Core Insights - Real estate investing is accessible to individuals without significant wealth through various strategies such as house hacking, REITs, and crowdfunding [2][10]. Group 1: House Hacking - House hacking involves purchasing a home and generating rental income while living in it, often covering housing costs through rent [3]. - Common strategies include buying multifamily properties, building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), renting out extra space on platforms like Airbnb, and getting roommates [6][12]. Group 2: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - REITs allow for passive investment in commercial real estate, requiring minimal upfront capital, with some platforms allowing investments starting at $1 [7][8]. - REITs are mandated to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, providing a reliable source of dividend income [8][9]. Group 3: Crowdfunding Platforms - Real estate crowdfunding platforms enable investors to pool resources for real estate projects, with some options available for non-accredited investors [10][11]. - Minimum investments vary, with platforms like Fundrise allowing entry with as little as $10 [11]. Group 4: Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - Homeowners can utilize a HELOC to finance real estate investments, borrowing up to 85% of their home's value [12][13]. - The interest on a HELOC may be tax-deductible if used for home-related investments [17]. Group 5: Getting Started - Individuals should assess their financial goals and situation before investing in real estate, considering options like REITs or crowdfunding if direct property purchase is not feasible [18][19]. - For those looking to build equity, saving for a down payment or exploring FHA loans with low down payment requirements can be beneficial [23].