There are a myriad of options when it comes to real estate investing. The decision to pursue your options will be determined by you desire of level of involvement, the initial investment amount, and your risk tolerance.

Real estate investment offers a great point of entry for the savvy investor. Prospective real estate owners can use the leverage to acquire property through a down payment towards the total cost and gradually pay the rest of the cost over time through carefully negotiated leases. On the other hand, there is the prospect of real estate flipping which requires a higher tolerance of risk but a potentially greater reward. 

While a traditional mortgage generally requires a 20% to 25% down payment, in some cases, a 5% down payment can be all that gets you started on your investment journey. From this point on you can use your property ownership to take out second mortgages to put down payments on additional properties. Whether you're flipping or working as a landlord, your property ownership is in your hands.

The keys to success are the right market insights that can be provided by a real estate professional to ensure the best likelihood of a favorable return. It is crucial to use every bit of available knowledge when deciding how to invest.