The 5 Real Estate Investments Every Investor Should Make for Building their Retirement Portfolio

Since 2016, I’ve been buying real estate consistently—and if there’s one truth I’ve learned, it’s this:

Wealth is built systematically, and continuously, not spontaneously.

If I could start over, I’d follow a clear plan to add real estate exposure to my long-term retirement strategy, but also buy the RIGHT real estate.  Whether you’re just beginning your journey or refining your portfolio, here are the five real estate purchases I believe every investor should aim to make—plus a bonus sixth purchase if you’re a business owner.

🔑 Purchase #1: The Low Down Payment Starter Home

As soon as you land your first job and save 3–5% for a down payment, buy your first property. It could be a condo, a single-family home (SFH), or a duplex. What matters is buying the best asset you can afford in the best location you can stretch into, yes this will be a primary residence for the time being. 

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about ownership. It’s your ticket to leverage, appreciation, and experience.

🔁 Purchase #2: Move and Repeat

After a year or so, repeat the strategy. This time, you’ll need at least 5% down, again utilizing primary residence financing. Move into the new home and convert your original property into a rental, this is your first experience as a landlord, collecting your first rent check is a powerful realization that real estate is life changing if you do it the right way.

You now own two properties—your second home and your first income-generating asset. This is how wealth begins to multiply.

🏝️ Purchase #3: The Vacation-Backed Secondary Home

Yes, it’s a little controversial—but hear me out.  Another option using leverage and lower down payment options. 

Buy a second home using a 10% down secondary residence loan in a market with little or no short-term rental restrictions. It should be somewhere you already vacation, and the property must at least break even.  You can use the home but also it’s an asset.  Hire a good property manager in that market, collect the checks, enjoy your vacation and use this as a store of long term capital. 

This is not just a lifestyle play—it’s a long-term capital store that appreciates while you enjoy it, not to mention the tax benefits with 100% bonus depreciation back in the picture.

🏢 Purchase #4 (Bonus for Business Owners): Own Your Commercial Space

If you own a business, this is a game-changer.

Buy the building your business operates out of—whether it’s an office, retail space, or flex industrial. Not only are you paying yourself rent, but you can also bring in additional tenants for extra income. It’s both a wealth strategy and a control strategy for your business and your “earned income.” Not to mention the tax benefits will be huge, again, especially with 100% bonus depreciation.  

You can use SBA loans for your low money down option, or just buy with a standard investment debt, I’d suggest SBA first.  It’s a long process, but if you can endure, will be a huge benefit. 

📈 Purchase #5: Invest in Real Estate Funds & Syndications

Once you’ve got a foundation, start investing aggressively into private real estate funds and syndications.  This is the one that no one told me about as I was growing and learning the real estate game. Passive, no DTI hit, same tax benefits, historically greater returns…. What’s not to love?

These investments often provide the best risk-adjusted returns in the industry. Bet on experienced operators and quality markets—and do this on repeat. This is your path to scalable wealth without managing tenants or toilets with all the same benefits. DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS ONE.

🏠 Purchase #6: Buy Your Forever Home (Last)

Most people buy this first—but I believe it should be your final move.

By this point, your assets should be working for you. Use the equity and cash flow you’ve built up to buy your dream home, with fixed-rate debt and a sizable down payment (if you want). Avoid adjustable-rate mortgages and lean into stability.  Some call it an asset, some don’t, I believe it’s a wealth generator and with the right strategy, can help you continue to grow your wealth fortress for you and your family. 

🔁 The Final Step: Continuous Compounding

Once you’ve followed this roadmap, don’t stop.

Compound your returns. Reinvest your gains from funds, refinances, or cash flow into additional private offerings or pay off a property and snowball the debt snowball.  Stick to the plan!!!

Over 20 years, this disciplined playbook will elevate you into the top 1% of wealth holders—and more importantly, you’ll have something worth passing down to future generations.

📌 Final Thoughts

Building this kind of portfolio isn’t easy. It takes discipline, consistency, and strategic vision. You won’t just stumble into the down payments needed—it requires a clear plan and execution.

But if you follow this 6-step strategy with commitment, real estate can become your retirement security, your legacy, and your financial freedom.

Happy Investing ✌️

Cassidy Burns

Founder and Managing Member

BPG Holdings

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