There are a lot of myths out there that high-achieving professionals tell themselves about why they can’t invest in real estate while balancing a busy career and a demanding life. Here are the top five myths and the reasons why they’re false.

Myth 1: “I don’t have the time to invest in real estate.”

Reality: Figuring out, acquiring, and managing real estate investments all take time. But by outsourcing, building a local team you can count on, and streamlining your systems, it’s definitely possible to make really healthy returns without building yourself a second job.

Myth 2: “I don’t have the handy skills.”

Reality: You don’t have to have any hand skills to succeed in real estate investing if you pick the right strategy for yourself. For repairs and renovations, outsourcing to the pros is key. Your time and talents are much better spent at your full-time job than learning how to plumb a toilet or install an outlet. Your job will allow you to qualify for financing that snowballs your investing journey.

Myth 3: “Real estate investing is too risky.”

Reality: All investments come with risk, but also consider the risk of not diversifying your investments and sticking with the status quo. Relying on a single stream of income, a single employer, and a single retirement strategy comes with significant risk. Real estate strategies that focus on long-term growth and diversification rather than short-term gains in a single property can help reduce the risk.

Myth 4: “I need to be a full-time investor to make it worthwhile.”

Reality: A lot of successful investors start as part-timers while still working full-time in their careers. Diversification is the goal here so you can establish multiple sources of income and wealth-building over time. Your career is an important piece of that diversified strategy so all your eggs are never in one basket.

Myth 5: “I have to make a complete plan before starting.”

Reality: As a high-achieving career woman, your ability to research and make a plan has brought you the success you have now. But don’t let perfection and analysis paralysis get in the way of progress. Most investors make more than one investment and refine their strategy over time. Pick a strategy and go with it. Protect yourself by ensuring you always have two or more exit strategies for any property: renting it out, flipping it, selling it, buy-and-hold, or refinancing are all good options to make sure you are not stuck long-term with a losing property.

The reality is that busy executive women can and do build significant wealth on the side by untethering themselves from a single source of income as early as possible. Overcoming these myths can be scary, and diving into a new investment strategy can feel like diving into unknown waters. Lean on this community to help! If you are a busy executive woman looking to build your real estate portfolio on the side while still working full-time, learn more about getting started today in the comfort of a supportive community.