Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments
Welcome to Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments, my practical course on how to use professional techniques to evaluate investment opportunities in real estate. This course has been propelling students from total beginners to confident practitioners in a matter of weeks.
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Welcome to Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments, my practical course on how to use professional techniques to evaluate investment opportunities in real estate. This course has been propelling students from total beginners to confident practitioners in a matter of weeks.
Welcome to Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments, my practical course on how to use professional techniques to evaluate investment opportunities in real estate. This course has been propelling students from total beginners to confident practitioners in a matter of weeks.
Here is what a few of my students have to say:
James McCarthy: 5 stars
For the most bang for your buck, this is the most value-packed course I have on Udemy out of 84. The tools and materials in this course are top-notch. This course is a clear investment in achieving my investment goals. You're not likely going to build a house without a hammer. You need the right tool for the job, and this is it. "
Dave Clinton: 5 Stars
“The instructor not only gave you a strategy but also showed you how to apply it in real-world situations.”
Bradley Garza, 5 Stars
“Tremendous value—just a wealth of content and knowledge I don't see anywhere else. The investment models and examples alone are worth 100 times what I paid for this course. The instructor is responsive and continues to update the content. Thank you, Symon. ”
Mark Forest, 5 Stars
“There is a tremendous amount of information in this course that far surpasses anything else offered by Udemy.
It doesn’t matter what facet of the real estate investment industry you are interested in; this course is full of invaluable information that will save you time and, if you apply what you learn, money.
Inside, you’ll find useful information on:
• Rental Income Properties
• Fix and Flip
• Multifamily Apartments
• Commercial Properties
• Land Development
• and a whole lot more.
Want to know what real estate investment analysis is all about?
Tired of "no money down/get rich like me" real estate investing "secrets" from supposed real estate gurus that leave you filled with nothing but marketing fluff and upsells trying to convince you to purchase their ten thousand dollar elite coaching program?
Me too. That’s why I developed this course for students who are looking for actual results and not a magic bullet.
I can't promise I'll help you get rich enough to buy your own yacht and a pair of Ferraris, but I can teach you some serious real estate investment analysis techniques. The same techniques are used by the best and most successful investors.
If you want to learn the real fundamentals of real estate investing and how to actually evaluate investment opportunities the way professional investors do, this is the course for you.
After getting my MBA from Stanford, I became a licensed broker and real estate consultant and worked on over 400 million dollars in real estate deals. I’ve spent hundreds of hours on research, not counting the countless deals I’ve made over the years.
And I’ve taken all that knowledge and put it all into this course.
Jim Bo: 5 Stars
“This is a very detailed and thorough course that covers many aspects and builds a solid foundation for real estate investing. In addition to superb videos, Symon does an excellent job of promptly answering all your questions with a lot of details. Anyone who is thinking about investing in real estate should take this course. ”
Nelson Robertson: 5 Stars
“Well organized, thorough, and easy to follow. Symon makes a point to be very responsive to questions and provides very detailed answers. Tremendous value.”
How do you know if this course is right for you?
Have you ever wanted to
• Invest with business partners, but do so in a smart and fair way.
• Want to appeal to investor clients as an agent?
• Want to land an acquisitions role as an analyst or associate?
• Want to get into real estate private equity and need to get up to speed?
• Want to be able to analyze any real estate opportunity?
• Look at and evaluate deals the way a professional investor would.
• Become smarter and more efficient at finding and evaluating deals than you did before.
• Know what Airbnb short-term rentals are all about and if it's worth your effort.
• Become an agent who could target investor clients instead of just home buyers?
• Do you have professional investment analysis tools that you could use immediately to evaluate your own investment opportunities?
• Get into a real estate acquisitions role (analyst or associate) in real estate i-banking or private equity (you get 20+ investment models or examples. )
If you answered yes to any of the above, then this course is definitely for you.
Theododre Catillo: 5 Stars
“Very comprehensive. Much more than I expected. I recommend it to anyone wanting a solid foundation.
Priska Prasetya: 5 Stars
“Easy to understand. The teacher makes the explanation simple. Highly recommended. ”
Jorge Juyo: 5 Stars
“The information is really well organized and presented; Symon uses all the media and audiovisual aids possible, and that makes it easy to follow.”
