Investing in real estate can be fruitful. Now, after years in the workforce, more millennials are taking the leap. Many are first-time investors who need helpful tips about how to get started in the real estate game.

 1. Improve your credit. Investors need a good credit score to get certain loans—especially first-time investors. Money lenders comb through your finances to ensure you’re a good risk, so pay off previous loans to bump up your score.

2. Build your savings. Having a stable savings stream puts you in good standing with lenders. Save a percentage of your paychecks to store funds for your first purchase and create a smart and consistent plan to pay off your high interest debts first.

3. Study up. Research can help you build a strong portfolio and learn about the industry. Calculate how much you can spend and how long it takes to renovate and sell homes in your price range. Use comparisons for similar real estate in the area to save time, money and stress. 4. Use your brain. Emotion can get in the way of real estate investment. What may seem too good to be true often is. Consult an inspector prior to making a purchase. And learn from any failures to become a stronger, smarter investor.