Investing in real estate used to be the domain of moguls and millionaires. But public uncertainty over the stock market and double-digit-a-year appreciation in residential real estate has helped to turn millions of small investors to the housing market. Result? Last year, almost 23 percent of all houses sold in the U.S. were bought by investors. And that does not include another 14 percent that were sold as vacation homes. But that profit potential can be like a siren's call, pulling the unsuspecting onto the financial rocks. While there's plenty of money to be made this way, investing in real estate should be viewed like most other complicated investments -- with a great deal of research and careful planning.

The following guides located on the menu are a few general guides for the would-be investor.  These guides are not a how-to, but rather a basic outline of the process.  For more information, always contact a professional real estate agent.