46 Ways to Make Money in Real Estate

How to Make Money in Real Estate

Traditional real estate investments

1. Property management

Property management provides a steady stream of ongoing income in real estate. As an agent, you can use your real estate know-how to watch over properties, deal with tenants, and keep things running. Good property managers pay attention to details and like building lasting relationships. The top property managers stand out because they give reliable service and keep tenants happy.

2. Property development

Property development allows you to create real estate from scratch. You’ll guide projects from start to finish, teaming up with contractors and working through rules. While it needs a lot of know-how, the possible profits make it a thrilling challenge for go-getters.

3. Rental Properties

Owning rental properties is one of the oldest and most dependable ways to build wealth through real estate. You can focus on homes, business spaces, or vacation spots, but the main goal is to make sure your rental income is more than your costs to create a positive cash flow. Where you buy matters a lot, as it affects the quality of tenants and how much rent you can charge. Many people who do well in this field start with just one property and grow their collection as they learn more and gain more value.

Here’s what’s working in today’s market:

• Multi-family property: Living in one unit while managing others gives you hands-on property management experience. Your housing gets paid for while you earn some cash flow. New investors often start with duplexes or triplexes to keep risks low. This approach can help you build equity while you learn the rental business.
• Short-term rentals: Renting short-term on platforms like Airbnb can make 2-3 times more money than traditional long-term rentals. To succeed, you need to know local rules, keep things clean, and give excellent service to guests. Property managers should plan for higher costs when tenants change and more work to manage everything.
• Commercial property rentals: Investing in commercial real estate offers excellent chances to make money. You can learn to develop commercial real estate as a real estate agent. This job involves flipping properties, boosting their value, and growing them to increase their income. You might move from office buildings to shopping centers or bigger office complexes as you expand.
• International property investing: Buy rental property outside the U.S. on your own or with other investors. TREH International, for example, was started by real estate experts who began to invest abroad together. They couldn’t find options that met their needs as U.S. investors wanted to do more business overseas, so they made their own company. Check out our webinar with them on “What buying and selling international real estate looks like”

4. Property appreciation strategy

The buy-and-hold approach to real estate investing influences property appreciation over time. Investors buy properties in areas with strong growth potential and keep them as they gain value. Smart upgrades and renovations can speed up appreciation, leading to big profits when the property sells. This strategy needs patience and careful market analysis but can bring in hefty returns through appreciation and possible rental income while you own the property.

Creative investment strategies

5. House hacking

House hacking has become a clever way for people to start investing in real estate without spending a lot of money upfront. This method involves living in a part of a property and renting out other areas, like extra bedrooms, basement flats, or garage storage space. Smart house hackers might even make money by looking after pets or hosting events in their homes. This approach helps homeowners cut down on their living costs while growing their property value, which makes it appealing to newcomers in real estate investing.

6. Rental arbitrage

Rental arbitrage is a type of real estate investment plan, but you don’t need to own property. You can profit from rent differences by taking long-term leases on properties and then subletting them for short periods. This works well in popular tourist locations.

7. Mobile home investing

Investing in mobile homes can be a cheaper way to enter the real estate market. Many successful investors begin by buying single units for just a few grand, then grow their holdings through rent-to-own deals or direct purchases. A lot of investors do well by zeroing in on certain mobile home parks or areas, building good relationships with the people who run these parks, and getting to know the ins and outs of the local market. The chance to earn monthly income plus the potential for the property to increase in value makes this an appealing option for new investors.

8. Farm investment

Investing in farmland through platforms like AcreTrader gives you a chance to earn passive income with small investments. You can make money from yearly cash rent payments and possible increases in land value. Many investors who do well spread their money across different areas and types of crops to handle risk. Farmland values have stayed steady over time, and this, along with regular income, makes it a good choice for people who want to invest for the long haul.

