Is now the right time to be investing in real estate? Some say yes, some say no, and some say it depends. In a declining market, there are bargains, but don't look for a quick flip. If you're thinking long term, you can find some great deals. So if you're ready to take the plunge or want to be ready for brighter days ahead, find out how to get started, invest with IRAs, use real estate as a retirement tool, get information on rental homes, buying tax liens, real estate partnerships and much more in these books and articles. (D. Shumaker, Senior Information Specialist)

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Why Invest in Real Estate?  

Real Estate Investing: How Will it End?, (Realty Times, Feb. 24, 2010).  Curveballs and unexpected complications can throw anyone's investment plans out of whack. Plan for the future before things get out of hand.

5 Alternative Investments to Protect Your Portfolio, (U.S. News & World Report, Dec. 11, 2008). The housing bust makes it easy to shun the real estate sector entirely, but REITs historically offer unique risk-management benefits.

The Storm Inside; Investment property is a better buy than it was a few years ago, but there's no rush to snap up low-cost real estate, (Financial Planning, Nov. 2008).Q

Real Results Through Real Estate Investment, (Real Estate Finance, June 2007). Q

How to buy... investment real estate, (Market Watch, Sept. 14, 2006).

Investor Report: Investment Buying Tips, (Realty Times, Oct. 23, 2009). What are some of the key rules for freshman class investors?

Landlord in the Making, (Business Week, Apr. 27, 2009). Q  If you're just starting out, here are some tips from another new landlord.

Real estate fund investors build house of rising returns, (USA Today, June 5, 2008).

Real Estate Investors' 10 Big Mistakes, (MSN Money, July 17, 2007).

Think Small: Getting Started as a Real-Estate Investor, (Wall Street Journal, Jan. 10, 2007). Q

Stocks or real estate? Why not both?, (USA Today, Mar. 6, 2006).

Issues you should consider before you invest in real estate, (Realty Times, May 25, 2005). You may think that investing in real estate is simple, but you first must decide on your investment objectives.

Real estate as a retirement tool -- Tips from the players, (REALTORŪ Magazine Online, 2005). 

Investor Report: Best Opportunities Ahead, (National Real Estate Investor, Jan. 26, 2010). Q The relative lack of new developments in the pipeline from 2011to 2013 suggests that multifamily properties may generate good returns in the near-term.

Three Ways to Flip Houses in a Down Market, (RISMedia, Mar. 16, 2007). Focus on foreclosures, look for deeper discounts, and consider buy and hold.

The investor's guide to real estate investment trusts (REITs), (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, 2007). PDF Document.

Green Real Estate: Interest in green investment products is building, (Financial Planning, Mar. 1, 2007). Q

A list of investmen

Field Guide to Investing in Real Estate

Investing in Real Estate, (The Practical Accountant, Apr. 2006). Q

The Investment Value of Home Ownership, (Journal of Financial Service Professionals , Jan. 2006). Q This article presents an overview of some of the tax savings opportunities available to homeowners and analyzes the investment value of home ownership.

Analyzing real estate so you can make money, (Realty Times, Dec. 23, 2003). How can investors be assured that they are making the right decision and assembling an income and expense statement that is accurate?

Making a real estate investment? Ask yourself these 9 questions before you buy, (REALTORŪ Magazine, Feb. 2001).