KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Real estate investors make money through rental income, appreciation, and profits generated by business activities that depend on the property.
  • The benefits of investing in real estate include passive income, stable cash flow, tax advantages, diversification, and leverage.
  • Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer a way to invest in real estate without having to own, operate, or finance properties.

    Cash Flow

    Cash flow is the net income from a real estate investment after mortgage payments and operating expenses have been made. A key benefit of real estate investing is its ability to generate cash flow. In many cases, cash flow only strengthens over time as you pay down your mortgage—and build up your equity.

    Tax Breaks and Deductions

    Real estate investors can take advantage of numerous tax breaks and deductions that can save money at tax time. In general, you can deduct the reasonable costs of owning, operating, and managing a property.

    Appreciation

    Real estate investors make money through rental income, any profits generated by property-dependent business activity, and appreciation. Real estate values tend to increase over time, and with a good investment, you can turn a profit when it’s time to sell. Rents also tend to rise over time, which can lead to higher cash flow.

    Build Equity and Wealth

    As you pay down a property mortgage, you build equity—an asset that’s part of your net worth. And as you build equity, you have the leverage to buy more properties and increase cash flow and wealth even more.