Frequently asked questions
I don't live in the US; is the material still relevant to me?
Yes. While all of the examples use US properties, all of the concepts taught and tools provided are just as useful for any market around the world. In fact, I have students from over 190 countries who are learning and using the tools provided in the course to help them invest in their local area.
What if I don't have any real estate background?
Perfect. I start you off with a heavy dose of the fundamentals, so students with no experience or background can get the most out of the rest of the course. Check out my foundational sections below.
I have some real estate background already; what could I learn from your course?
Besides everything listed above, I’ll show you how to answer these types of questions for every kind of real estate property:
• How do you know if a particular investment is worth your time and money?
• How do you know if property A is better than property B?
• How do you find deals that make sense for you? That fits your risk preferences and goals?
• How can you calculate your expected return on your investment?• How would you analyze the returns for your investment company?• How do you structure an investment with investment partners?• How do you analyze operating assets?
If you know how to do all of that, this course isn’t for you. The good news is that I have plenty of advanced courses available as well; feel free to check those out right now to find the one that’s appropriate for your experience level.
Having said that, I put a lot of useful materials in here, so you're more than likely going to learn something new.
I've had folks with over 20 years of experience find something of value in this course, so I’m certain you can too.
Why is there so much math and number crunching?
You can't properly evaluate a real estate investment without looking at its numbers. So if you hate math and don't like numbers, this course isn't for you. Serious real estate analysis is probably not for you either.
Why do you use Excel so much?
Good question. Analyzing real estate investments involves looking at the numbers, and it's easiest to do so with spreadsheets, which is why I use Excel extensively in this course. But the good thing is that you do not have to build any of the models yourself. You just need to be able to follow along, and then you'll be able to use the models I give you.
Can you make me rich by taking your course?
No, not just from taking the course. Anyone who promises you that is selling snake oil.
What I can guarantee is that you will leave with some serious real estate investing knowledge and techniques that can then lead you to be more profitable with your investments.
What else does this course cover besides real estate investing?
This course is all about and only about professional real estate investing concepts and techniques. Nothing else. But as you can see, this topic alone offers quite a bit to cover.
Actually, I do cover one more thing: I will also cover daily affirmations that help you build that winning mindset. Oh, and I’ll have lots of sales videos that will push you to sign up for my super-secret real estate system for only 12 low monthly payments of just $999. Just kidding.
What will I be able to do after I take your course?
After taking my course, you will be:
• Be able to confidently use professional real estate investment techniques.
• Able to evaluate both residential AND commercial real estate opportunities
• Able to structure investments with business partners in a smart and equitable way via the waterfall framework
• Know how to identify and mitigate investment risks.
What won't I get from this course?
• You will not get a real estate license by taking this course. You can only get licensed by taking the appropriate test with the testing agency in your state or country. But what is taught in this course has nothing to do with getting a license; it focuses on how to legally transact real estate deals between buyers and sellers. This course is about investment analysis.
• Due to the sheer number of students, I am unfortunately unable to help you evaluate your personal investment deals in this course. This is about you learning how to do it on your own using the lessons and tools here. If you really want me to consult with you privately, my hourly rate is 350 dollars per hour, with a minimum of 20 hours per request.
• This course does not cover any of the wide range of OTHER real estate topics that deserve their own courses, including but not limited to: contract negotiations, real estate law, real estate marketing, REITs, etc. I try to cover the most important concepts as they relate to evaluating investment opportunities.
Diego Ginzo, 5 stars
"Excelente. Son clarisimas las explicaciones y la conceptualizacion."
Larry Butler, 5 stars
“Like the Bacchanal Buffet in Las Vegas for real estate investing, there is a lot to devour, but each is deliciously made. I'm already feeling full, but I can't wait to go back for more platefuls. If you're hungry and have a refined palette with respect to real estate, look no further.”
What’s holding you back?
Are you afraid this course won’t work? I assure you that it will.
Are you afraid this course will work and you’ll actually have to start investing? I think that’s a pretty good problem to have.
