Real estate investment has offered the opportunity for wealth creation for ages. “Real” estate, because it holds “real” value, can be a uniquely strong investment, stable in good times and in bad. But how to get started in real estate? For novice real estate investors, the prospect can be daunting: there are so many details to navigate and so many associated costs.

Fortunately, becoming a strong real estate investor is possible for anyone. Read on for three helpful tips when getting started in the real estate investment business.

1. Do Research

Thorough research is essential for novice real estate investors. It is important to get a strong sense of the lay of the land: what prices in a given area are like relevant real estate market trends, expected profits and costs going forward, and more.

Fortunately, there are many ways to do quality research for little or no cost. You can simply spend time online, conducting research via the many real estate listing sites. You can also contact local town and city clerks for relevant permitting and building information. Finally, talking to locals — including locals involved in the real estate business — is always a way to learn more.

2. Carefully Consider Property Types

It is important to consider just what type of investment you want to make. If you have contracting or carpentry skills, investing in single-family homes and “flipping” them can be a reliable way to make some cash. Alternatively, if you are already a business owner, investing in commercial real estate can be a useful way to expand your business operations and give yourself more flexibility in your day-to-day operations.

3. Find Collaborators

It is true that many real estate investors primarily work alone. But to optimize your chances for success, it is useful to at least consider bringing on additional investors. Going into a project with multiple real estate investors can broaden the scope of what’s possible, allowing you to pool more money and complete a bigger project. It can also provide some balance in terms of decision-making, as the democratic back-and-forth between multiple stakeholders can help keep you on the right path.

There is not necessarily one route to success for a first-time real estate investor. Real estate can be a complex business, and external factors are always changing. This said, the tips above can be helpful as you work to get started on a business.