Housing affordability has been a big problem in the U.S. real estate market as far back as the Great Recession. Signs aren’t pointing to relief, even as economists predict a major market correction in 2023. The fact of the matter is this – the United States needs between four and five million more homes than it has right now.

The state of the U.S. real estate market may have you questioning whether or not investing in real estate is worth it. Let’s get this out of the way: every stage and season of the market carries distinct challenges and advantages. It doesn’t benefit your portfolio to wish for a bygone era.

Since 2003, REI Nation has helped passive real estate investors build quality investment portfolios in several of the top real estate investing markets in the U.S.

Whether you're new to investing, or simply want to explore options in your real estate portfolio, we're here to help you get the facts on single-family rentals (SFR).

Investors are no doubt feeling the economic pressures of inflation, rising interest rates, and a challenging housing market. Of course, with rental rates also on the rise, it can offset some of the squeeze on your profit margins.

In an episode of the Active Duty Passive Income podcast, hosts Mike & Kevin interview Chris Clothier. Chris talks about how he got started and real estate and "how focusing on providing value and great customer service can get you and your business farther than you ever thought possible."

What makes real estate a worthwhile investment? If you’re like our investors, you likely have more than one reason to value a real estate portfolio. What’s so compelling about real estate investment is that you do not benefit in only one or two ways for your efforts.

If you’ve ever lived in a rental property or in an apartment, you no doubt have some strong notions about your experience. There’s a stereotype of scummy landlords and derelict properties for a reason: it happens too often. Because we have this idea in our minds that renting is inherently in the category of a “necessary evil,” we come to expect very little from our managers and maintenance teams.

The world is in a strange state. The uncertainty of it all means that many of us are feeling less eager and more cautious about how we utilize our wealth. As always, we want our money to work for us. But the unknown means risk, and now, perhaps more than ever, risk is a significant deterrent. 

In real estate investment, there is no shortage of competition. Trends are reflecting the proven nature of real estate investment and have been for over a decade. In 2007, some two-thirds of all investors were focused primarily on the stock market. That number fell to around 50 percent as real estate began to attract more investors in a post-Great Recession America.