How to Get Money to Invest in Real Estate in the USA
Starting or expanding a real estate portfolio in the United States can be a sound financial strategy, yet one of the main challenges is securing the necessary capital. In this article, we explore various financing options available to investors, from leveraging equity in existing properties to forming investment groups and accessing specialized loans.
Henry Luna
11/21/20242 min read
Investing in real estate in the U.S. can be an excellent way to build wealth and generate passive income. However, one of the biggest challenges for new investors is obtaining suitable financing. Here are some of the most effective strategies to secure the capital you need to begin investing.
1.Current Property Equity
If you already own a home that has accumulated value over time, you can use that equity as financing. Equity represents the portion of your property’s value minus any outstanding mortgage balance. You can access this capital through a home equity loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and use it to purchase a second property. This method enables many investors to expand quickly by leveraging the equity from an initial property to build a larger portfolio.

2. Retirement Funds
Some retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or IRA, allow you to take loans against your retirement savings to invest in real estate. Depending on plan policies, you may be able to withdraw up to 50% or more of your funds, subject to a maximum limit. While using retirement funds can be risky, if your return on investment is high enough to cover the loan, this can be a worthwhile financing option. Careful planning is essential to maximize profitability without jeopardizing your retirement.
3.Investor Groups or Joint Ventures
A joint venture, also known as group investing, involves combining funds from multiple investors for a single project. Investors can either take an active role or be silent partners, providing capital and then awaiting returns based on the agreed terms. This approach can help spread risk and pool resources, making it possible to take on larger projects that would otherwise be difficult to finance independently.
Hard money lenders, or private lenders, offer an alternative to traditional bank loans. These lenders typically focus more on the property value than the borrower’s credit profile, making this option viable for those with limited credit or urgent capital needs. Although hard money loans come with higher interest rates, they allow for financing of up to 100% of the purchase price and 80% of renovation costs—ideal for those looking to engage in property flipping.
4. Hard Money Loans
Ready to take the next step in your real estate investment journey? At Investma, we offer personalized consulting, specialized classes, and educational resources to guide you at every stage of your investment. Explore our offerings and join our community of investors to gain the support and knowledge you need to succeed in real estate. Take the first step toward financial success with Investma today!
5. Traditional Mortgage Loans
Traditional mortgages are a reliable option for long-term investments in rental properties. Most banks offer 80% financing of the property value, meaning you only need to cover the 20% down payment. While this type of loan isn’t ideal for flipping due to its long-term nature, it provides stability and competitive interest rates.
Conclusion
Investing in real estate in the U.S. can open doors to solid and profitable financial opportunities. From traditional options like bank loans to creative strategies such as joint ventures, there are multiple paths to secure capital for your first (or next) real estate investment. Assessing the various strategies and tailoring them to your personal needs and financial goals is essential for building a successful and sustainable portfolio.