smartest ways to offset costs and build equity at the same time. You’re living in your investment while your tenants help pay it off.”
2. Start with an FHA Loan
FHA loans allow you to put down as little as 3.5%, making it much easier to buy your first property without draining your savings. These loans can be used for single-family homes or multi-units (up to 4 units), as long as you live in one of them.
CarmenLuz Vizcaino notes, “We’ve helped first-time investors get into duplexes and triplexes with minimal cash upfront by using FHA financing. It’s a game-changer for anyone who thought investing was out of reach.”
3. Partner with Other Investors
If you don’t have enough money to buy alone, consider partnering with friends, family, or other investors. You can split the down payment, share responsibilities, and split the profits.
The VF Team often connects clients with potential investment partners. As Nancy says, “Real estate is a team sport—when you work with the right people, you can get started much faster.”
4. Look into Seller Financing
In some cases, the property seller may be willing to finance part or all of the purchase price. This can mean lower upfront costs and more flexible terms compared to traditional loans.
CarmenLuz adds, “Seller financing is rare, but when we find it, it’s an incredible opportunity for buyers with limited cash.”
5. Buy Below Market Value and Build Sweat Equity
Another strategy is buying a fixer-upper at a discount and doing some of the renovations yourself (or managing them). This boosts the property’s value without requiring a large down payment.
Nancy says, “We’ve had clients start small, renovate over time, and turn a modest purchase into a serious equity builder.”
The Bottom Line for 2025
You don’t need deep pockets to start investing in real estate—you need the right strategy and guidance. The VF Team, led by Nancy Franklin and CarmenLuz Vizcaino, specializes in helping new investors get started, no matter their starting budget.
Ready to start your real estate investment journey in 2025? Call the VF Team at (909) 536-6701 or (909) 536-6700 today to explore your options and take the first step toward building wealth through real estate.