Real property investing has been a preferred strategy to build wealth over the last several years. It has numerous advantages like tax-free diversification, tax breaks, equity building as well with competitive returns when risk is taken into account. It has some disadvantages, such as insufficient liquidity, and high capital requirements. If you’re thinking about adding real estate to your portfolio it’s important to think about your investment goals, level of knowledge and your risk tolerance.

Real property investing can be either hands-on or hands-off, based on the kind of property you pick and the management style you choose. For instance rental properties tend to be among the most real estate investing hands-on estate investments because they require regular maintenance and vacancy costs. However, they can also provide a steady stream of income and have the potential to appreciate over time.

Another alternative is to invest in commercial properties like office buildings, shopping malls or hotels. This type of investment can yield stable cash flow, rent growth and a hedge against rising inflation. However, it can be more difficult to manage than residential real estate and usually has higher upfront costs.

Another option is to buy raw land and lease it for the construction of homes or businesses. This could provide steady income. This can be an approach that is hands-off, but it can have some risks also, including the requirement of development fees and the possibility of environmental issues that could impact the value of the property.

You can also invest in a REIT, which is a type of mutual fund that is focused on a particular property portfolio. REITs are generally less hands-on and require lower upfront investments than investing in physical property however they don’t provide the same flexibility or liquidity as direct real estate investments.