Are you afraid it will take time and effort? It will. Real estate isn’t an easy business; if it were, everyone would do it. But if you put in the work, I promise you’ll see results.
Best of all, there is absolutely zero risk. Udemy gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure you get what you pay for.
So go ahead, sign up, and I'll see you inside.
~Symon
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Confidently evaluate the return potential of any real estate investment opportunity
- Know a "good" investment from a "bad" investment
- Use professional grade investment models to evaluate your deals
- Evaluate rental income properties
- Evaluate fix & flips
- Evaluate commercial properties
- Evaluate airbnb properties
- Use smart investment deal structures with business partners
- Understand and use professional real estate investment strategies & techniques
- Confidently evaluate the return potential of any real estate investment opportunity
- Know a "good" investment from a "bad" investment
- Use professional grade investment models to evaluate your deals
- Evaluate rental income properties
- Evaluate fix & flips
- Evaluate commercial properties
- Evaluate airbnb properties
- Use smart investment deal structures with business partners
- Understand and use professional real estate investment strategies & techniques
Syllabus
Intro: Why Do We Care About Investment Analysis?
A few reminders before we begin
Why even do investment analysis? Part 1 of 2
Why even do investment analysis? Part 2 of 2
Read more
Syllabus
Why even do investment analysis? Part 1 of 2
Why even do investment analysis? Part 2 of 2
Office Hours and How to Reach Me
Quick message about investment analysis process as well as message for international students.
NOTE: Even though the example uses Zillow.com, you're free to use ANY website that has home listing as long as you can gather similar information for the exercise.
Get the details of what you're about to learn in this section, which will give you a major jumpstart to your real estate investment analysis education.
Get through these few lectures and in less than an hour, you'll be able to evaluate your very own rental income property.
This is meant to be a highly summarized and fast paced section--don't worry if you don't follow on 90% of it!
It is only meant to give you a FEEL for what it's like. EVERYTHING will be explained in detail at a normal pace in the rest of the course!
You can download this model for free here and follow along in the Jumpstart section. Try before you buy!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3ZhPPeH41ORU2FmM0xaaUdiNVk
Here are some alternative sites to do your market research.
Using the attached Excel model and Zillow.com listings, we do some quick market research on rental income properties.
Demonstrating how to interpret the results from the quick market research exercise.
Using the attached back of the envelope model, we evaluate a rental income property that you've just found.
Whoa, you've already learned how to evaluate a rental income property (at a high level). Here's what to expect in the rest of the course.
Overview of this section on the components of the investment process.
The first stage in the Investment Process - Originations.
The who, what and where of deal sourcing.
Who will bring you deals, what are you looking to invest in and where are you looking to invest?
This Analysis phase of the Investment Process is the emphasis of the course. It is detailed further in the examples in the latter part of the course.
This lecture will tell you why analysis is so important and how it could save you precious time and money.
After you have completed the analysis and modeled out the return potential for your investment, you must take the time and care to validate and verify all the key assumptions that could impact your investment.
Financing and Closing is the stage where you assure all the necessary funds are in place to make your deal happen.
In this lecture you will learn about the main sources of funding involved in real estate investments.
The project doesn't end after closing, now it's time to increase the value of your asset.
In this lecture you will learn the key considerations for construction and rehab and how to work with contractors.
After construction is complete, you then want to stabilize the asset (aka get it to the point where it would be most marketable for a sale).
Learn the various types of stabilization depending on the nature of the type of investment.
In the final stage of the investment process, this is where you sell (or exit) from the asset and actually realize your returns (or losses).
Too Long Didn't Watch (TLDW) Summary of the Investment Process Section.
Brief summary of the Investment Process covered in this section.
Review of concepts covered in the Investment Process section
What are the four phases that repeat for every real estate cycle?
Following the market crash of 2008, recovery began in most real estate markets in 2011-12.
What marks the beginning and end of the expansion phase, which many markets seem to be in already in 2018.
What will kick off the hypersupply phase and what will signal it's end?
Learn why when markets crash, it often takes 3-5 years to fully bottom out.
Barring a global conflict or major interest rate hikes from the feds, when should we expect to see the next peak and crash of the real estate market?
Quick summary of the topics covered in this section.
