Hi @Amy Zuniga you haven't provided any context to give you very good advice. The best answer to this question is to invest in what you're good at.

Which area of Real Estate are you best at?

Also, do you want to be an active investor or a passive investor?

Do you want a short term investment or longer-term investment?

Do you want to use leverage or no leverage?

Your best option may be to lend it to a proven operator to do a deal that you can observe and participate in and get 10% APR on your money during the duration of the deal. That may be your best return depending on the answers above.

Give us more context so we can give you better advice.

@Amy Zuniga With $20k, the highest ROI usually comes from finding a way to add value rather than simply making a passive investment. House hacking, small multifamily properties, fixer-uppers, or partnerships where you bring capital and someone else brings experience can often outperform buying a turnkey rental.

The key is not just asking, "What's the highest return?" but also, "What advantage do I have?" The best returns typically come from solving a problem, whether that's improving a property, optimizing operations, or finding opportunities others overlook.

A great deal can make a bigger difference than an extra $20k of capital. Focus on education, networking, and finding the right opportunity, and the returns tend to follow.

Red or black at roulette table 

Bet it on the Browns winning the Superbowl.

REIT mutual fund - Vanguard