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Real estate continuing education allows you to maintain your real estate license. Read our guide now to discover our picks for the top real estate continuing providers!
The Ultimate Real Estate Listing Marketing Plan (PDF Checklist)
Boost your property sales with our ultimate real estate listing marketing plan. Download the free PDF checklist to streamline and supercharge your strategy.
Real Estate Farming: How to Become the Go-to Agent in Your Neighborhood
Real estate farming is a lead generation and marketing strategy agents use to generate consistent business from a specific geographic area. Learn more in our complete guide.
Looking for the best real estate lead generation companies? Discover our top picks so you can decide what is the best choice for you and your business.
Real estate AI tools can help streamline processes, enhance client interactions, and boost marketing efforts. Learn more about how you can benefit today by reading our guide now.
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Have you noticed how real estate investing always gets more challenging with new laws, rules, and regulations? So, education is crucial for your success before you drop money down on properties. Have no fear; online courses allow you to conveniently access valuable resources and information to help you achieve your investing goals. I’ve poured over a ridiculous amount of courses to bring you the best real estate investing classes online that are cost-effective and flexible enough to fit your busy schedule.
The Best Real Estate Investing Courses: Online Factors to Consider
Weigh these factors before selecting your ideal real estate investment online course. Evaluate the content to ensure it aligns with your investing goals. For example, you don’t want to choose a fix-and-flip course if you intend to buy and hold rentals.
Here are some fundamental factors to consider when picking the best real estate investment courses online:
Instructor expertise and credibility are vital for learning. You will benefit significantly from seasoned professionals with practical experience.
Customer reviews offer valuable insights into the course’s effectiveness and the satisfaction of past participants.
What are your learning needs and commitment to show up and do the work?
The course’s length allows you to plan and manage your time effectively, ensuring a fruitful learning experience.
Without further ado, check out these fabulous courses for every stage of your real estate investing career. For additional topics included in these courses, click on the course link.
Learn why you should invest in real estate. Confidently evaluate and distinguish between “good” and “bad” deals. Plus, you’ll learn investment models to assess rental income properties, fix-and-flips, commercial properties, and vacation rentals. You will also gain the expertise to implement innovative investment deal structures and apply real estate investment strategies and techniques for success.
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Free preview of the investment property analysis (Source: Udemy)
Course Features
18.5 hours ofon-demand videos, 20 articles, and 69 downloadable resources
Accessible from mobile devices, computers, television, and a convenient mobile app
When you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion
Available in 12 different languages
2. Buy-and-hold Real Estate Investing
BUY & HOLD: How To Buy, Fix, Tenant, & Manage Rentals
Who it's best for: New investors who want to own property for the long haul
Online course rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $64.99
Duration: 5.5 hours
Format: On-demand video
Requirements: None
What You’ll Learn
Discover comprehensive real estate investment guidance, such as assessing buy-and-hold properties and local vs remote investing. You’ll learn how to master negotiations, contracts, and property processes whether you buy a duplex, triplex, quadplex, or apartment buildings. When you complete the course, you will know how to grasp cash flow, return on investment (ROI), and metrics through practical exercises to avoid costly Fair House Act penalties.
Instructor(s): Khari Parker, Adrian Gray, Symon He, and Starweaver
Who it's best for: New and experienced investors who want to fix and flip properties
Online course rating: 4.6 out of 5
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $39.99 ($1,800 value)
Duration: 30 hours and lifetime access
Format: On-demand video
Requirements: Computer and internet access
What You’ll Learn
Discover the fix-and-flip process, covering sourcing, funding, fix-and-flip analysis, renovation, and sales. Gain insights via walkthroughs and lessons on property rehab. A 10-lesson module covers agent roles, valuation, negotiation, and real estate tech. You’ll also learn about mortgage underwriting, analysis, loan management, and securitization. It also includes some education in commercial real estate deals, property valuation, market assessment, and leveraging for preinvesting.
Requirements: Computer and internet access. Ability to attend all live sessions
What You’ll Learn
Earn a Commercial Real Estate (CRE) certificate online through the esteemed Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. This comprehensive program equips you with in-depth knowledge and skills in the commercial real estate domain, enhancing your professional growth and expertise in the field. It adds a wide array of topics, such as planning a financially feasible development project using the real estate development process, creating a real estate development project schedule, budget, and method for managing resources and risks, structuring private equity and debt financing to maximize returns on real estate investment deals, and much more.
