Buying real estate is about more than just finding a place to call home. Investing in real estate has become increasingly popular over the last 50 years and has become a common investment vehicle. Real estate investing is a broad category of operating, investing, and financial activities centered around making money from tangible property or cash flows somehow tied to a tangible property. There are four main ways to make money in real estate: Real Estate Appreciation: This is when the property increases in value. This may be due to a change in the real estate market that increases demand for property in your area. It could use be due to upgrades you put into your real estate investment to make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters. Real estate appreciation is a tricky game, though. Cash Flow Income (Rent): This type of real estate investment focuses on buying a real estate property, such as an apartment building, and operating it so you collect a stream of cash from rent. Cash flow income can be generated from apartment buildings, office buildings, rental houses, and more. Real Estate Related Income: This is income generated by brokers and other industry specialists who make money through commissions from buying and selling property. It also includes real estate management companies who get to keep a percentage of rents in exchange for running the day-to-day operations of a property. Michael R. O'Connell is a Long-term expert in investment real estate, aspecialist in both developing and selling income producing properties. Give us a call today!