How to Flip a House Step-by-Step (No Experience Needed)

I still remember the first time I thought about how to flip a house. I didn’t have experience, money, or a background in construction. All I had was a hunch that real estate could change my life—and a determination to figure it out.

If that sounds anything like you, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down how to flip a house with no experience, step by step. No busy work. No gatekeeping. Just a proven path that beginners can follow to flip their first property the smart way.

And to make it even easier, we’ve included free downloadable resources—like a getting-started guide, scope of work template, and a deal calculator—to help you avoid rookie mistakes and close your first flip with confidence.

Let’s get into it:

• What Is House Flipping?
• How to Flip a House: 10 Steps for Beginners
• Expert Tips To Flip A House For The First Time
• First-Time House Flipper FAQs

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Want to learn how to flip a house the smart way? Join our FREE live webinar and discover the proven strategies to build lasting wealth through real estate.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, we'll show you how to take action today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the insider tips and tools that have helped thousands of investors succeed! Seats are limited—Reserve Your Spot Now!

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*Before we begin our guide, we also invite you to view our video on How to Start Flipping Houses as a Beginner! [STEP BY STEP]. Host and CEO of Real Estate Skills, Alex Martinez, & Stan Gendlin share how to flip a house from start to finish as a beginner!

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What Is House Flipping?

House flipping is the process of buying a property, fixing it up, and then selling it for a profit. It’s a real estate investing strategy that focuses on purchasing homes below market value, making improvements, and reselling them—ideally within a few months—to generate income.

This strategy, often referred to as fix and flip or rehabbing, might seem reserved for seasoned investors, but that’s far from the truth. You don’t need years of experience, a real estate license, or even a perfect credit score to flip your first house. With the right steps and some practical guidance, anyone can learn how to flip a house and turn it into a profitable venture.

We created this beginner’s guide (a flipping-houses 101 course, if you will) to show you exactly how it’s done—from finding deals to funding and selling them. If you want to see what this looks like in real life, check out the video below where I walk you through my very first house flip from start to finish.

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How to Flip a House: 10 Steps for Beginners

Here’s how to flip a house step by step, even if you’re starting from scratch. Whether you’re dreaming of quitting your 9-to-5 or just looking to make your first real estate deal, house flipping is a proven way to build wealth—no experience required.

At its core, flipping a house means finding the right property, renovating it strategically, and reselling it for a profit. But doing it right—especially on your first try—means having a clear roadmap, understanding your market, and learning from those who’ve done it before.

This guide lays out the entire process of how to flip a house for beginners. Follow these 10 steps to avoid common pitfalls, protect your investment, and flip your first property with confidence:

1. Consult A House-Flipping Mentor
2. Evaluate Your Skills, Commitment & Time
3. Research Your Market
4. Assemble Your Team
5. Choose The Right Property To Purchase
6. Find & Secure Your Funding
7. Buy Within Your Budget
8. Rehabbing, Renovations & Additions
9. Rent For Passive Income
10. Resell The Property For Profit

Consult a House-Flipping Mentor

If you're trying to figure out how to flip a house with no experience, the smartest move you can make is finding a real estate mentor who's already done it. Why? Because house flipping has a lot of moving parts—property analysis, estimating rehab costs, contractor management, negotiations, closing timelines—and one wrong decision can cost you thousands of dollars or kill your deal altogether.

A house-flipping mentor helps you avoid those early mistakes by showing you exactly what to do and what to avoid. They’ve walked the path, flipped houses themselves, and learned the hard lessons—so you don’t have to. A good mentor can help you:

• Evaluate deals like a seasoned investor
• Connect with reliable contractors, agents, and lenders
• Understand rehab budgets, timelines, and resale pricing
• Stay compliant with real estate laws and local regulations
• Build confidence to take action on your first flip

Trying to flip your first house without guidance can feel overwhelming and risky. But learning from someone who's already succeeded? That’s not just smart; it’s a shortcut to results.