9. Wholesaling or contract flipping

Wholesalers work as go-betweens by spotting cheap properties and selling the purchase contracts to investors for a charge. Real estate wholesaling is a type of house flipping. The wholesaler passes the purchase and sale agreement to another investor. In return, the wholesaler gets a fee to secure the property. The new investor will finish the purchase, make the fixes, and sell or rent out the home. You might need a license to wholesale. Check with your state’s real estate board. Wholesaling could suit professionals with good networking skills and market know-how.

10. Bird dog

A “bird dog” is a real estate investor who searches for off-market deals. Anyone can take on this role. People with jobs that involve moving around town – like delivery drivers, postal workers, contractors, uber drivers, or those with free time – are already well-positioned to spot properties. Most investors want properties that meet their needs, and sometimes, they may ask bird dogs to provide contact details to arrange a meeting. Some investors pay bird dogs for each lead. Others offer a cut of the profits when a deal goes through.

Financial services

11. REIT investing

REITs refer to companies that finance, run, or possess real estate. By putting money into REITs, you can reap the rewards of real estate investment without buying, running, or funding any properties yourself. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have the ability to produce steady dividends and income. You can trade public REITs on major exchanges like stocks, which offers a good way to invest in different types of real estate across various parts of the country. Some REITs that pay 7% or more in dividends focus on commercial real estate, the mortgage industry, and healthcare. These investment tools allow you to participate in large-scale real estate while keeping your money accessible. They’re great to add variety to your investment mix.

12. Hard money lending

Private or hard money lending gives you a chance to make big returns by offering short-term loans to other investors. Hard money lenders who do well earn higher interest rates because these loans carry more risk and don’t last long. You need a lot of money to start this strategy, but many lenders team up with other investors to pool their money at first. As you grow your network and show you can make successful loans, you’ll attract more money and grow your lending business.

13. Subject-to investing

“Sub 2” or “Sub To” investing, called Subject-to investing, lets buyers take over mortgage payments while sellers keep loan responsibility. The buyer gets the property deed, but the seller stays on the lender’s books as the one who owes money.

This way of investing in real estate can help different people:

• Newcomers short on cash can use the mortgage holder’s credit to get started.
• Investors who already own property can grow without hurting their credit score.
• Seasoned investors can turn leads into cash flow and expand their holdings.

Subject-to investing can make you money, but it comes with its share of dangers. Buyers face risks like foreclosure, loan acceleration, and land insurance. You might also encounter due-on-sale clauses. Before you jump into a subject-to deal, look into your state’s laws. It’s a good idea to hire a real estate lawyer, think hard about loan terms, map out your investment plan, and closely examine the property.

14. Short sales

Short-sale investing means buying properties from lenders when homeowners fall behind on payments but haven’t yet faced foreclosure. This approach needs patience and the ability to negotiate, as you’ll have to work with banks to buy properties for less than the mortgage debt. Though the process can take time, it can lead to quick profits. To succeed in short sales, you often need to build relationships with banks and understand why they want to eliminate troubled assets.

15. Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs), Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs), and Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBSs): MICs distribute risk across many mortgages. They suit people who want steady returns and expert handling.

MICs put money into private mortgages instead of the actual properties.

MICs own whole mortgages and give investors the interest. MBSs are bond-like investments. Each MBS contains a group of mortgages and other real estate debts bought from banks that issue them. REIGs are often private investments that offer partnership or equity returns to investors.

Digital and content-based income

16. Real estate blogging, vlogging, and social media

Crafting useful real estate content can help you become a trusted expert in the field while making money through various avenues. The most effective real estate bloggers mix market insights, property highlights, and informative posts to attract a loyal readership. You can earn through ads, partner promotions, and paid articles, but it takes steady work to keep and expand your online presence. Smart real estate professionals use their blogs to find new clients while also earning extra cash from their writings.

• Start A Facebook Group:

Building a Facebook Group takes time, but many agents see it as a path to earning money. Start by identifying a “niche” or hobby you think others care about. Then, grow your following to over 10,000 members. This allows you to sell ad posts to businesses and merchandise to the group’s followers.

