There’s more than one way to become a real estate investor. The fastest, easiest way is to invest is in REITS (Real Estate Investment Trusts). They’re as easy to buy as a stock or mutual fund since you’re not buying a physical property. Made up of commercial real estate, these Trusts include office buildings, retail, apartments and hotels.
You can also buy a 2-4 unit complex, live in one unit and rent out the rest. With this strategy, your loan can be an owner-occupied, Fannie Mae loan. That means a lower interest rate than a standard non-owner occupied loan for a standard rental property. If you decide to purchase an investment property, just make sure you have more money coming in than going out!