There's a lot of talk about the growing interest in investment properties. The recent roller coaster ride on Wall Street has many investors looking for alternatives and real estate has many attractive advantages for both big and small investors alike.

Of all the different types of Real Estate investments, single family houses are hands down the best for the average investor. This is because single family houses have two markets. One for owner-occupants and another for other investors. You can't say that about apartments or commercial property. Second, the resale market is very large and, as a result, the financial institutions are comfortable lending a high percentage of value on houses. Financing of houses is big business. Add to this the fact that houses are plentiful, they're literally everywhere, and they become a reasonably safe risk.

Phoenix, Arizona has an especially exciting investment atmosphere. The Phoenix area gives the investor an opportunity to reach an extremely high rate of return. Real estate here appreciates rapidly allowing the investor to sell properties quickly and realize a profit in a short period of time. There is also a good ratio of gross rent to sales price which will allow the investor to often see positive cash right after a purchase if they decide to hold a property.

Phoenix is also a great area for second home purchases. We have a very high percentage of winter visitors. This gives an investor the opportunity to purchase a second home and rent it on a short term basis to a winter visitor at a high rate.

There are many strategies for generating cash, cash flow and equity by investing in single family houses. An experienced real estate investing professional can help you determine the right one for you. Here are some examples: buy and hold, buy low - sell high, flipping, wholesaling, foreclosures, leasing and options to buy.

One thing is certain if you decide to invest in real estate, to be successful you need to learn your market. The fastest way to do this is by working with a qualified real estate agent that specializes in investment properties. A good agent is worth their weight in gold considering they can help you efficiently locate property, inspect property, negotiate your deal, contract to buy, finance your purchase and close the transaction.

Investing in real estate is an exciting venture. Good luck!