In order to make money, you have to spend money....

Oh, grasshopper. Let's say you woke up one morning and decided that as good of a cook you are, you really should open a restaurant. Would you be able to open that restaurant without any seed money or working capital? Of course not. You would need money for advertising, inventory, a million other things.

This is a business too. An expensive business. You need to be well-capitalized. Your success depends on it. The first thing you need to do is find an income stream or three. Work in a 'real job' until you have completed this step. Then come to me or somebody else to explain to you how to get started in real estate.

I can't remember if I've ever been asked that with "free" in the question.

But, anyway, knocking on doors is free

Find a trust fund.

I'd tell them to keep searching and when they find it, let me know!

Stand on a street corner with a sign: "Will show homes for food" because with no money, that's what you'll be doing inside of six months.

Every newbie asks some versions of these two questions...   I only see one question.

 Junior executive assistant to a property manager.

There is a cost even to network, the time, business cards, gas etc. and it may or may not pay off in the short run. Nothing is totally free. 

Actually I tell them that blood, sweat and tears worked for me.  I didn't have two nickles to rub together when I got out of real estate school and took my test.  Now I own my own firm and have a great nest egg.  I simply talked to people... ALL the people I saw about real estate.  It worked out fine.

Without money you start where none is needed, rentals! Your sphere needs rooves over their heads. Begin finding them apartments whenever possible. Keep that database intact for when they can buy. you're going to have to hustle but it gives a taste of what it takes to earn a living in this business. The buckets of cash doesn't come rollin' in for about two years. You'll know within 6 months if this is right for you.

Build your referral network with face to face contacts.

Any  business worth getting into, requires an investment.  Those investments costs money. If it was that easy to do things that are free and it works, everyone would be doing it. A career in real estate is no different. Set up a plan, review it more than once, and if it makes cents, go for it. But remember, in this business or any other business you start, you need time for it to grow and make money. Save up a years worth of living expenses, then follow your dreams

Nothing is free. Presh the flesh and pass out businesss cards. Volunteer to hold open houses. Think about joining a team and learning the business.

This what I said to my daughter when she asked about real estate career after graduating from college:  'Get a real job' with a regular paycheck and benefits so you can buy a car, clothes, pay rent and eat.

She is now mid-40's with regular paycheck, benefits, house, car, kids,dog and two cats.

The market does not respond to need, it only responds to deserve. Who is this fool that brings me his need, but offers no seed?

Jim Rohn-isms.

Sorry chickadee, nothing is free in life!

Begging works for some ... but not all. 

How do you expect to run a business without any money?

get a mentor and join a team.

They don't want to hear this , but knock on doors and pick up the telephone !

I like Barbara s answer.

Find the narrow road for the wide one is well traveled

Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTACONDOS.COM nailed this one!

Door knocking, helping other agents with open houses, reaching out to helps and family for help. 

I have not heard that question but if asked I would say prospects are everywhere and that you have to get out and meet them and ask for the business.

Making calls is free, but becoming an agent is very expensive

Wrong profession, but if you must
T then call everyone you have ever known

Hold other agents' listings as Open House Events

Seveal brand new agents ask their brokers, how much they get paid to sit in the office?  One became a listing agent only with leads provided. Another became an officer manager.

Blogging on ActiveRain - prefer a RainMaker account.

Open houses, Calls and contacts to SOI, Networking and community service group participation.

Knock on doors big time.

Sometimes it takes money to make money. Knocking on doors for prospecting is free, but time is money too.

There ain't no free lunch.  Having said that, there are things they can do but don't take $$$.  It takes time and effort and patience. 

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 You better look for another career. Undercapitalization is the number one reason for failure in this business.

It won't cost you anything to sweep my floors...

Seriously, if you want something from someone, you need to offer something. I've listened to very successful real estate investors that started out with no money or experience but they had a lot of desire and strong work ethic. They found a successful investor and offered to sweep up the job site, retrieve materials, hammer nails, or do whatever they could to gain some experience and knowledge.

Far too many think they can make money just by existing. After all, they've been told they were special since birth and mommy always said they could be anything they want!