Intro to the CRE certificate course (Source: eCornell)
Course Features
Small class sizes of under 35 students
It is entirely online with instructor-led classes, so you can ask in-depth questions.
Offers 60 professional development hours (equivalent to 6.0 CEUs) for CRE professionals and contributes 60 credits towards the BOMI Continuing Professional Development Program (CPD)
Two weeks long, with the entire program duration of three months
Did you know?
Other investment strategies exist besides buy-and-hold, fix-and-flip, and commercial real estate investment. These include short-term and vacation rentals, wholesaling, tax lien investing, buying preforeclosure and foreclosure properties, crowdfunding, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
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5. Real Estate Business Development & Entrepreneurship
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Learning Center
Who it's best for: Beginners and anyone needing basic business skills
Online course rating: Not available
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: Free
Duration: Course duration varies
Format: On-demand video
Requirements: Internet and computer access
What You’ll Learn
The US Small Business Administration Online Learning Center content is not directly for real estate investing. However, many would-be successful investors spend a lot of time analyzing deals but don’t develop the necessary skills to start, manage, and grow a business. These courses have hundreds of on-demand videos covering writing a business plan, balance sheets, financing, pricing, technology, and tons more. Did I mention they’re all free?
You’ll also learn marketing and market research, business legal requirements, buying a business, and starting a holding company.
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A sample from one of the SBA courses (Source: SBA.gov)
Course Features
Short, interactive videos with transcripts and resources
Simple, user-friendly platform to study at your own pace
Courses are downloadable in .mp4 format
The platform tracks and saves your progress
No sign-up is required. Simply go to the site and learn.
Tenant mobile payments on the app (Source: Baselane)
You’ll need a plan to manage your business and profits when generating revenue from your investment properties. Whether you own one unit or building or want to scale your business to the next level, Baselane can help. Baselane is a new banking platform built specifically for independent landlords. It offers free banking, free rent collection, and free bookkeeping and reporting tools from one simple-to-use platform.
Who it's best for: Beginner property managers and those needing continuing education credits
Online course rating: Not available
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $579
Duration: 10 to 13 months
Format: Self-paced online
Requirements: Reliable internet
What You’ll Learn
In this course, you will develop and sustain positive tenant relationships by mastering communication and empathizing with tenant needs. You’ll learn effective management techniques for diverse rental categories, including commercial, multifamily, and single-family units. Understanding advertising vacancies, tenant screening, credit assessment, and optimizing turnover schedules can help reduce vacancy periods.
You’ll also gain knowledge of property risk assessment and liability transfer to external entities. The program deepens comprehension and adherence to Fair Housing statutes and regulations, ensuring a lawful and ethical property management approach. Lastly, you’ll cover Managing Building Maintenance and Tenant Relations, Financial Accounting and Property Valuation, Real Estate Law, Risk Management, and Fair Housing.
An overview of the Penn Foster experience (Source: Penn Foster)
Course Features
Digital study guides, self-check quizzes, simulations, and videos
24/7 access to online resources and Student Portal Help Center
Online student community
Licensed property managers receive 56.7 continuing education credits to maintain their licenses.
For a well-organized real estate investment journey, TenantCloud is invaluable. This cloud-based property management software simplifies tasks like tenant screening, lease management, and communication. It offers fair pricing, comprehensive features, and the ability to list and manage numerous properties, making it ideal for independent landlords and property managers seeking efficiency and ease in handling rental processes.
Who it's best for: Investors with basic accounting skills who want to understand how to analyze and finance deals
Online course rating: 5 out of 5
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $499
Duration: 20 hours
Format: On-demand video
Requirements: Basic introductory accounting knowledge (e.g., the interaction of balance sheet, cash flow, and income statement) and proficiency in MS Excel
What You’ll Learn
This course lays the groundwork in real estate finance and Excel techniques, gradually advancing in complexity. Participants will adeptly construct comprehensive, industry-standard models for multifamily, office, retail, and industrial properties by the program’s conclusion. This course thoroughly explores revenue, operational costs, capital enhancements, debt structuring, and collaborative venture distributions.
