One of the biggest myths about real estate investing is that you need a lot of money to get started. The truth? You don’t. In fact, many successful investors have built their portfolios using creative strategies that required little or even zero money down.
If you’re ready to take the leap into real estate investing, here are eight powerful strategies to help you close deals and build wealth even if your funds are limited.
1. Seller Financing
With seller financing, the seller becomes the lender. Instead of applying for a mortgage through a bank, you make payments directly to the seller over time.
Why it works in real estate investing:
- Flexible terms: You can often negotiate your own interest rate, down payment, and payment schedule.
- Great for properties that don’t qualify for traditional financing.
- Ideal when the seller has significant equity in the home.
2. Subject-To Deals
Subject-To (or “Sub-To”) investing allows you to take over the seller’s existing mortgage while leaving the loan in their name. You make the payments going forward.
Why it’s a creative real estate investing tactic:
- You can take control of a property with little or no money down.
- Gain access to favorable interest rates already locked in by the seller.
- Perfect for motivated sellers or distressed homeowners.
3. Lease Options (Rent-to-Own)
A lease option gives you the ability to rent a property now with the option to buy it later often at a predetermined price.
How it helps your real estate investing journey:
- Live in or manage the property while improving your financial position.
- Great for Airbnb subleases or future homeownership.
- Requires only a small option fee and monthly rent.
4. Hard Money Loans
Hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans secured by the value of the property not your credit score.
Why real estate investors love them:
- Fast funding—ideal for fix-and-flip deals.
- Less emphasis on income or credit history.
- Great for undervalued or distressed properties.
5. Joint Ventures (JVs)
If you’re skilled at finding deals but lack the capital, you can partner with someone who has the money but not the time or expertise.
How joint ventures benefit real estate investing:
- Share profits and risks.
- Gain access to capital and experience.
- May lead to launching a real estate fund or syndication for future deals.
6. House Hacking
House hacking involves buying a multi-unit property (2–4 units), living in one unit, and renting out the others to cover your mortgage.
Why house hacking is perfect for real estate investors:
- Qualify for low down payment owner-occupant loans (as low as 3.5% with FHA).
- Live for free or earn cash flow.
- Build equity while gaining landlord experience.
7. Private Lending
Private lenders are individuals willing to loan money at interest for real estate investments.
Why it’s powerful in real estate investing:
- More flexible than banks.
- Can structure terms that work for both parties.
- Great for short-term or unconventional deals.
8. VA Loans (For Military Members)
If you’re a U.S. military member, veteran, or eligible spouse, the VA loan offers 0% down payment options for buying property.
Benefits for real estate investors:
- No down payment required.
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI).
- Use it for house hacking or long-term real estate investing.
BONUS: The Combination Play
Seasoned investors often combine these strategies to make deals work creatively and profitably. For example:
- Use seller financing on a lease-option property.
- Combine subject-to with a joint venture to fund renovations.
- House hack using a VA loan, then refinance and rent out the entire property.
Real Estate Investing Without Capital is Possible With the Right Strategy
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time (or a bigger bank account) to get into real estate investing, stop waiting. The truth is, strategy beats savings every time when you know how to structure the right deal.
Ready to take the next step?
👉 Apply to our Real Estate Partner Program and get access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and step-by-step guidance to help you find, fund, and flip real estate deals no matter your starting point.