What is discounted cash flow analysis and net present value?
What is the discount rate and how do you determine the right one to use for your NPV calculation?
Demonstration of the Net Present Value calculations through examples using Excel
Understand what the Internal Rate of Return is and how to use it
Demonstration of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Calculations by comparing sample investment cash flows that appear very similar but give different IRR results.
Learn what the Cash Multiple is and why it's used alongside the IRR
So which measure should you use? You need at least two to measure both the efficiency and magnitude of investment returns.
Demonstration of why you should use multiple measures of returns using examples in Excel.
How to calculate the Terminal Value of an income property you plan to hold indefinitely.
Learn what Yields and Cap Rates mean and how they apply to income producing properties.
A Too Long Didn't Watch (TLDW) Summary of all the topics covered in this section.
Overview of the topics to be covered in this section around how debt impacts your measures of return.
Learn the difference between interest only vs fully amortized loans.
A look at the amortization calculator that is built into every investment model in this course.
This is a new revised Amortization calculator that shows what happens if you made extra monthly payments towards principal each month.
Understand how taking on debt could impact your investment.
Too Long Didn't Watch (TLDW) summary of the Impact from Debt section
Overview of topics to be covered in this section.
In this lecture, we'll explore market and external considerations that could affect your investment analysis
In this lecture, we will discuss property specific considerations that could affect your investment analysis.
In this lecture, we discuss some deal specific considerations that affect your investment analysis.
In this lecture, we will discuss other considerations that could affect your investment analysis.
Too Long Didn't Watch (TLDW) summary of all the investment considerations discussed in this section.
Overview of the topics to be covered in this section regarding the three broad investment strategies.
In this lecture, we explore the characteristics of the core investment strategy.
In this lecture, we explore the characteristics of the opportunistic investment strategy.
In this lecture, we look at how the value added investment strategy falls somewhere in between core and opportunistic strategies.
Too Long Didn't Watch (TLDW) summary of the topics in this section reviewing the key points on the investment strategies.
You've learned a lot of real estate investing foundations--how do you feel? Ready to do deep dive analysis?
Too Long Didn't Watch Summary for Case Studies
Overview of the topics to be covered in this section.
Learn why would you want to invest with others? What are the potential benefits?
What could go wrong when investing with others?
What is the waterfall distribution framework? What are its components?
In this lecture, we look at the sample investment that we will use for the four upcoming waterfall examples--one where there is NO waterfall, a 2-tier waterfall, a 3-tier waterfall, and finally a 4-tier waterfall.
Download the file in this lecture. You will be using it for the next 4 lectures.
A breakdown of how the sample investment's profits would be distributed to the investors if no waterfall framework is used.
A breakdown of how the sample investment's profits would be distributed to the investors if a 2-tier waterfall framework is used.
A breakdown of how the sample investment's profits would be distributed to the investors if a 3-tier waterfall framework is used.
A breakdown of how the sample investment's profits would be distributed to the investors if a 4-tier waterfall framework is used.
A summary and comparison of the waterfall examples.
The file in this lecture will be reviewed in greater detail in the Fix & Flip Case Study.
The file in this lecture will be reviewed in greater detail in the Rental Income Property Case Study.
A quick overview of the Fix & Flip topics covered in this section
When flipping a property you have many variables to consider.
In this lecture, the instructor will explain the detailed financial analysis model and how each assumption works.
In this lecture, the instructor will review an example of a residential home flip.
**Detailed Financial Analysis Model included
In this lecture, the instructor will continue to analyze the property from part 1.
This Model is for advanced students only. Same as previous model EXCEPT that holding costs are now separated from Renovation costs and not financed.
Use at your own risk. All formulas are unlocked so there are many places to mess calculations up. =)
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Activities
The Case for Real Estate
Show steps
Obtain and review the book for a background in real estate investment strategies.
View
The Real Book of Real Estate
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-3
-
Read chapters 4-6
-
Read chapters 7-9
Seek Mentorship
Show steps
Network with individuals in the real estate industry to build connections and gain insights.