Some additional critical topics covered entail:
Learning optimal methodologies for real estate financial modeling
Theories underpinning real estate investment and development
Harnessing historical financial data for multifamily acquisition modeling
Employing Argus outputs for commercial acquisition modeling
Chris Voss, a former FBI international hostage negotiator and founder of the Black Swan Group, provides various online negotiation training courses. In his classes, you’ll learn his “tactical empathy” strategy, which teaches you how using empathy in your communications will take you further than bullish negotiation tactics. There’s also a course on using your tone of voice to build rapport and get what you want.
There are negotiation courses for real estate agents, company leaders, and anyone who wants to develop the art of negotiation. There is also a subscription that provides a one-year on-demand video subscription to the teachings in the chapters of Never Split the Difference and an advanced livestream Zoom course in advanced tactical empathy.
Who it's best for: Real estate investors of any level
Online course rating:4.4 out of 5 (for the School of Professional Studies)
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $877
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: Self-paced online
Requirements: Reliable computer and internet access
What You’ll Learn
In this course, you will gain expertise in evaluating the financial performance of publicly traded REITs and making informed investment decisions. The curriculum encompasses qualitative and quantitative analysis, teaching you to define strategies and interpret portfolio statistics. It also teaches you to comprehend income statements and the REIT-specific metric funds from operation (FFO).
Additional learning includes assessing balance sheet strength, evaluating dividend-paying capacity, and scrutinizing management teams through publicly available documents.
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Real Estate Investing certificate electives with the REIT course (Source: NYU)
Course Features
It can be completed as a standalone course or as part of NYU’s Certificate in Real Estate Investment
Upon completion,learners receive two continuing education credits, which they can apply to the certificate program
The course is offered in semesters that align with the school’s academic calendar so learners can plan ahead
Who it's best for: Investors, property managers, and landlords
Online course rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $99.99
Duration: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Format: On-demand videos
Requirements: Access to Microsoft Excel for PC or Mac
What You’ll Learn
In this course, you will learn how to analyze and maximize deals in your portfolio and how to achieve goals in asset management. Additionally, the course teaches you how to create quarterly and annual reports, key projections, and a budget. Lastly, you’ll learn how to negotiate leases.
Some key outcomes and takeaways include:
Managing real estate acquisitions successfully as an asset manager
Conducting asset management financial analysis, including lease, hold/sell, scenario, and next-buyer analysis
Creating budgets and essential projections
Maximizing property value through asset management during the sale process
Real estate exit strategies
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A sample from the re-leasing analysis in Excel (Source: Udemy)
Course Features
Three hours of on-demand video, three articles, and eleven downloadable resources
Access the program on mobile and TV
Full lifetime access
Certificate of completion
The portfolio management dashboard (Source: DoorLoop)
If you’re looking for a robust program to easily manage and grow your portfolio from anywhere, check out DooLoop. The online platform will handle portfolios of any size and property type. It provides accounting for nonaccounts, rent collection, and marketing vacancies, and you can fully automate your property management processes.
Who it's best for: Investors and those interested in sustainable real estate
Online course rating: Not available
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $2,946
Duration: 8 weeks
Format: Self-paced online course
Requirements: Computer, tablet, mobile device
What You’ll Learn
The course explores real estate’s ecological, social, and governance dimensions, including trends, risks, and opportunities. It emphasizes sustainable practices to enhance community resilience and contribute to a sustainable future.
Over eight weeks, you’ll devise a customized action plan to address sustainability challenges and identify opportunities for positive impact. By implementing these strategies, individuals and organizations can foster a more sustainable real estate industry and create positive change in supply chains and communities.
Some course takeaways:
Understanding key sustainability issues in real estate and their solutions
Insight into connecting communities and delivering social and business value through sustainable measures, using systems thinking skills
Developing a strategy to drive sustainability in your organization or spheres of influence
Who it's best for: Accredited commercial real estate investors
Online course rating: Not available
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $229 nonmember, $209 Realtor, $189 CCIM members
Duration: Contact CCIM
Format: Online or in person
Requirements: None specified
What You’ll Learn
This advanced training teaches you how to use crowdfunding and real estate syndication to gather money from investors to fund your commercial real estate ventures. You will learn how to raise capital from private sources while adhering to securities regulations. You’ll also learn how to structure your agreements, which legal entities to use, and other effective methods for raising large sums of money.
