The
sheer number of investment vehicles
available to you these days is absolutely staggering.
Stocks, bonds, precious metals, commodities,
options, derivatives, real estate, etc. - it
can make your head spin! Now, all things being
equal, none of these investments are better
than any other. If you know what you're doing,
you can make money in any of them.
However, for the average investor, real estate
presents an especially good choice. Most people
have some experience with real estate -- usually
the purchase of their house -- and it is relatively
easy to understand. Real estate is tangible.
You can see it, touch it, change it, and use
it every day. In addition, real estate can
be a good source of cash flow when you rent
it. In fact, if you can get a tenant to cover
your mortgage, you are in great shape. It's
like free equity! Lastly, the taxes on the
rents can be offset by your mortgage interest
and depreciation -- both of which are great
tax deductions against real estate income.
And, most importantly, as compared to many
investments, you are the one in charge of controlling
the future of your investment. Market dynamics
affect rents and value, of course.
Yet, making a wise choice in the initial purchase,
managing the property well, and selling at the
right time can ensure excellent gains. So, let's
say you decide to invest in.... |