Why I Choose Real Estate Investing in Challenging Times

Right now, it seems that everyone is focused on the future of our economy, the stock market, and real estate. We know we are on the cusp of something big, but we just aren’t quite sure how (and how much) we will be affected.

We are in unprecedented times, and our leaders don’t have a lot of quality data or information to truly combat the situation. Plans are being made in hopes of achieving intended outcomes.

People are scared. So scared that they can’t make a decision and instead sit inactive.

Don’t Just Wait It Out

I can’t tell you how many times in the past few weeks I’ve heard investors, lenders, and contractors tell me they “are waiting it out.” They are taking a pause before figuring out what to do.

I am not doing that. I am pushing forward, putting deals together, and hustling toward my goals.

It’s true that there are a lot of unknowns, and the associated risks are higher, but we can hedge against those risks. We can build in contingencies, buffers, and reserves. We can tighten up our criteria. We can shift our focus. We can get creative.

But what we should not do is take a break and see how the market plays out. Because any time we decide to put our goals and dreams on hold, there is a very real chance we are missing out on opportunities.

There are still deals out there. There is still money to be made.

And I am still choosing to focus on real estate.

Why Real Estate?

So many millionaires made their money in real estate—many of them after the market crashed in 2007-2008. These individuals have been waiting for this downturn for years, and they are prepared.

I’d like to join their ranks. I know it’s not all about the money, but money is the tool. The tool I can use to leverage the life I want to live, the financial freedom I am seeking.

I want to provide quality housing to Americans. I am working to set myself up so I can take care of my tenants when they are laid off or facing tough times. This drives me and keeps me moving forward, even in the face of so much uncertainty.

Anyone Can Participate

Real estate does not discriminate.

You don’t need a ton of money to get started. You don’t need to be in a particular age group, or from a certain demographic, or even have any specific skill set. You don’t even need to live anywhere near a good market.

It’s about the hustle and the systems. There’s a lot of room in real estate to add value and a lot of ways that you can get into it without a ton of money upfront, or even without experience.

The difference between those that make it in real estate and those that don’t comes down to nothing more than action.

Passive Income

Real estate has the ability to generate passive income, and this income can scale over time.

Real estate allows you to make cash now. You can attain monthly cash flow through each of your rentals, and also get a tax break each year.

Real estate also allows you to build long-term wealth. Over time, a good investment will appreciate in value. This, on top of amortization, or having your tenants pay down your mortgage principal balance, can lead to significant returns and long-term wealth, especially when scaled appropriately.

Tangible Assets

You have control over this asset. You get to decide, in some part, how much it’s worth by how well you maintain it and update it. You’re in the driver’s seat, and you can market it appropriately. And you choose exactly where, when, and how to buy real estate.

Looking Forward

For me, it’s still all about the real estate. I am not slowing down. I am actively looking for problems to solve.

These times have put homeowners and landlords in precarious situations. There are plenty of property owners who are (figuratively) stuck under a property and looking for ways to be free from the burden. We can work together to put together a solution that works for everyone.

Opportunities are waiting for investors who are ready to take action.

How do you feel about real estate investing right now? Charge forward or watch and wait?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.