Some course highlights include:
Many forms of ownership, including tenancy in common, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies, generally used in syndication
Plans for paying investors cash distributions and sponsor compensation
How lenders look at financing real estate owned by syndication
Who it's best for: International investors who want to invest in US real estate
Online course rating: 4.3 out of 5
Pricing & Structure:
Cost: $34.99
Duration: 2 hours
Format: On-demand video
Requirements: Computer and internet access
What You’ll Learn
Foreign nationals interested in real estate investment will be guided through a comprehensive step-by-step process on effectively investing in the US. They will acquire the knowledge and skills required to establish and manage their real estate ventures within the country.
Participants will learn how to build strong relationships with hard money lenders, understand the necessary steps and criteria, and successfully identify suitable properties. They will also learn to comprehend market dynamics while operating abroad. Furthermore, participants will gain proficiency in using essential tools crucial for achieving success in REI.
Some course sections cover:
How to build a real estate investing business worldwide
Business entities for foreign nationals
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Understanding FIRPTA and the PATH Act
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Free preview on incorporating your business in the US (Source: Udemy)
Course Features
One article plus seven downloadable resources
Accessible from a computer, mobile device, and TV
Full lifetime access
Certificate of completion
Pros & Cons of Online Investing Courses
Online real estate investing courses present a convenient pathway to gaining expertise in property investment. They offer accessible access to industry insights and trends, enabling flexible learning. However, these courses come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Explore the pros and cons to make an informed decision about investing in online real estate education.
Pros
Cons
Convenience and flexibility: Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace and schedule.
Technical challenges: Reliable internet and basic computer skills are necessary; technical issues can disrupt progress.
Cost-effective: It can be more affordable than in-person classes, saving tuition and commuting expenses.
Variable quality: The quality of online courses can vary, with some needing more up-to-date information or credible instructors.
Diverse learning materials: Courses typically include videos, readings, quizzes, and interactive elements catering to various learning styles.
Self-motivation: Staying motivated and disciplined can be challenging, leading to incomplete courses.
Global reach: You can enroll in courses from anywhere, accessing content and networking opportunities that might not be available locally.
Potential lack of interaction: Online courses might offer less interaction with instructors and peers, impacting discussion and networking opportunities.
Access to experts: These courses often feature experienced instructors and industry professionals who provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
Limited hands-on opportunities: Online courses may need more practical, hands-on experience than in-person classes or workshops can provide.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, if you choose wisely, real estate investing courses are worth the cost. Look for classes with expert instructors who are also investors. Also, peruse the course content to ensure it covers the topics you need and at your level. If you’re brand new to investing, take a beginner’s course. You can find free, low-cost, and paid classes in this article.
There are many ways to educate yourself in real estate investing. Start by reading books, articles like this, and others on our site, and watch videos and podcasts. Take courses for beginners and specific classes for the type of real estate investing you want to learn. Get a mentor or join real estate investing groups and build your network of investors and real estate professionals who work with investors, such as agents, attorneys, general contractors, and building inspectors. When you grasp concepts well, put a little money down and buy a property. You’ll learn very quickly with hands-on experience!
If you want to own physical properties, residential properties are the best entry-level real estate investment. These properties include homes with one to four units. This level of investing is suitable for beginners since it requires a smaller down payment, and there aren’t too many units and tenants to manage. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and crowdfunding are good options for investing without owning physical property.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing quality real estate investment courses is essential for success. Pick a course that aligns with your goals and preferences, and embrace continuous learning to thrive in the real estate market. By equipping yourself with valuable knowledge and skills, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of real estate investing. Remember, continuous learning is the key to staying ahead and achieving long-term financial prosperity.
Have you taken real estate investing classes online? Tell us more in the comments below!
Melanie Patterson is the outgoing editor for The Close and a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of combined experience. She is a licensed real estate salesperson in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and holds a Luxury Homes Certification through the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC). Melanie has a diverse background in real estate sales, marketing, property management, and residential real estate investing.
Before joining The Close, Melanie was a full-time writer at Fit Small Business and a certified business advisor for the Small Business Development Center. She also owned a private home-based business as a business development, sales, and marketing coach. She has managed multiple properties, including a women’s emergency shelter.
Beyond her professional life, Melanie is a natural bodybuilder who enjoys activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, and cultivating a small vineyard and flower, herb, and vegetable gardens on her 13.5-acre farm in rural New Hampshire. She shares her life with her husband, David, and their adorable Jack Russell Terrier, Copper.
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