• Monetize Social Media

If you have loyal followers on social media and have built a personal brand, you might want to join Meta’s monetization program. This program lets influencers profit from their audience.

• Monetize a YouTube channel

If you enjoy being in front of a camera, making money from a YouTube channel could be a good option. You can earn income from people watching ads and subscribing to your channel.

17. Subscription-based content

Regular income through content that people pay for monthly has gained popularity in real estate education. Content makers charge their subscribers a monthly fee to get regular updates, market breakdowns, and unique resources. Successful subscription services often mix different types of content, like monthly newsletters, video updates, and webinars for members. Providing value that helps them reach their real estate goals is crucial.

18. Social media management

Real estate professionals who manage social media can earn money through monthly fees or project-based pay. They create content, monitor engagement, and devise strategies. Successful managers stay current with platform algorithms and new trends in real estate marketing to achieve good results. Many find their niche by zeroing in on specific types of real estate experts or market areas.

19. Online courses

Experienced real estate professionals now have a chance to make money by creating and selling online courses. Course creators who do well pick specific areas of real estate education, like ways to invest or marketing tricks, and build full learning packages. Many start out on platforms like Udemy before moving to their own platforms to make more money. The key is to focus on your audience’s real problems and give them clear steps to solve these issues.

20. eBooks and digital resources

Real estate professionals can boost their income by writing eBooks and creating digital tools that tackle common industry problems. These products often cover everything from how to invest to tips for managing properties. Many successful writers make several products for different groups, like first-time home buyers or experienced investors. These digital goods can bring in money without much effort and help show that the author knows their stuff in the real estate world.

Real estate marketing

21. Real estate marketing services

Marketing services for real estate agents have gotten more complex and sought-after. Top marketing experts blend old-school ads with online tactics, like managing social media, making content, and running email campaigns. Many marketers begin by teaming up with a handful of nearby agents. Then, they grow their customer base through word-of-mouth and proven results. The skill to monitor and show return on investment through numbers like lead creation and sales rates helps justify charging more for these services.

22. Lead generation

Setting up lead generation systems has an impact on real estate agents’ income through referral fees. Lead generators who do well create targeted websites and marketing funnels to draw in specific types of buyers or sellers. A lot of them zero in on luxury or niche markets where referral fees can go up to $50,000 or more for each deal. To succeed, you need to grasp digital marketing and local real estate trends.

23. Website ad space

Making money from real estate websites through smart ad placement can generate ongoing income. It’s best to avoid ads on the main pages where listings appear. However, you can put relevant ads on blog posts and resource pages. Smart website owners strike a balance between making money and giving users a good experience. They often choose ads that relate to the real estate industry and offer something useful to their visitors. Many find that mixing different ways to make money, like ads, promoting other people’s products, and sponsored articles, leads to a more reliable income stream.

24. Billboard investment

Owning billboards offers a special chance to invest in real estate that can bring in money each month for every billboard face. Because of federal rules that limit building new billboards, spots that already have them often become more valuable as time passes. People who do well with billboards pay attention to busy areas and keep good ties with those who want to advertise. Many find that if they start with a few smart spots and put their profits back into the business, they can grow what they own.

Real estate coaching and speaking

25. Real estate coaching

Using your real estate know-how to coach others can create a profitable side hustle while you help others thrive in the field. Coach pay varies based on skill and knowledge. To succeed in coaching, you need to build a well-organized program that gives clear benefits to clients through personal meetings or team workshops. Many coaches find that getting certified boosts their credibility and lets them charge more.

26. Speaking to real estate groups

Picture yourself teaching powerful marketing methods that draw in possible clients and boost property visibility by talking to potential investors. With your help, real estate agents can get better at getting more referrals, property investment, and other vital skills. Your know-how can also help to teach agents how to handle the always-changing market, keep up with trends, and tweak strategies to grab chances.

