Overcoming the Mindset Roadblocks to Real Estate Investing  

As a long-time investor and frequent attendee of local REI meetups,  I often meet people excited about getting started in real estate investing. But most never seem to make it to their first deal. Why does this happen?

Mindset plays a critical role. Most aspiring investors see only roadblocks—why they can’t move forward—instead of opportunities. "I don’t have the money." "I don’t have the knowledge." "I don’t have the time." These are common refrains, but they’re often just imaginary barriers.

Understanding Roadblocks

These roadblocks usually stem from fear of failure or uncertainty about where to start. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when venturing into the unknown, especially in an industry as complex as real estate. However, most of these perceived obstacles aren’t insurmountable—they’re excuses. The truth is, you don’t need to have everything figured out to take that first step.

For example, many people get stuck believing they need significant capital before they can begin. While having money certainly helps, there are creative financing options, partnerships, and other strategies that allow you to start with much less than you might think. Similarly, a lack of knowledge or time can be addressed with the right mindset and a willingness to learn and prioritize.

Shifting Your Mindset

What I suggest instead is to focus on what you need to do to become a real estate investor. Then, ask yourself: what type of person do you need to become to achieve these things?

Instead of saying, “I’ll purchase my first rental property when I’ve saved up $30,000,” create a plan for how you’ll save that money and execute it. Becoming that person might involve working 10 extra hours a week, cutting back on discretionary spending like dining out, driving for Uber on weekends, or learning how to raise funds from friends and family.

The key is action. If you sit back and wait for $30,000 to magically appear, it likely never will. But by taking deliberate steps toward your goal, you’ll build the momentum needed to reach it.

Building Your Roadmap

To get started, focus on developing three key personas:

Why Mindset Matters

The journey to becoming a real estate investor begins not with a property, but with your mindset. Your thoughts and attitudes shape your actions. By breaking down roadblocks, creating a plan, and taking consistent steps, you’ll position yourself for success. Remember, you don’t need all the answers right away—just take the first step.

For example, I’ve seen countless individuals transform their lives by starting small. One investor I know began with a modest single-family rental, purchased with funds they raised through a combination of extra hours and partnerships. That first step gave them the confidence to scale their investments, and today they manage multiple properties.

Taking the First Step

A great way to start your journey is by joining (and making sure to participate) an organization like CAREIA, where you’ll find monthly networking events, educational opportunities, and accountability groups. These resources help you stay motivated, learn from experienced investors, and build the connections you need to succeed.

No matter where you are on your real estate journey, remember: it all starts with your mindset. Real estate investing is as much about personal growth as it is about numbers and deals. Break through the excuses, become the person who takes action, and your first deal—and many more—will follow.

Keith Jablonowski

Chicago Area Real Estate Investors Association - Technical Director

Upcoming Events

CAREIA Board of Directors

CAREIA Monthly General Meeting Monday, December 9, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. Networking starts at 6:45 p.m. Hyatt of Lisle • 1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle Topic: Tenant Screening Best Practices Key Note Speaker:  Jacquelina Jablonski https://www.careia.org/event-5879059 Short Term Rental Sub Group Meeting Monday, December 16, 2024 @ 7 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 531 N. Randall Rd., Batavia, IL 60510 https://www.careia.org/event-5936011 Anyone who has an interest in investing in short or mid-term rentals are invited to attend our monthly STR sub group meeting. Each month we will have an open forum to discuss all things short term rentals. Real Estate Networking Night Monday, December 23, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 235 E. North Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 A FREE Member & Non-member Event https://www.careia.org/event-5879055 Cash Flow Game Night (Members Only Event *CANCELLED*) Wednesday, January 1, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.  McDonald's off Highland Avenue 1 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard CAREIA Monthly General Meeting Monday, January 13, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. Networking starts at 6:45 p.m. Hyatt of Lisle • 1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle Topic: Business Goal Setting Key Note Speaker:  Steve Beck https://www.careia.org/event-5948705 Short Term Rental Sub Group Meeting Monday, January 20, 2025 @ 7 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 531 N. Randall Rd., Batavia, IL 60510 https://www.careia.org/event-5971600 Anyone who has an interest in investing in short or mid-term rentals are invited to attend our monthly STR sub group meeting. Each month we will have an open forum to discuss all things short term rentals. Real Estate Networking Night Monday, January 27, 2025 @ 6:30 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 235 E. North Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 A FREE Member & Non-member Event https://www.careia.org/event-5948698

President: Pete Gordon Vice President: Steven Bell Secretary: Rob Hayes Treasurer: Vanessa Krynen Librarian: Dwayne Denzinger Programing: PK Kleinert Vendor: Iva Norris Newsletter: Belinda Moore Publicity: MaryAnn Skweres Membership: Danny Galvez Tech Support: Keith Jablonowski __________________ Our mission To support and promote local real estate investors though networking, education, support, leadership on legislative issues, and promoting professionalism and standards of excellence in the real estate investing industry. __________________ WORDS OF WISDOM “Real estate is the best investment in the world because it's the only thing they're not making anymore.” -Will Rogers

 

Library Book of the Month

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Dale Carnegie

Millions of people around the world have - and continue to - improve their lives based on the teachings of Dale Carnegie. In "How to Win Friends and Influence People", Carnegie offers practical advice and techniques, in his exuberant and conversational style, for how to get out of a mental rut and make life more rewarding. His advice has stood the test of time and will teach you how to: make friends quickly and easily; increase your popularity; win people to your way of thinking; enable you to win new clients and customers; become a better speaker and a more entertaining conversationalist; and, arouse enthusiasm among your colleagues. This book will turn around your relationships and improve your dealings with all the people in your life. About the Author: Dale Carnegie, known as 'the arch-priest of the art of making friends', pioneered the development of personal business skills, self-confidence and motivational techniques. His books, notably this classic, have sold tens of millions worldwide and continue to do so even in today's markedly changed environment

Did you Know?

We have: Books, CD's, and even Movies!

Have you ever wanted to read a book or listen to a course but didn't want
to spend the money knowing if it was what you really wanted?

Well, that's what our Library is here for. It's for you to read, listen or even watch some great things on real estate without having to dish out the bucks!

Sometimes you will find you may want to purchase the book or program after you borrow it. Great, but aren't you glad you didn't pay for all the ones that just weren't right for you?

To check out materials:

• Only members can borrow materials
• Review inventory here: https://www.careia.org/LibaryList
• Fill out CAREIA Library request form
• Receive materials at the next General Meeting
• Materials are due back in one month
• Note. If materials are not returned, member is responsible for paying cost of materials for replacement.