Historically, real estate has always been a rising commodity. A second home to rent out, a duplex, or small apartment building can all be great opportunities to generate financial freedom for yourself and your family, if you understand the financial commitments involved and the maintenance required to keep a property's value at a peak level.

Investing in real estate is different than owning your own home. If you're becoming a landlord and renting out your investment property, for example, you'll have to understand the legal obligations of the landlord/tenant relationship. And when you search for an investment property, you'll need to be able to assess which property is likely to have the best Return On Investment.