Real estate services

27. Real estate appraisal

Becoming a real estate appraiser has an influence on your income stability and gives you the chance to work for yourself. Top appraisers stand out by getting good at certain types of properties or areas. Many find that getting to know lenders and real estate agents helps them get steady work. When appraisers combine their technical skills with a deep grasp of the market, they can charge higher rates while staying independent.

28. Leasing agent

A job as a leasing agent opens doors to the real estate world without many obstacles to overcome. These agents assist property owners in finding suitable tenants, showing properties, and helping with lease paperwork. You’ll need a real estate license, but the initial costs are small compared to other real estate jobs, depending on where you live. Many top leasing agents grow their businesses by zeroing in on certain types of properties or areas, becoming the go-to experts for property owners in those spots.

29. Showing agent

Becoming a showing agent can be an excellent first step if you’re new to the field or trying to join a brokerage or big team. This job lets you show off your know-how and people skills. Some more prominent brokers or busy agents might hire showing agents to give rental tours, run open houses, or do private showings.

One way to start as a showing agent is through Showami. Showami is an on-demand platform that links licensed real estate agents to showing agents who help with buyer showings and open houses.

30. Agent recruitment

Some brokerages give big bonuses to agents who bring in new team members. Talk to people you know, local real estate groups, and folks in related fields; you might find someone to join. If you keep at it, you could end up building your own team or brokerage around recruiting.

31. Property tax appeals

Property tax appeal services offer a chance that many people miss out on in real estate. This field involves helping homeowners cut down their property tax load by questioning assessments with local tax authorities. You’re more likely to succeed when property values go down or grow slower than expected assessments. While you don’t need a special license, knowing how to compare market analysis (CMA) is key to making successful appeals. Many people in this field earn a cut of the tax savings they get for clients, which works out well for everyone.

32. Notary services

Becoming a notary public who focuses on real estate deals can bring in a steady flow of cash without needing much money to start. Notaries charge for each notarization and can charge extra for mobile services or working outside normal hours. Real estate notaries can grow their businesses by connecting with local title companies, agents, and mortgage lenders in their area. The new trend of remote online notarization (RON) has opened up new chances to help clients over the Internet, which lets notaries reach more potential customers.

33. Estate sales

Managing estate sales gives you a unique chance in real estate when you work with clients who are downsizing or handling real estate properties. The job involves assessing inventory, setting prices, promoting the sale, and running it. Estate sale managers who do well often connect with real estate agents and elder care experts to get steady referrals. Many find that adding online sale elements helps them reach more people and boost their profits.

34. Exam tutoring

Real estate exam tutoring gives you a chance to assist future agents and make extra money. Good tutors use their know-how from passing the licensing test to build organized study plans and practice tests. Many tutors team up with nearby real estate schools to get regular student referrals, while others create online tutoring programs to reach more people. Success hinges on keeping pass rates high and getting positive reviews from students who make it through. If you found tricks to make your license test easier, think about tutoring future agents in your area. You could chat with local real estate schools or start by asking your old instructor if they know students who need extra help getting ready for their state tests.

35. Real estate photography and visual services

The way properties look in pictures has gained a lot of importance in today’s real estate marketing. Top-notch real estate photographers can make $500 to $2,000+ for each property they shoot. They can also earn extra money by editing photos, creating virtual tours, and taking pictures with drones. You need to buy good equipment and build a strong portfolio to do well in this field. Many photographers find that offering several services, like mixing regular photos with drone shots and virtual tours, lets them charge higher prices and become the go-to person for visual services in their area.