Your First Step: Download The Ultimate Guide To Start Real Estate Investing

Before you find your first flip or hire your first contractor, make sure you have the right foundation. Our Ultimate Guide To Start Real Estate Investing is a FREE Downloadable Resource designed for beginners who want to learn how to flip a house the right way—without the guesswork.

Inside, you’ll get step-by-step strategies and expert insights to help you build your confidence and take action. Whether you want to flip houses full-time or just secure your first deal, this guide will help you start with clarity and direction.

Evaluate Your Skills, Commitment, & Time

After learning from a mentor, the next essential move is to take an honest look in the mirror. Successful fix and flip projects require more than interest—they demand focus, follow-through, and realistic planning. That’s why a personal inventory of your current strengths, limitations, and lifestyle is so important before you take on your first investment property.

Ask yourself: Do I have enough time to manage renovations? Am I comfortable analyzing deals and running numbers? Do I have the discipline to work through setbacks and delays? These questions don’t just assess readiness—they help define what kind of support, training, or partnerships you might still need moving forward.

Evaluating your skills early on brings clarity to your real estate investment journey. With a better understanding of where you excel and where you might need guidance, you’ll approach each opportunity with sharper instincts, greater confidence, and a strategy tailored to your personal goals and bandwidth.

 

Key Traits and Transferable Skills That Help Beginners Succeed at House Flipping

Skill or Characteristic	Why It Matters in Flipping Houses
Project Management	Helps oversee contractors, timelines, budgets, and permits efficiently.
Basic Math & Budgeting	Essential for estimating rehab costs and calculating profit margins.
Negotiation Skills	Useful when dealing with sellers, contractors, and end-buyers.
Attention to Detail	Helps spot property issues early and ensures quality renovations.
Problem Solving	Crucial for adapting when unexpected costs or delays arise.
People Skills	Builds strong relationships with your team, lenders, and agents.
Time Management	Keeps renovation schedules on track and maximizes efficiency.
Visual Design Sense	Useful when choosing paint, finishes, and layout changes buyers will love.

 

You might be surprised how many of these traits you already possess. Whether you’ve managed projects at work, balanced a household budget, or handled tricky negotiations, these everyday experiences translate directly into house flipping success. The key is recognizing and sharpening these transferable skills—because chances are, you’re more prepared than you think.

Research Your Market

Once you’ve evaluated your skills and mindset, the next essential step is understanding the market you’re entering. If you want to know how to start flipping houses the smart way, you need to become a student of your local real estate landscape. Doing your homework upfront can be the difference between a profitable flip and a costly mistake.

Start by learning the basics of neighborhood trends, property values, and the types of homes that are selling quickly. Look into buyer demand, average days on market, and what upgrades local buyers are willing to pay a premium for. Researching comparable sales—also known as real estate comps—will help you determine what renovated homes are worth in your target area.

Understanding local housing inventory, pricing trends, and zoning rules gives you a clear edge. You’ll know which zip codes offer the highest return on investment, where demand is rising, and what pitfalls to avoid (like flood zones or declining school districts). Flipping homes isn’t just about the property—it’s about the market surrounding it.

The more familiar you are with the area, the easier it becomes to spot undervalued homes and make smart buying decisions. By developing a deep knowledge of your investment market, you position yourself to minimize risk and maximize your chances of success, especially as a first-time flipper.

Read Also: 5 Best Places & Cities To Flip Houses In 2025

Download the Comp Criteria Cheatsheet to Research Your Market Like a Pro

Knowing your market is half the battle—and we’ve made it easier. Our FREE Comp Criteria Cheatsheet PDF walks you through exactly what to look for when analyzing real estate comps, evaluating neighborhood trends, and identifying properties with strong flip potential. Whether you’re brand new or just want a better system for market analysis, this guide will help you make smarter, faster decisions before every deal.

Assemble Your House-Flipping Dream Team

Even if you're learning how to buy and flip houses with no experience, you don’t have to do it all alone—and you shouldn’t. Successful flippers surround themselves with the right people. Building a trustworthy, experienced team will help you move faster, avoid costly mistakes, and focus your energy on making smart investment decisions.

