What is Real Estate Investing? Types of Real Estate and Their Role in the Economy

Real estate investing basically means the purchase, ownership, management, rental, and/or sale of real estate for profit. It’s a popular form of investment because properties can offer excellent returns, significant leverage, and a way to hedge against inflation. Real estate can be a direct investment in residential or commercial properties or an indirect investment through real estate investment trusts (REITs) or mortgage-backed securities.