Investment property can be very appealing - besides diversifying a portfolio it can also serve as a durable stream of income and a savings vehicle over a lifetime. But there's a lot involved and it's definitely not a passive investment.
The Chicago Tribune recently published a column outlining what's involved when purchasing real estate for investment purchases; a higher down payment (banks typically require at least 25 percent down) and buildings require maintenance that often cannot be delayed.
Doing research is perhaps the most important part: understanding what properties will fetch in rent in order to support their costs and make the investment make sense.
Read the full column at the Chicago Tribune here.