While you might start solo on your first flip, the more deals you do, the more you'll see the value of having reliable partners. Whether it’s a contractor who finishes on time, a savvy real estate agent who knows the neighborhood, or a real estate attorney who protects your interests, assembling the right team is one of the smartest moves a new investor can make.

Here’s a breakdown of the key players you’ll want to consider bringing on board—and how each can help you flip houses more effectively:

 

Essential House-Flipping Team Members and Their Roles

Team Member	How They Help
General Contractor	Oversees renovations, manages trades, and ensures the work meets local code and quality standards.
Real Estate Agent	Helps find profitable deals and list finished flips on the market for maximum exposure and sale price.
Real Estate Attorney	Reviews contracts, ensures legal compliance, and protects your interests throughout the transaction.
Title Company	Performs title searches, issues title insurance, and facilitates closing.
Lender or Private Money Partner	Provides the capital needed to purchase and renovate the property.
Inspector	Evaluates the condition of the home before purchase and after repairs to catch any issues.
Assistant or Project Manager	Helps with scheduling, paperwork, budgets, and keeping the project on track.

 

Choose The Right Property To Purchase

After laying the groundwork for your business and surrounding yourself with a skilled team, the next pivotal move in house flipping is identifying the right property to invest in. This is where strategy and discipline truly begin to pay off. Success in flipping homes hinges on the ability to evaluate properties not just based on appearance or location, but on numbers that work.

The most successful investors zero in on properties where the math checks out. Two critical benchmarks help guide this decision: After-Repair Value (ARV) and the 70% Rule. ARV is the estimated value of the home after renovations are complete. This gives you a target for how much the property could realistically sell for. The 70% Rule is a quick calculation many flippers use to stay profitable—it says you should pay no more than 70% of the ARV, minus repair costs. This is where your Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO) comes in.

Your MAO is the highest price you can pay for a property while still leaving enough room for renovation expenses, holding costs, closing fees, and profit. Being disciplined about your MAO is what separates profitable investors from risky speculators. Without a clear understanding of these numbers, it’s easy to overpay and kill your margins before the first hammer swings.

Additionally, finding the deal before securing funding gives you an edge. Knowing the exact property and its potential allows you to align your financial strategy with real numbers, making lenders more confident and ensuring you're not overextending yourself. When you buy smart, with a numbers-first mindset, everything else—from financing to resale—gets easier.

Read Also: Flipping A House Checklist: 10 Essential Steps For Rehabbing

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*For in-depth training on real estate investing, Real Estate Skills offers extensive courses to get you ready to make your first investment! Attend our FREE Webinar Training and gain insider knowledge, expert strategies, and essential skills to make the most of every real estate opportunity that comes your way!

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Find & Secure Your Funding

Securing funding is the next step in house flipping, whether you need a down payment, no money down, or the whole purchase price. Savvy investors turn to alternative real estate financing, with private and hard money lenders emerging as preferred sources. Private lenders are individuals willing to invest their capital, while hard money lenders are institutions providing short-term, asset-based loans.

Though these options carry higher interest rates, their focus on asset-based lending and short loan terms aligns with the fast-paced nature of house flipping.

Convincing these lenders to invest in your flip requires a compelling case, especially with no prior experience. Crafting a detailed scope of work is paramount, outlining the entire process, associated expenses, and potential profits. This comprehensive plan serves as a roadmap, demonstrating your understanding of the project and mitigating the perceived risk for lenders.

While the process may seem daunting for newcomers, a well-prepared proposal significantly increases the likelihood of securing funding from private or hard money lenders, setting the financial foundation for your flip.

To be clear, private and hard money lenders are not the only sources of income to flip deals. Whether buying a rental property or a first house with a full-time house-flipping business, there are several options: home equity line of credit (HELOCs), joint ventures, crowdsourcing, traditional mortgages, and more.

