Real estate is probably one of the best investments you can make for wealth creation over time. Right now many people have cashed out of the stock market and are hesitant to re-invest for various and in some cases obvious reasons. Mainly it's a lack of trust. All markets are mainly influenced by supply and demand. Right now that lack of trust is still evident as the value of shares fluctuate on the stock market. In my opinion the stock market has become a market ruled by emotion and manipulated by those who make their money taking advantage of those emotions. Not a place for the faint of heart or small investors who can't afford to lose the limited principal (money) they have to work with.

Although real estate is blamed for the recent financial crisis it was really the financial manipulation of the mortgages by those same manipulator types I refer to in the stock market that caused the crisis. In my opinion the actual fundamentals of real estate as an investment are still as solid as they ever were and it will continue to be a great investment and wealth builder for years to come. How ever as in any investment strategy you need a blueprint or plan to follow. Here are some important things to consider.

As in all investment strategies it is not as important what you make as it is what you keep. What you keep is your true return on the investment. What you keep is after expenses and taxes. It is extremely important to start off on the right foot tax wise. Depending on your circumstances and ultimate investment goals. Do you want to own the properties personally or do you want to set up a holding company to own the properties. In some cases you may want two companies a holding companies and an operating company to manage the properties. This is where you start your blueprint and structure your plan in a way that is most advantageous to you tax wise. I strongly recommend consulting with both an accountant and a lawyer for advice. The benefits of a proper tax structure will be substantial as you build your portfolio and eventually decide to cash out for profit.

Next you have to decide what type of investment you want to make and where. In most cases I would recommend income producing as the goal should be to buy income producing real estate with a positive cash flow after expenses and debt service. Also remember the three most important rules in real estate investing location, location and location. Sticking to these rules will guarantee your return when you cash out. I also strongly recommend you connect with a knowledgeable agent in your area. Some one with the experience to work with you and help you find the right properties. (not a friend or relative unless qualified)

Building a successfu portfolio is all about leverage. Simply put buying the most amount of real estate with the least amount of your own money. Your real estate agent should have the ability and knowledge to structure the sale to your benefit tax wise and financing wise. If both the buyer and seller are happy and the only losers are the bank and the tax man. That is the true art of deal making. If your real estate agent can not discuss these options with you intelligently and impress you with their knowledge find another agent.

In closing, put together your blueprint, meet with your team, structure your strategy around the right foundation and then implement your plan. Now is the right time to buy real estate. You will be well rewarded as the next round of inflation erodes the value of so many other investments and the value of your real estate investments double over the next 10 years. Watch for my next article on how leverage and real estate can create wealth and help you retire early.

Yours in real estate

Larry Matthews