Want to build wealth but don’t know where to start? Real estate might be the answer, and you don’t need to be rich or have years of experience to get started.
Kathy Portley, the president of the Tulsa Real Estate Investors Association (REIA), started just like many others, curious but unsure. Today, she has helped thousands of people learn how to invest in real estate, grow their money, and create a better future.
In this blog, you’ll learn how Kathy got started, the smart steps she teaches new investors, and how you can begin your real estate journey with confidence.
Watch Kathy Portley share her real estate journey and expert tips in this inspiring interview with DealMachine’s Matt Kamp:
Kathy Portley’s Real Estate Journey: From Teaching to Mentoring
Kathy’s real estate journey began in 2004 when she started selling manufactured homes. At the time, she didn’t think of herself as a real estate expert.
Before that, she worked in project management and land development, but real estate investing felt like a whole new world.
When the 2009 housing crash hit, Kathy stepped away from real estate and became a teacher. A few years later, she returned to the industry by working on the lending side of real estate.
That’s when her path shifted.
She began mentoring young men who lived in her home, helping them with life skills, business basics, and eventually, real estate investing. That experience led her to join Tulsa REIA, where she now leads a growing network of over 14,000 investors and real estate professionals.
Real Estate Success Starts with Connection
Kathy’s biggest strength is her ability to connect people. She listens closely to their goals and helps them find the right tools, mentors, or resources to move forward. She calls herself a “master connector,” and her work at Tulsa REIA shows how powerful those connections can be.
“No two investors have the same path,” she says. “Everyone brings different knowledge, different money situations, and different goals to the table.”
That is why Tulsa REIA offers more than just networking. It provides support, real estate investment strategies, and education for all types of investors, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Real Estate Tips for First-Time Homebuyers and Investors
If you're wondering how to buy a home as an investment or how to close your first deal, Kathy has some helpful advice:
- Walk through 100 houses and practice estimating costs
- Run the numbers on each one and review them with a mentor
- Join wholesaler lists to start seeing deals, even if you're not ready to buy
- Create a personal cost sheet to track repairs and prices
- Watch for patterns in what makes a deal profitable
This hands-on approach helps new investors build confidence and improve their decision-making.
Common Real Estate Investing Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes in real estate beginners make is paying too much for a property.
“Be willing to walk away from what looks like a deal,” Kathy says. "Many new investors buy too high, spend too much on renovations, and then struggle to sell at a profit."
She also warns against over-renovating. A successful rental property investment does not need fancy upgrades. It just needs to be clean, safe, and priced right.
For wholesalers, she recommends thinking about deals from both your point of view and the buyer’s to make sure everyone benefits.
How Tulsa REIA Grew and Protects the Community
When asked how she grew Tulsa REIA into one of the largest investor groups in the country, Kathy says it started with asking a simple question. "What do members need?"
She focused on education, useful tools, and honest conversations. But just as important is her focus on ethical investing.
“Invest here, but treat it well,” she advises, especially to out-of-state buyers who may not understand the local community.
She has seen how dishonest deals can hurt sellers and damage trust, which can lead to strict laws and restrictions for investors. That is why she teaches investors to protect the industry by doing honest business, one deal at a time.
Final Thoughts: Real Estate is for Everyone
Real estate is not just for experts or people with a lot of money. It is for anyone ready to learn and take action.
Kathy Portley’s story shows that with the right support, smart planning, and a clear goal, you can use real estate to build wealth and improve your community.
Whether you are walking through your first house or looking to buy your first rental, remember that everyone starts somewhere.
Take that first step. Start learning, start connecting, and start building the life you want, one property at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I start investing in real estate with little money?
A: You can begin by wholesaling, house hacking, or partnering with others. Focus on learning how to analyze deals and join a local REIA to build your network.
Q: What is the best real estate investment for beginners?
A: Many beginners start with single-family rental properties or small fix-and-flip projects. These allow you to learn while keeping your risks lower.
Q: Is it worth joining a local REIA group?
A: Yes. REIA groups offer education, mentorship, and connections that are valuable at every stage of your investing journey.
Q: What should I avoid as a first-time investor?
A: Avoid overpaying for properties, over-renovating, and ignoring the numbers. Always run the math and get a second opinion before committing to a deal.
