Many investors are turned off by real estate because they do not have the time or inclination to become landlords and property managers. Both of which are in fact, a career in themselves.
First, let me state that I'm not an attorney and the rest of this article is just based on my experiences so I'd advise you to contact John Hyre at http://www.realestatetaxlaw.com to get some solid, specific advice on your particular situation.
When I first started getting active in creative real estate, my skill set at negotiating was very weak. I had done the telemarketing thing for American Express as a financial planner and had studied and learned a few techniques.
Real estate investment has provided many investors with positive cash flow, tax benefits and satisfaction of making an impact in others lives. Like any investment however, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that when ignored can cause an investor tremendous heart ache.