Here are some of the best and most common ways to invest in real estate:

• Rental properties – Buying a property to rent out is a direct way to invest in real estate. You earn rental income and build equity as the property appreciates.
• REITs (real estate investment trusts) – These are companies that own and manage real estate assets and trade like stocks. It allows for a more liquid, passive investment in real estate.
• Real estate crowdfunding – Platforms like Fundrise allow pooling money with others to invest in larger commercial or residential properties.
• Fix and flip – Buying a run-down property, renovating it, and quickly reselling for a profit. Higher risk and hands-on.
• Wholesaling – Finding deeply discounted properties, getting them under contract, and then selling to an end buyer. Low risk way to start.
• House hacking – Buying a multi-family property, living in one unit and renting the others to receive rental income.
• ETFs (exchange traded funds) – Some ETFs include real estate stocks and REITs to offer a diversified real estate portfolio.
• Note investing – Investing in real estate notes, mortgages, and all-cash deals as the financier. Lower risk than owning property.

The right approach depends on your goals, time commitment, and risk tolerance. Diversifying across different real estate assets can spread out risk.