How I Bought My First Property at 24

Welcome to Radhika’s Newsletter “Intent”. This is your 3x/month guide to purposeful living, wealth-building, and personal growth.

What I’m Sipping On This Month

Lately, I’ve been drinking Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea. It’s a type of Chinese tea that’s not too strong like black tea, but not too light like green tea.

It helps with focus and digestion, and it gives you a calm kind of energy without making you feel too wired. I like having it in the afternoon when I need a little break or want something warm while I work.

You can also turn it into a latte by adding milk and a bit of sugar. It tastes really smooth and comforting, kind of like something you’d get at a tea café.

If you’re looking for a new tea to try, this one’s a good pick!

Everyone starts somewhere

When I was 23, I made up my mind: I wanted to invest in real estate.

But honestly? I didn’t know anything about it.

I didn’t grow up around people who owned rental properties. No one in my circle talked about real estate investing. I didn’t know the process, the terms, or where to begin. And I thought this was something only “rich” or “older” people did.

But I had a gut feeling that this could be a smart move for my future.

So I started with the basics: googling everything, watching YouTube videos, and listening to podcast episodes I didn’t fully understand yet. To say that it was overwhelming was an understatement.

There were a lot of times I felt confused or lost.

Sometimes I’d read something three times and still not get it. Other times, I’d watch a video and feel like the person was speaking a different language. I’d hear people throw around terms like “cash-on-cash return” or “debt-to-income ratio,” and I’d quietly open a new tab to look them up.

It was an entirely different world and there were moments where I even wondered, “Am I even cut out for this?”

But I reminded myself: everyone starts somewhere. And just because I didn’t know something yet didn’t mean I couldn’t learn it.

So I kept asking questions. I kept taking notes. I kept showing up.

Even if it took me longer to understand something, I didn’t quit. I knew that if I stayed with it, I’d figure it out eventually.

And I did.

Asking the right questions

What actually helped me move forward was asking questions. A lot of them.

A mentor once told me: “You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know what to ask.”

That changed how I approached everything. I stopped waiting until I felt “ready.” I realized that being curious and asking good questions was actually a strength, not a weakness.

Looking back, that one piece of advice helped me more than any podcast, article, or guide.

At first, I’d feel a little embarrassed. I was worried people would think I was asking stupid questions, things that were too simple or obvious. But I asked anyway. And to my surprise, many people were happy to help.

And the ones who really made a difference? They didn’t just throw information at me, they explained things in plain language. They broke it down step by step. They answered with kindness and didn’t make me feel small for not knowing.

I kept notes.
Rewatched videos.
Asked follow-up questions.
And I slowly started to connect the dots.

And with enough questions, enough learning, and enough small steps, I FINALLY DID IT.

By the time I turned 24, I closed on my first property.

It wasn’t perfect. I still had a lot to learn. But I had taken the first big step.

And that made all the difference.

A List I Wish I Had Back Then

When I started, I didn’t know what questions to ask. I had to figure it out the hard way.

That’s why I’m putting together a simple list of helpful questions, for anyone out there who’s just getting started and feels unsure, like I did. It won’t answer everything, but it’ll point you in the right direction.

Questions to Ask an Agent

These are great for learning about the market and making sure your agent understands your goals:

• Have you worked with other out-of-state investors or first-time buyers?

• Do you only cover the [San Diego] market, or work in other parts of California too?

• What do small multifamily units typically go for in this area?

• For single-family homes, what kind of rental income do you usually see?

• What does $500K (or your target budget) get you in this market?

• How many investor or homeowner clients are you currently working with?

Why this matters: You want to work with someone who understands your goals, especially if you’re investing from out of state or trying to generate rental income.

Questions to Ask a Lender

These help you understand your financing options and prep for the process:

• Do you loan on investment properties?

• What kind of down payment do you typically require?

• What are the current interest rates?

• What’s the average closing time?

• What states do you lend in?

• What kind of requirements do you look for? (credit score, work history, income, debt-to-income ratio, etc.)

• How long does it take to get pre-approved?

Why this matters: The right lender won’t just give you a loan, they’ll walk you through the process, help you run the numbers, and set realistic expectations.

Questions to ask your property manager

These help you assess whether they’ll take good care of your property and tenants:

• How many properties are you currently managing and how many are similar to mine?

• What’s your process for screening tenants?

• How do you handle maintenance requests and emergencies?

• What’s your fee structure and are there any additional charges I should know about?

• How often do you communicate with property owners and provide updates?

Why this matters: A great property manager can make your life significantly easier especially if you’re investing from out of state or prefer a hands-off approach.

Questions to Ask an Inspector

These help to get clarity on the condition of the property before committing:

• What are the most common issues you’ve seen in this area or property type?

• Can I join you during the inspection?

• How soon will I receive the full inspection report?

• If you find issues, can you recommend specialists for further evaluation?

• Do you also inspect for pests, mold, or radon, or do I need a separate inspection?

Why this matters: The inspection is your safety net. It helps you avoid surprises, understand repair costs, and negotiate better terms if needed.

Questions to Ask Yourself

These will keep you grounded in your goals and aligned with your values:

• Am I buying this property for lifestyle, investment, or both?

• Do I have enough savings for the down payment and unexpected costs?

• Is this location aligned with my 3–5 year life or investment plan?

• Do I want to be a hands-on owner or hire help to manage it?

• What does “success” look like for me in this purchase?

Why this matters: Real estate isn’t just a transaction, it’s a big life move. Asking yourself these questions ensures your decision is intentional, not impulsive.

You don’t need to have it all figured out

I definitely didn’t when I started.

But asking questions, staying curious, and taking it one step at a time helped me get there. And if you’re thinking about real estate, even if it feels confusing or far off, you can get there too!

I hope this list gives you a solid starting point and the confidence to keep going, even when things feel unclear.

Because if no one’s said it yet: You’re allowed to learn as you go.

And the more you ask, the more you’ll grow.

I’m rooting for you.

Support My Work

Enjoying this newsletter? If you’d like to support my work, you can buy me tea. Your support means so much! Every cup helps fuel the ideas, research, and energy I put into each newsletter.

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Thank you so much for being a part of the Intent community. I rely on word-of-mouth for growth. If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to share it with a friend.
Your commitment to living with purpose is exactly why this space exists. Can’t wait to share more in the next edition!

Until next time,
Radhika
Creating a life of purpose, wealth, and growth