Government and quality corporate bonds, and gold are all traditional hedges against recession, however not specific to housing.

Have a good stash of cash (not stocks, not bonds) to do deals if the banks are not lending and the market is crashing. 

Governments many now require bonds from developers.

Someone saying that isn't actually concerned about the "ethics" as you can be an agent without being a Realtor, they're more concerned about the state real estate licensing laws which will have some real teeth, and can put you in jail.

My primary long term real estate goals relate to truly sustainable development and rehabbing superfund sites and to have a portfolio of properties that I can leverage to give my tech companies talent acquisition and retention teeth for employees. 

Another option might be to develop raw land into housing in certain areas but I really want to cut my teeth in some flips before I go that route.  

@Christy Harris  pretty much how we handle closings out our way... its rare as hen's teeth that the buyer and seller are at the same closing together.. even if they live in town. 

I thought that using a self directed account to invest in RE is actually the same as investing in stocks and bonds but I spoke with one SD custodian and he made it sound like the disbursements (for lack of a better word) from a self directed account is still actually just considered a loan and therefore still has to adhere to those regulations.If anyone can give some clarity on the subject I'd be very grateful.Ben

No money no credit and no training its not reasonable for a person to think they can just step into RE and make big money and have all the things they Deserve.These Guru's all use the same marketing companies and these marketing companies cut their Teeth in MLM..How many people have gone to an MLM meeting be it ACN 5 links, Amway etc.

He is licensed, bonded and insured.