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Four Types of Real Estate Investments You Need to Know

Two Dickinson Investors Discussing a Project in Front of a City SkylineIf you are getting started investing in Dickinson rental real estate, you may have noticed that there are enough options out there. Rental property investors, in particular, have a lot of choices when it comes to property type, size, and function. If you are unsure which type of rental property is right for you, start by understanding the four main types of real estate and the purpose of each one. Then narrow down your options up until you find the sort of rental real estate that fits your needs and goals.

Residential

Most new real estate investors anticipating a purchase pick a residential rental property. Of course, there may be a good justification for this: the residential real estate market is enormous! In 2020, it was valued at $33.6 trillion and still growing. By definition, residential real estate is purchased and occupied as a dwelling by owners or tenants.

Within this broad category of real estate, there are many different kinds of residential properties: townhomes, duplexes, multi-family buildings, single-family residences, and more. Thanks to lifestyle and renter demographic changes, single-family rental properties have been in high demand for years. This makes investing in single-family properties one of the most popular options for new investors.

Commercial

In contrast, commercial real estate is property used only as a workspace or to conduct a business or trade. As with residential properties, there are several different kinds of commercial properties. Office space, retailers, restaurants, hotels and resorts, and even healthcare facilities all fall under the category of commercial real estate.

There are many benefits of investing in commercial real estate, as it can be a very lucrative option for some investors. Nevertheless, the initial cost of a commercial property is likely to be much higher than a residential property, which can be a difficult hurdle for first-time investors to overcome.

Industrial

Although technically part of the commercial real estate category, industrial real estate is a unique kind of real estate often designated for use in very specific ways. Examples of industrial real estate include car manufacturers, storage and distribution centers, food processing centers, power plants, and research and development parks.

There are also three different classes of industrial real estate – A, B, and C – so it’s important to do your research if you’re thinking about investing. Leases on industrial properties can be very lucrative and tend to be very long-term holdings. And, like commercial real estate, it can be expensive to purchase industrial property, especially if such properties are in high demand.

Land

The fourth and final type of investment property you should know about is land investment. In most cases, raw or vacant land is purchased with the intent to develop it in some way or to use the natural resources on or under the land for profit.

For most investors who own land, this would include offering leases that allow tenants to harvest minerals or water, oil or mining, timberland, orchards, or to use as farms, ranches, and recreational activities. Purchasing raw land, in particular, is a highly speculative investment that carries an equally high degree of risk. But in the right circumstances, leasing land can be a lucrative venture for a real estate investor.

With so many different options available, most real estate investors will concentrate on one type or sub-category of real estate. This may be especially helpful when you are just beginning since it takes time to learn everything you need to know about investing in each type of real estate.

 

If you are prepared to start investing in residential rental properties, we can help! Our local Dickinson property management experts work with investors like you to help find, prep and lease quality residential rental homes. Contact us today to learn more.

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