Real estate is land and the structures (like houses or office buildings) that sit on it. Any improvements made to the land can add value and often involve a sizeable fixed investment.

Investing in real estate has many benefits: passive income, tax advantages and diversification. However, it’s not as simple as the 3 am infomercials would lead you to believe.

1. It’s Leveraged

Using leverage in real estate means borrowing money to purchase properties and increasing the potential return on investment. This strategy is similar to how a lever multiplies your strength to lift something heavy, and it’s one of the ways that many investors increase their returns.

There are also tax benefits to leveraging real estate investments. The interest paid on mortgage and property loans is often tax deductible, which can save investors significant amounts of money each year. Additionally, property depreciation can be used to offset rental income and reduce the investor’s overall tax liability.

Despite the potential financial benefits, leverage can quickly become problematic for an overly leveraged investor. If rental income falls or property values decline, the investor may be unable to make the necessary payments on all of their properties.

It’s important to be aware of the risks and rewards of real estate investing. If you’re thinking about adding this type of investment to your portfolio, be sure to carefully research the market and find a lender that can help you make the most of your investments. Ultimately, if you’re careful to avoid these common mistakes, you can maximize your profits.

2. It’s Consuming Most of Your Portfolio

Many people who invest in real estate do so because they believe that housing will always appreciate. They are also under the impression that they can only make money in appreciating markets. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be more wrong. The real estate cycle is influenced by many factors, including supply and demand, the economy, demographics, interest rates and other unexpected events that can devalue your property.

Another problem with investing in real estate is that it’s incredibly time-consuming. Investors must research and manage their investments, as well as occupy and maintain the properties they own. This can be a daunting task for busy investors who are juggling careers and other responsibilities. Moreover, real estate requires significant amounts of capital to purchase and maintain. This can put a strain on the average investor’s budget and cause them to miss out on other investment opportunities.

Additionally, the returns earned from real estate can be negligible. In general, they can barely beat inflation.

Generally speaking, it’s best to keep the amount of real estate in your portfolio low. However, it’s important to remember that your portfolio should be diversified and include other asset classes as well. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to only invest in real estate if it can add value to your overall portfolio. Otherwise, it’s probably better to focus on other asset classes that offer a higher rate of return.

3. It’s Hard to Get a Return

Buying real estate as an investment may sound tempting to those looking for steady cash flow, significant capital appreciation and tax benefits. However, it’s not easy to make money investing in property. Unlike stocks, which can be traded and sold quickly for immediate liquidity, real estate is an intangible asset with lengthy transaction processes. Real estate can also be a poor diversifier as it typically has a low correlation to other significant assets, such as equities.

It’s also difficult to tabulate return potential accurately. It’s not just the income you receive from rent; it’s also taxes and insurance premiums, management fees, repairs and improvements and utilities. It’s important to account for all expenses, as failing to do so can lead you to dramatically underestimate your return and acquire unprofitable investments.

If you’re going to invest in real estate, you should do your homework and carefully research the market. If you’re not ready to do that work yourself, consider working with a professional or finding a partner who has experience. Also, consider the amount of time you’re willing to spend on the deal and whether you want to be the one who is responsible for the broken garbage disposal or the tenant with a roach infestation.

Remember, the best investments are those that serve you, not the other way around. If you’re thinking about swapping your rent checks for a rental property, weigh the pros and cons against your current financial situation and goals.

4. It’s Hard to Find Information

If you’re looking to invest in real estate, it is essential to do your research. The market can fluctuate, making it hard to get a return on your investment. It is also important to have a team of professionals, including property managers, real estate agents and attorneys. Having a good relationship with your lender and a financial advisor can also make a difference.

Unlike other investments, real estate is illiquid. This means that it takes a long time to sell it. Additionally, if you are purchasing a primary residence, you will have to pay taxes and insurance, which can add up quickly. Additionally, appliances break and roofs leak, making it important to have a well-funded emergency fund.

Despite these warnings, many people still believe that real estate is the best investment. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to buying a home, such as investing in a rental property or a land-lease agreement. Additionally, a number of business platforms allow investors to invest in real estate without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars.