Project Stocks

Robert Kiyosaki, in his Rich Dad, Poor Dad books emphasize how much benefit one can reap from investing in property. Real estate investing, in addition to its tax benefits, allows you to multiply your wealth without doing anything. Sounds like a great deal, right? Most investors initially enter the business because of the idea that they can put their money to work making them more money, without doing any actual work.

In order to actually turn a good idea into money in your bank account, however, you have to know a little something about how the magic works. It is a good idea, for instance, to take apart this term “real estate.” Just what is real estate, and what are the types of real estate investing that are open to you?

“Real estate” is a term that refers to a piece of land and everything that sits on it, usually meaning structures. In terms of investment, its value is affected by local market conditions more than global conditions. There are several different ways to invest in real estate.

Investing in an REIT or a Real Estate Investment Trust means that you are the owner of either parcels of real estate, mortgages on pieces of real estate, or some combination thereof. This type of investment has quite a high yield along with some tax benefits, and its liquidity means that you can easily convert it into cold, hard cash.

A partnership in real estate is just what it sounds like; investors may elect to partner with other people or organizations in building new structures, or making money off extant ones. Appreciation is another great source of profit for property investing partnerships, even when you’re dealing with undeveloped land. Tax benefits and growth potential make forming a partnership another great option for investors

Another option is to put money in vacation property, property that you use for recreational purposes but do not live in (as living in such a property would make it a primary residence.)

Rental property is another almost self-explanatory concept, as we have all done business with landlords at some point in our lives. However, there may be a difference between residential and business rental property.

Some may choose to put money in undeveloped land, building new structures or profiting from its appreciation.

It is a good idea to learn about each type of real estate investment to determine which yields the greatest benefits, determined by your particular needs. Kiyosaki named tax benefits as a good reason to become a real estate investor. After all, money you keep in your pocket is just as good as money earned.

If you spend more than 750 hours each year on property investing, you should seriously consider becoming a real estate professional, as this will allow you to claim almost unlimited tax deductions, while not taking advantage of this opportunity will cost you deductions. To qualify for these enhanced tax benefits, however, (in addition to the previously mentioned 750-hour requirement) you will need to be participating in your duties as an investor, rather than hiring others to do everything for you.