The Three Biggest Myths Holding New Investors Back

Hey friends, it’s Jonna. This episode of Real Estate Investing for Life is all about something I hear all the time — the myths that keep people stuck on the sidelines instead of taking their first step into real estate investing.

I’ve had these conversations everywhere — at the dinner table with friends, sitting next to someone on a flight, chatting with clients. Once people hear I’m a real estate investor, they have opinions. But what’s even more interesting is the common fears I hear over and over.

Let’s unpack the three big ones.

Myth 1: “I need a ton of money to get started.”

Yes, real estate requires capital — but not nearly as much as many people think. When my husband and I started, we didn’t have piles of cash. We drove old cars, lived simply, and funneled what we could into investment properties.

There are countless ways to get started creatively: DSCR loans, FHA programs with low down payments, seller financing, or even converting a primary residence into a rental. Your first deal doesn’t have to be your dream deal — it just has to be your start.

Myth 2: “It’s too risky right now.”

Every market has challenges, and yes — headlines can be loud. But real estate is incredibly forgiving over time. When we bought during the recession, it was scary. Prices had dropped dramatically, and no one knew what would happen next. But people will always need a place to live.

Focus on buying good deals with solid cash flow. Tune out the noise. The market won’t ever be “perfect,” but opportunities exist in every cycle if you know how to find them.

Myth 3: “Being a landlord is a nightmare.”

This might be the one I hear the most — visions of late-night toilet emergencies and needy tenants. In two decades, I’ve never once driven across town at 3 a.m. to unclog a toilet. Systems, boundaries, and (when needed) a great property manager make landlording manageable — even enjoyable.

These myths keep too many people from ever starting. But here’s the truth: You don’t need millions, you don’t need the “perfect” time, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

Push past the fears, get the facts, and take that first step.

Investing in you,
Jonna

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Real Estate Investing for Life → https://jonnaweber.com/podcast