Read Also: Fix & Flip Loans: A Beginner's Guide To Funding A House Flip

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Buy Within Your Budget

With your numbers dialed in and financing ready, the next step is to make smart offers grounded in local market insights. This is where strategic buying really comes into play. Working with distressed property owners, especially those navigating pre-foreclosure, inherited homes, or financial difficulties, can open the door to favorable deals.

When buyers are equipped with clear financial limits and sellers are motivated to act quickly, the result is often a mutually rewarding agreement. These types of sellers are typically more flexible on price and timelines, allowing you to stay within your spending plan while offering them a practical solution.

Ultimately, this approach to acquisition turns what could be a stressful negotiation into a collaborative opportunity. By aligning your buying criteria with sellers who need a fast resolution, you create the foundation for a smooth, cost-effective transaction that benefits everyone involved.

Rehabbing, Renovations & Additions

Once you've closed on the property, the renovation phase begins—and this is where planning, discipline, and strategy truly matter. Every upgrade should be intentional, cost-effective, and aligned with neighborhood expectations. The aim isn't to create a luxury showcase; it's to make the home more appealing than the local competition without overspending.

Smart investors focus on high-ROI improvements that enhance curb appeal, functionality, and buyer appeal. Whether it's updating kitchens and bathrooms, enhancing the landscaping, or fixing structural issues, each repair or addition should support the final sales goal while staying within the established renovation budget.

This balanced approach helps your property shine in the market while maximizing your returns. When done right, these improvements can spark interest, generate multiple offers, and lead to a quicker, more profitable sale.

Read Also: Rehabbing A House: The Beginner’s Guide To House Flipping

Download the Free Scope of Work Template PDF

Not sure what repairs to budget for or how to track them? Our Scope of Work Template PDF helps investors outline every rehab task, estimate renovation costs, and stay on top of timelines. It’s the perfect resource for planning your next fix-and-flip with confidence.

Rent For Passive Income

After bringing the house to its desired condition, investors can generate passive income by renting it out. This strategy involves finding suitable tenants, setting a competitive rental rate, and managing the property efficiently. Renting offers a steady cash flow, providing a reliable source of income while allowing the property to appreciate over time.

This approach contrasts with immediate selling, offering long-term financial benefits. Renting also provides investors with potential tax advantages and flexibility, allowing them to adapt to market conditions.

Additionally, in a rising real estate market, holding onto the property allows for increased value, maximizing returns when the time is right for a profitable sale. Choosing to rent offers investors a balanced blend of immediate income and long-term wealth-building, making it a strategic move in the dynamic realm of real estate investment.

Read Also: How To Start A Rental Property Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

Resell The Property For Profit

Once renovations are complete and the property is market-ready, the next step is resale—and this is where the payoff happens. According to ATTOM Data Solutions’ latest Home Flipping Report, the average gross profit from a flipped home is around $72,000, showing just how financially rewarding a successful flip can be.

Reselling offers a lump-sum return, making it ideal for investors who want to quickly recoup their capital and reinvest in the next opportunity. Instead of managing a rental long-term, a sale provides immediate liquidity and removes the day-to-day responsibilities of property ownership.

By pricing the home competitively, highlighting its upgrades, and marketing it effectively, investors can attract eager buyers and maximize their return. When market conditions are favorable, reselling can significantly accelerate your wealth-building timeline, especially if you’re flipping multiple homes per year.

Read Also: Flipping Houses Salary: How Much Do House Flippers Make?

Expert Tips To Flip A House For The First Time

Learning how to flip a property or how to flip houses with no money and without experience becomes much more manageable when given some direction. Listening to individuals who have successfully invested and flipped properties provides valuable insights and practical guidance.

Below, we've curated expert tips to serve as a foundational resource for those venturing into the dynamic world of house flipping without prior experience:

• Build A Real Estate Network
• Find The Right Property
• Consider Off-Market Properties
• Find The Right Lender
• Register A Business Entity

Build A Real Estate Network

Learning how to start house flipping for the first time isn’t as hard as many assume. Those with the right network can source information from trusted friends and industry professionals. As a result, we advise everyone learning how to flip a house with no experience to build a real estate network.

