For first-time real estate investors, the process of buying a property can be overwhelming and filled with potential pitfalls. However, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, these obstacles can be avoided, making the process much smoother and less stressful. Here are the top pitfalls to avoid when navigating the first-time real estate investor's minefield.

Real estate can be a valuable tool for building long-term wealth, especially for women. Despite facing unique financial challenges, such as the gender pay gap and longer life expectancy, women can use real estate to their advantage. I have been fortunate enough to use real estate investing as my primary source of income for my future retirement. I have been an entrepreneur most of my working career, so I did not have the traditional 401K or IRA or even benefits as part of my employment. Investing in residential real estate is my long term plan for wealth building and passive income.