I remember the days when I was just like you.

Sitting at my desk, scrolling through endless real estate posts, flipping between Zillow listings and forums on investing in the U.S. I was captivated by the idea of buying a house for myself, but I had no clue where to start or how to start.

I’d look at flipping a vacant lot in Arizona for $11,300 or dream about buying a rental in Florida, Texas, or Milwaukee because “everyone” was talking about those markets. I even knew what BRRRR meant (which was useless information before I even bought my first property). Analysis paralysis had me pinned down.

Sound familiar?

Why Research Can Be Your Biggest Trap

Here’s the truth: All the market research in the world won’t prepare you for the first step. Before buying my first property, I thought I was being smart. I spent hours analyzing, calculating, and comparing—thinking I was saving myself from mistakes. While some of it was essential, most of it was just fear disguised as preparation.

What changed everything for me wasn’t a formula, a market trend, or a golden piece of advice. It was action. I made the leap, learned from my mistakes, and discovered that no amount of theoretical knowledge could replace the lessons I gained on the ground.

The Water’s Fine—But You’ve Got to Jump In

If you’re stuck, here’s my message: Stop looking at the pool and waiting for the perfect moment to jump. You’ll never know the perfect entry point or the exact water temperature until you’re in.

So, take the first step. But here’s the key: Don’t do it alone. When you jump, make sure you have someone experienced by your side. Someone who knows how to swim in these waters and can make sure you don’t drown.

Action Over Analysis, Every Time

I’m not saying real estate will make you rich overnight or that it’s free of risk. That’s nonsense. But I am saying this: The only way to learn is by doing. By making that first deal, even if it’s small. By talking to the right people. By asking questions and showing up.

Will it be scary? Absolutely. Will it teach you more than another hour on YouTube or Zillow? Without a doubt.

So, stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start by taking action. And when you do, you’ll look back and see that the time spent frozen with indecision was just another form of wasted opportunity.