For several reasons, building and maintaining a real estate network is crucial for new investors. Firstly, a strong network provides access to valuable resources, information, and potential investment opportunities.

It enables new investors to leverage the knowledge and experience of seasoned professionals, gaining valuable insights that can inform their decisions. Networking also facilitates collaboration, enabling investors to form partnerships, share expertise, and collectively navigate challenges.

To build and maintain a robust real estate network, new investors should attend industry events, join online forums and social media groups, participate in local real estate clubs, and seek mentorship from experienced individuals.

Consistent engagement, genuine relationship-building, and a willingness to assist others in the network are crucial elements in establishing a lasting and mutually beneficial real estate community.

Read Also: 11 Best Platforms For Your Real Estate Social Network

Find The Right Property

Remember, combining multiple strategies and staying persistent is the key to finding fix-and-flip real estate deals, especially in competitive real estate markets.

Here’s a list of the most common ways for investors, new and experienced, to find deals to flip:

• Real Estate Auctions: Many distressed properties are auctioned off, providing a potential treasure trove for fix-and-flip homes and real estate opportunities. Participate in local foreclosure auctions or online platforms to discover potentially lower-priced properties.
• Networking With Wholesalers: Connect with real estate wholesalers who find distressed properties for a living. These individuals often identify off-market deals and can be valuable sources for investors looking to flip properties.
• Direct Marketing: Implement targeted marketing strategies, such as direct mail campaigns or digital marketing, to reach homeowners facing foreclosure or those looking to sell quickly. This proactive approach can unearth motivated sellers and off-market deals.
• MLS (Multiple Listing Service): While more traditional, the MLS can still be a valuable resource. Work closely with a real estate agent to gain access to the MLS database, allowing you to identify potential fix-and-flip opportunities listed on the market.
• Driving For Dollars: Physically explore neighborhoods, looking for distressed or vacant properties. Driving for dollars can uncover opportunities that may not be immediately apparent through online searches.
• Real Estate Wholesaler Websites: Utilize online platforms specifically designed for real estate wholesalers. These websites often list off-market properties and can be a convenient way to discover potential fix-and-flip deals.
• Attending Real Estate Networking Events: Attend local real estate networking events, where you can connect with other investors and real estate professionals and potentially discover off-market opportunities through word of mouth.
• Social Media & Online Forums: Engage in real estate communities on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or specialized forums. Discussing your intentions and networking with other investors might lead to valuable tips on potential fix-and-flip deals.
• Visit The Local Courthouse: Distressed properties are public record. A simple trip to your local courthouse may identify distressed homeowners and their contact information.
• Local Government Auctions: Check for properties seized by local governments due to tax defaults. These auctions can present opportunities for investors, and the information is often publicly available.

Consider Off-Market Properties

First-time house flippers often find success in off-market properties, as they present less competition and the potential for discounts. Unlike properties listed on the open market, off-market deals can offer better negotiation opportunities, allowing investors to secure properties at more favorable terms.

This strategic approach minimizes the impact of competition, giving newcomers an advantage when flipping a house for the first time.

Read Also: How To Find Off-Market Properties: 10 Best Ways For Investors

Find The Right Lender

Exploring various lending options is essential for new real estate rehabbers seeking financing. Traditional banks may be stringent, so consider alternative routes like private money lenders or hard money loans, known for accommodating rehab projects.

Network within the real estate community to discover lenders with experience in financing flips, as they are more likely to understand the unique dynamics of your venture.

Prepare a comprehensive business plan detailing your project, including the scope of work, budget, and potential returns; this showcases your commitment and expertise and provides lenders with a clear understanding of the investment's viability.

Be transparent about your limited experience, emphasizing your dedication to learning and leveraging mentorship. Building a solid relationship with a lender based on trust and transparency is crucial for securing financing for your initial real estate rehabilitation project.

Read Also: Private Money Lending: How It Works & How To Become A Lender

Register A Business Entity

For several reasons, registering a business, such as an LLC, is crucial for new house flippers.

