guide to start real estate investing

Start Investing: Your Guide to Real Estate Success in the Tri-State Area

April 28, 20254 min read

“One real estate deal can change your life.” - Jonathan Steingraber

Why Real Estate Investing Matters:

Real estate is one of the most proven paths to building long-term wealth. Unlike the volatile stock market or short-lived trends, real estate investing offers tangible, scalable, and repeatable opportunities to grow your net worth. As Jon Steingraber, founder of Money Magnet, expert real estate investor, host of “24 Hour Flip on A&E TV, CEO & Owner of Signature Realty NJ, nationally recognized speaker and real estate coach, says, "One real estate deal can change your life." And it can.

If you’ve been thinking about creating financial freedom, gaining control over your time, or building generational wealth, investing in real estate is a strategic move you can’t afford to ignore—especially in the opportunity-rich Tri-State area.

Whether you’re brand new or already considering your next step, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started.

Start Investing Guide

Here are the First Steps to Real Estate Investing that every beginner investor should take:

1. Define Your Goal

Are you looking to:

  • Create cash flow from rental income?

  • Flip houses for short-term profit?

  • Build a portfolio for long-term appreciation?

  • Achieve financial independence?

Start with clarity. Your strategy depends on your end goal.

2. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power—and protection. Before jumping in, you need to:

  • Learn the different strategies (wholesaling, buy-and-hold, BRRRR, fix-and-flip)

  • Understand basic real estate math (ROI, cash-on-cash return, cap rate)

  • Get familiar with legal and tax implications

🔗 Free Resource: Real Estate Investing 101 Guide – Download Now

3. Understand Your Finances

Know your:

  • Credit score

  • Debt-to-income ratio

  • Liquid capital

  • Available funding sources (HELOCs, private lenders, partnerships)

🔗 Free Tool: The Ultimate Real Estate Investor Deal Calculator

4. Build Your Dream Team

Real estate is not a solo sport. You’ll need:

  • A mentor or coach

  • A knowledgeable real estate agent who works with investors

  • A mortgage broker or lender

  • A contractor (if flipping)

  • A CPA and attorney

🔗 Meet Our Trusted Partners – Connect Now

5. Start Networking

The more people who know what you do, the more opportunities come your way. Attend:

  • Local meetups

  • Investor mixers

  • Mastermind sessions

📅 Attend Our Next NJ Real Estate Investor Event – Reserve Your Spot

The Power of One Deal

The truth is, you don’t need ten properties to be successful—you need one good one. One property can:

  • Replace a portion of your income

  • Fund your next deal

  • Teach you more than any course

  • Build your confidence

This is what Jon means when he says, "One real estate deal can change your life." It’s about momentum. Once you prove it’s possible, your entire belief system changes. And belief fuels bold action.

Common Fears & How to Overcome Them

It’s normal to feel afraid before your first investment. Here’s how to move past the most common blocks:

"What if I lose money?"

Every investment has risks—but knowledge and guidance minimize them. Surround yourself with experienced investors.

"I don’t have enough money."

You’d be surprised how many no-money or low-money-down deals exist. Partnerships, creative financing, and private money open doors.

"The market is too competitive."

It is. But the investors who succeed are the ones who out-market, out-educate, and outwork others.

🔗 Upcoming 2-Day Real Estate Investor Workshop - Secure Your Spot (Limited Seating!!!)

Real Estate Investor Events in New Jersey

The best way to fast-track your success? Get in the room with people who’ve done it.

Money Magnet hosts live educational events, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops, formerly known as NJRESN (New Jersey Real Estate Social Network), the largest investor network in the state.

At our events, you’ll:

  • Learn from active investors and experts

  • See real deal breakdowns

  • Get insider access to vendors and funding sources

  • Build real connections with other driven individuals


📅 Register for the Next Investor Meetup – Click Here

Watch Now: Essential Due Diligence For Real Estate Investors

Final Thoughts: You Were Meant For More

There’s a reason you landed here. Maybe you’ve always wanted more. More time. More freedom. More money that works for you, not against you.

Real estate investing is not about quick wins—it’s about smart decisions that compound over time.

So, here’s what you do next:

✅ Download our free investing guide - CLICK HERE
✅ Watch the Essential Due Diligence Process For Investors Video - PLAY NOW
✅ Mark your calendar for our next event - VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS

Because when you think bigger and move smarter, you unlock the freedom you’ve been chasing.

And remember:

"One real estate deal can change your life." – Jon Steingraber

The time is now. Let’s make your money work for you.

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