I Started with Just $3,500: How I Bought My First Rental Property

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: October 27, 2025
Getting Started

Summary

This BiggerPockets article shares insights on how to buy a rental property with little to no money. Hosts can learn about strategies like down payment assistance programs, improving credit, and the importance of having financial reserves, which are vital when investing in real estate, especially for first-time investors.

Key Insights

  • The article highlights that it's possible to buy a rental property with very little savings, using strategies like house hacking and down payment assistance programs.
  • The article suggests having enough savings to cover the most expensive repair not covered by insurance. This could range from $3,000 for a condo mini split to much more for a property with expensive components.

Action Items

  • Research and utilize down payment assistance programs offered by local and state governments to help with buying your first property.
    Effort: low
    Impact: high
  • Build financial space in your budget, such as using interest-free credit cards, which requires great credit. This can help with initial investment costs.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • Zillow: Zillow is starting to aggregate assistance programs based on your zip code.(zillow.com)

Common Mistakes

  • Not having enough cash reserves or financial space can lead to struggles with unexpected repairs or expenses, hindering your investment's success.

Related Videos

More from Getting Started

Greece Climbs Europe’s Short-Term Rental Rankings - GreekReporter.com

This article from GreekReporter.com reports that Greece is climbing the European short-term rental rankings. While specific details on the rise are not provided in this short article, this suggests a growing opportunity for hosts. It implies increased demand in the Greek market, which presents a dynamic opportunity for STR investors.

1 day agoGreece75
News article thumbnail
Ennismore CEO Plans More India Hotels After Mumbai Debut

Ennismore plans to expand its hotel presence in India, with its first hotel under the Morgans Originals brand, Roswyn, already soft-opened in Mumbai. Following the Mumbai debut, the company plans to open a Hoxton hotel in Bengaluru and is actively exploring further expansion opportunities, recognizing the market's readiness for a luxury lifestyle product.

2 days agoIndia65
Growth of short-term rental market slowing down - eKathimerini.com

The short-term rental market's growth is slowing, according to eKathimerini.com. This shift may affect occupancy rates and revenue for hosts. Understanding market trends is crucial for adapting pricing and marketing strategies, ensuring continued profitability.

2 days ago75

Curated by Learn STR by GoStudioM