Real estate investment can feel like a mix of art and science. On one hand, it’s about understanding neighborhoods, negotiating deals, and having a vision for a property. On the other, data and technology can provide an edge that takes much of the guesswork out of the equation.

As a real estate investor and software engineer, I’ve found that combining traditional investing methods with tech tools can dramatically improve decision-making. Here’s how you can leverage data and technology to invest smarter and achieve better returns.

For aspiring real estate investors, the BRRRR method—Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat—offers an accessible and scalable strategy to build long-term wealth. If you're curious about real estate investing but unsure where to start, this beginner’s guide will break down the BRRRR method into actionable steps, with tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.

When it comes to achieving financial freedom, one of the most reliable and proven strategies is real estate investing. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, taking consistent action is the key to building wealth and creating passive income. In this post, I’ll share actionable tips to help you move forward in your journey, focusing on the lessons I’ve learned as a real estate investor and personal finance enthusiast.

Balancing a full-time job while pursuing real estate investing can feel like walking a tightrope, but it’s a path I’ve chosen to walk—and thrive on. My days start early, with the alarm pulling me out of bed and into my software engineering role by 7:00 am. This is where I spend most of my weekdays, coding, problem-solving, and collaborating until 3:30 pm. But the day doesn’t end when I log off from work. That’s when my second life kicks in: the life of an aspiring real estate investor.

Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to grow wealth, and one often-overlooked advantage is depreciation. While real estate typically appreciates over time, the IRS allows investors to depreciate their properties, offering tax advantages that can improve cash flow. In this post, we’ll break down what depreciation is, how it works for both residential and commercial properties, and some key strategies to maximize its benefits.

As I set out on my real estate investment journey, I’m thrilled to begin with a duplex in Brooklyn Centre, Cleveland. This choice was based on more than just location—Brooklyn Centre combines historic charm, valuable amenities, and new community enhancements that position it as a promising place for investment. Here’s why I believe this neighborhood is ideal for my first property.

Investing in real estate is about more than just acquiring properties—knowing when and how to exit a deal is just as important. Whether you’re planning to sell, trade up, or refinance, choosing the right exit strategy can have a significant impact on your long-term returns and tax liabilities. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common real estate exit strategies, including the 1031 exchange, refinancing, selling, and more, so you can make the best decisions for your investments.

As part of my ongoing education in real estate through UCLA Extension, I’ve recently delved deeper into one of the most critical aspects of real estate investment: financing. Understanding the variety of loan types is essential for any investor to make informed decisions. Whether you’re purchasing a property for the long-term or funding a construction project, the financing method you choose can significantly impact your cash flow, risk exposure, and long-term returns.

Here are the main lending options I’ve discovered so far…

Real estate investing is as much about understanding the financial landscape as it is about picking the right property. Whether you’re evaluating a potential buy-and-hold property or determining the profitability of a commercial project, having the right tools to analyze a deal is essential. Here are five of the most important metrics I’ve learned through my coursework and practical experience in real estate investing.

As part of my journey to become a proficient real estate investor, I’ve enrolled in a Real Estate Investment Certificate program at UCLA Extension, which includes four courses.

I’ve already completed the first course, Real Estate Investment Market Analysis, and I’m currently in week three of the Real Estate Investment Analysis course, with Real Estate Appraisal and Real Estate Finance coming up next.

Each course is designed to equip me with the analytical tools and financial insights needed to make smarter, data-driven investment decisions.

Real estate has always intrigued me, but it wasn't until I started actively educating myself on the subject that I realized its true potential as an investment strategy. After years of working as a software engineer and recently taking on real estate as a new passion, I decided it was time to make my first property investment. The more I learned about wealth-building strategies, the more I realized real estate offers a unique path to financial independence.

I’ve been fascinated by real estate since 2017. That’s when I first dove into the world of personal finance, investing, and the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, largely inspired by the Mr. Money Mustache blog. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours learning through reading, taking classes, and even passing the Ohio Realtor exam. Now, I’m working towards my real estate investment and analysis certificate from UCLA Extension.

Investing in real estate requires a certain amount of capital to get started. This is how I am saving for my first investment property.