• Virtual tours—Remote buying is booming, making virtual tours popular. If you’re detail-oriented and tech-savvy, you can turn virtual tours into a side gig. Get a 360-degree camera and learn how to use virtual tour software. You can also reach out to homeowners and offer your services to other agents.
• Drone photography– Real estate marketing now often uses drone photography for high-end properties. Real estate agents hire drone operators to capture aerial videos and images of houses and their surroundings. If you fly drones as a hobby, you could ask local Realtors® if they’d pay for your skills. To start this side job, you’d need to buy a good drone and maybe get a commercial drone license, depending on the rules in your area. This creative and fun side gig has the potential to make good money.

36. Home staging

Home staging now plays a key role in real estate. Top stagers blend design skills with insights into buyer behavior to craft spaces that draw in specific groups. Their job includes picking furniture and decor, making the most of space, and matching colors. Many stagers begin by building a portfolio with their own listings or teaming up with local realtors before they branch out to serve more clients.

37. Home organization

Professional home organizers can build profitable businesses by helping real estate clients prepare for moves or make better use of their living areas. They often offer services like decluttering, finding storage solutions, and setting up systems to keep things tidy. Many successful organizers pair their work with staging or pre-listing prep to give sellers complete solutions.

Operations and administrative services

38. Virtual assistant services

In real estate, virtual assistants support agents and investors with packed schedules. They might help manage listings, coordinate schedules, and handle marketing tasks. Virtual assistants who do well often focus on specific parts of real estate support, like helping with transactions or running social media. Many find that zeroing in on a certain type of client or service lets them charge more and build their skills faster.

39. Bookkeeping services

Accurate financial records have become crucial for real estate investors and agents. Bookkeepers can use modern software tools to provide insights into property performance and tax planning. Many successful bookkeepers begin with a few small clients and then grow their business to handle larger property portfolios. Specialists who combine technical skills with industry knowledge can charge higher rates.

Home repair and renovation services

40. Tool and equipment rental

Starting a tool and equipment rental service for real estate professionals and homeowners can generate steady passive income. Successful operators keep a high-quality inventory of needed items and offer better service than big-box stores. Many find success by focusing on specific areas, like renovation tools or moving equipment and building connections with local real estate professionals.

41. Home repair and general contracting

Home repair services can give you a steady paycheck while you build relationships with property owners and managers. Repair professionals who do well often start with basic services before they branch out into specialized areas like HVAC, electrical, or general contracting. Many find that if they focus on fixes before listings, fix and flip jobs, or repairs after inspections. They can create a reliable client base among real estate professionals.

42. Cleaning services

Professional cleaning services for real estate can zero in on different niches, from deep cleaning before listings to cleanup after construction. Operators who succeed often develop specialized services for different types of properties and situations. Many find that offering eco-friendly options or specialized services like carpet cleaning helps set their business apart in a market with lots of competition.

43. Landscaping

Landscaping services can generate steady income from routine upkeep and boost revenue through property upgrades. Successful landscapers often mix regular maintenance with specialized offerings like hardscaping or sprinkler system setup. Many discover that enhancing curb appeal for homes on the market builds strong ties with real estate professionals.

44. Painting Services

Professional painting services for real estate clients can yield consistent earnings with minimal startup expenses. Successful painters often focus on pre-listing touch-ups or post-purchase makeovers, fostering relationships with real estate agents and property managers. Many find that offering color advice and using high-end materials helps justify steeper rates while ensuring client satisfaction. Keeping up with quality standards and reliable scheduling will help you thrive.

Tours and event planning

45. Tour guide services

Real estate professionals can boost their business by offering special tours. Good guides mix property info with stories about local history and culture to create one-of-a-kind trips. Many find success by zeroing in on certain areas or types of homes, like old houses or fancy estates. Teaming up with nearby hotels and tourist offices can bring in a steady stream of clients.

46. Event planning

Real estate event planning now goes beyond open houses. It includes client thank-you parties, learning sessions, and meet-and-greets. Skilled planners blend logistics know-how with marketing smarts to put on unforgettable events that attract leads and strengthen ties with clients. Many planners begin with small client gatherings before moving on to bigger industry events and conferences.