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors
-
Reach out to mentors and request a meeting
-
Maintain communication and seek guidance
-
Follow up and express appreciation
Compile Study Binder
Show steps
Starting with the course description and syllabus, compile a binder for note taking and storing all course-related materials.
Show steps
-
Organize notes, assignments, and quizzes
-
Create a note-taking system, such as Cornell Notes
-
Maintain a separate section for handouts, readings, and other course materials
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Foreclosure Investing Workshop
Show steps
Acquire knowledge and hands-on skills to participate in investing in foreclosed properties.
Browse courses on
Real Estate Investing
Show steps
-
Research foreclosure investing
-
Identify reputable foreclosure workshops
-
Register for the workshop and make payment
-
Attend the workshop
Net Present Value (NPV) Practice
Show steps
Complete a series of practice problems to develop proficiency in calculating Net Present Value.
Browse courses on
Net Present Value
Show steps
-
Set up the NPV template
-
Develop discount factors based on given discount rates
-
Calculate the present value of cash flows
-
Calculate the Net Present Value
Property Expo
Show steps
Attend a property expo to connect with potential business partners and explore investment opportunities.
Browse courses on
Real Estate
Show steps
-
Research upcoming property expos
-
Register for the expo
-
Prepare an elevator pitch
-
Network with attendees and exhibitors
IRR Calculations
Show steps
Practice calculating the Internal Rate of Return for real estate investments.
Browse courses on
Internal Rate of Return
Show steps
-
Set up the IRR template
-
Estimate the IRR using Excel or other tools
-
Practice with different investment scenarios
Investment Plan
Show steps
Create a detailed outline for an investment plan based on what was learned in the course.
Browse courses on
Real Estate
Show steps
-
Identify investment goals and objectives
-
Define risk tolerance
-
Create a list of potential investments
-
Develop a diversification strategy
The Case for Real Estate
Show steps
Obtain and review the book for a background in real estate investment strategies.
View
The Real Book of Real Estate
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-3
- Read chapters 4-6
- Read chapters 7-9
Seek Mentorship
Show steps
Network with individuals in the real estate industry to build connections and gain insights.
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors
- Reach out to mentors and request a meeting
- Maintain communication and seek guidance
- Follow up and express appreciation
Compile Study Binder
Show steps
Starting with the course description and syllabus, compile a binder for note taking and storing all course-related materials.
Show steps
- Organize notes, assignments, and quizzes
- Create a note-taking system, such as Cornell Notes
- Maintain a separate section for handouts, readings, and other course materials
Foreclosure Investing Workshop
Show steps
Acquire knowledge and hands-on skills to participate in investing in foreclosed properties.
Browse courses on
Real Estate Investing
Show steps
- Research foreclosure investing
- Identify reputable foreclosure workshops
- Register for the workshop and make payment
- Attend the workshop
Net Present Value (NPV) Practice
Show steps
Complete a series of practice problems to develop proficiency in calculating Net Present Value.
Browse courses on
Net Present Value
Show steps
- Set up the NPV template
- Develop discount factors based on given discount rates
- Calculate the present value of cash flows
- Calculate the Net Present Value
Property Expo
Show steps
Attend a property expo to connect with potential business partners and explore investment opportunities.
Browse courses on
Real Estate
Show steps
- Research upcoming property expos
- Register for the expo
- Prepare an elevator pitch
- Network with attendees and exhibitors
IRR Calculations
Show steps
Practice calculating the Internal Rate of Return for real estate investments.
Browse courses on
Internal Rate of Return
Show steps
- Set up the IRR template
- Estimate the IRR using Excel or other tools
- Practice with different investment scenarios
Investment Plan
Show steps
Create a detailed outline for an investment plan based on what was learned in the course.
Browse courses on
Real Estate
Show steps
- Identify investment goals and objectives
- Define risk tolerance
- Create a list of potential investments
- Develop a diversification strategy
Career center
Real Estate Acquisitions Associate
Real Estate Investment Associate
Real Estate Acquisitions Analyst
Real Estate Private Equity Associate
Real Estate Private Equity Analyst
Real Estate Investment Analyst
Real Estate Development Associate
Real Estate Development Analyst
Real Estate Consultant
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Appraiser
Mortgage Broker
Property Manager
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Investor
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