Firstly, it provides a legal and financial separation between personal and business assets, shielding personal wealth in case of unforeseen challenges. Secondly, having a registered business enhances credibility with potential lenders, sellers, and partners, fostering trust and facilitating smoother transactions. Additionally, it offers tax advantages and allows for more straightforward accounting, making it easier to track expenses and deductions.

Read Also: How To Start A House-Flipping Business: Plan Your Success In 10 Steps

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First-Time House Flipper FAQs

Learn how to flip a houses for the first time more manageable, we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the exit strategy. This curated resource addresses common queries beginners may have, offering valuable insights and guidance on various aspects of flipping a house.

How Much Money Should You Start With To Flip A House?

Thanks to alternative financing options, you don't need your own money to start flipping a house. However, having a safety net is advisable for new investors. While it's possible to flip with minimal personal funds, having extra cash set aside is wise to account for unforeseen circumstances or unexpected expenses that may arise during the house-flipping process.

Can You Flip Houses With No Money?

Flipping houses with no money is possible through alternative financing options like hard and private lenders.

While personal funds may not be directly used, securing financial support from these sources is crucial. Investors leverage the capital provided by these lenders to purchase and renovate properties, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternative financing avenues to initiate and sustain a successful house-flipping venture with minimal personal capital.

Do You Need A Real Estate License To Flip Houses?

Flipping houses does not require a real estate license. Unlike real estate agents and Realtors involved in property transactions, house flippers buy, renovate, and sell properties for profit, engaging in a distinct aspect of real estate that does not require licensing.

It should be noted, however, that some of the general contractor work done on rehabs may require a different type of licensing, not to be confused with a real estate license.

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How Long Will It Take To Flip A House?

The timeline for flipping a house varies for new investors. While seasoned investors may complete projects in weeks to months, the learning curve for newcomers can draw out the process. New investors can anticipate a timeframe ranging from a few months to years to rehab a home, contingent on factors like project scale, unforeseen complications, and personal experience.

What Is The 70% Rule In House Flipping?

The 70% rule in real estate is a guiding principle for investors when determining the maximum purchase price of a property upfront. According to this rule, investors should not pay more than 70% of the property's after-repair value, subtracting the anticipated repair costs.

This strategy ensures a sufficient profit margin for the investor, accounting for renovation expenses while aiming for a profitable resale.

Read Also: What Is The 70% Rule In House Flipping?

How Much Profit Can I Expect To Make Flipping Houses?

The profit investors can expect to make flipping houses varies from person to person. More experienced investors, for example, can typically increase margins, work more efficiently, and turn flip projects over faster than their less experienced counterparts. On the other hand, those who have learned to flip a house with no experience may take longer on each deal, limiting their annual upside.

Despite the differences in experience, data from ATTOM Data Solutions suggests the average flip can generate enough money for anyone interested in building wealth, to the tune of about $72,000 in average profits.

Profit margins aren’t quite where they were before the pandemic, but they have been steadily rising for at least a few quarters. If the housing market continues on its current path, there’s no reason to think profits can’t increase moving forward. As a result, now is a great time to learn how to flip a house for the first time and how to be a house flipper.

Read Also: Is Flipping Houses Profitable? Statistics, Trends, & Forecasts

Final Thoughts On How To Flip A House With No Experience

Figuring out how to flip a house with no experience might seem overwhelming at first—but it’s absolutely doable. Like any big project, success comes from breaking the process down into clear, manageable steps and taking consistent action.

This guide has shown you exactly how to flip a house from start to finish—even if you’re starting from scratch. With the right plan, the right team, and the right resources, you can turn your first flip into a profitable, rewarding experience. And with each project, your confidence and skills will only grow.

So, whether you’re dreaming about your very first flip or already scouting your next deal, remember this: you don’t need experience to get started—you just need the right strategy. And now you have it.

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Want to learn how to flip a house the smart way? Join our FREE live webinar and discover the proven strategies to build lasting wealth through real estate.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, we'll show you how to take action today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the insider tips and tools that have helped thousands of investors succeed! Seats are limited—Reserve Your Spot Now!

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 *Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.