Author: Gemma Lewis

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

In 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. As of April 2025, this figure is now $414,000. The all-time high was $426,900 in June 2024.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.86%

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2025.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually — or at least in the world of interest rates — what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible — because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. If they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate. This can make it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

Another option is targeted investments in hot real estate markets. Arrived has simplified the process, making it easy and accessible for everyday investors through the Seattle City Fund.

The fund takes a strategic advantage of Seattle, a global business hub and home to some of the world’s most influential companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing. Potential returns are generated through rental income and any appreciation in the value of properties within the fund. The average home value in Seattle is over $910,000, with a 10-year average appreciation of 95.5%, according to Redfin.com

The Seattle City Fund lets you capitalize on the city’s steady growth and increasing property values, giving you diversification across multiple properties. Each home in the fund is projected to have equity ranging from $800,000 to $900,000.

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

In 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. As of April 2025, this figure is now $414,000. The all-time high was $426,900 in June 2024.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.86%

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2025.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually — or at least in the world of interest rates — what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible — because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. If they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate. This can make it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

Another option is targeted investments in hot real estate markets. Arrived has simplified the process, making it easy and accessible for everyday investors through the Seattle City Fund.

The fund takes a strategic advantage of Seattle, a global business hub and home to some of the world’s most influential companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing. Potential returns are generated through rental income and any appreciation in the value of properties within the fund. The average home value in Seattle is over $910,000, with a 10-year average appreciation of 95.5%, according to Redfin.com

The Seattle City Fund lets you capitalize on the city’s steady growth and increasing property values, giving you diversification across multiple properties. Each home in the fund is projected to have equity ranging from $800,000 to $900,000.

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

In 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. As of April 2025, this figure is now $414,000. The all-time high was $426,900 in June 2024.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.86%

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2025.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually — or at least in the world of interest rates — what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible — because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. If they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate. This can make it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

Another option is targeted investments in hot real estate markets. Arrived has simplified the process, making it easy and accessible for everyday investors through the Seattle City Fund.

The fund takes a strategic advantage of Seattle, a global business hub and home to some of the world’s most influential companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing. Potential returns are generated through rental income and any appreciation in the value of properties within the fund. The average home value in Seattle is over $910,000, with a 10-year average appreciation of 95.5%, according to Redfin.com The Seattle City Fund lets you capitalize on the city’s steady growth and increasing property values, giving you diversification across multiple properties. Each home in the fund is projected to have equity ranging from $800,000 to $900,000.

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Robert Kiyosaki has a controversial take on debt: you shouldn’t avoid it. Instead, just embrace it.

Garrett Gunderson interviewed Kiyosaki in 2019, and that’s how he said the rich get richer. His stance is pretty unique from the other big name financial gurus.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Suze Orman emphasizes strict budgeting and frugality, and Dave Ramsey champions a debt-free lifestyle. But Kiyosaki’s perspective is markedly different.

By investing in investments that generate cash flow, while minimizing taxes and tapping into debt, Robert Kiyosaki’s strategy is focused on growing assets rather than cutting costs. Here are 3 of his top tips.

1. Invest for maximum returns and minimize taxes

Kiyosaki suggests prioritizing investments with maximum returns and low tax burdens. That means he opts for alternative assets and specific tax-shielded accounts, like IRAs.

Real estate

In Kiyosaki’s words, “The more debt you have, the more real estate you can buy and the less tax you pay."

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Gold

Kiyosaki is also a proponent of alternative assets like gold. He openly shares that he owns gold as a hedge against economic downturns.

Unlike fiat currency, the precious metal cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks, and its value is not tied to a single economy or currency. These traits make gold a favored “safe haven” asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Investors seem to be taking note. So far in 2025, the price of gold has surged, surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Crypto

Kiyosaki certainly isn’t shy about his love for digital currencies, famously sharing on X that he has lofty aspirations of owning 100 Bitcoin (he currently owns 76.)

Now would be a pretty good time to own all of those coins, given its price has continued to hit all-time-highs above $90,000 in the past few weeks. Though, it’s an inherently volatile investment – and it’s consistently ebbing and flowing. So, you want to be sure you can stomach that level of volatility and risk before investing in crypto like Kiyosaki does.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

2. Use a team of experts

Another way Kiyosaki differs from other financial commentators is that he argues accountants, tax experts, and even attorneys can be key to minimizing taxes. He unapologetically believes that "If you’re a coward and you’re afraid of the IRS, then you’re middle class and poor."

His advice might rub you the wrong way, but there’s something to be said for seeking a professional’s opinion on your finances. After all, it’s a lot harder to see the forest for the trees when it’s your money. And professional financial advisors can play a crucial role in helping you zoom out and make the best plans for your future.

With Vanguard, you can connect with a personal advisor who can help assess how you’re doing so far and make sure you’ve got the right portfolio to meet your goals on time.

Vanguard’s hybrid advisory system combines advice from professional advisers and automated portfolio management to make sure your investments are working to achieve your financial goals.

All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire about your financial goals, and Vanguard’s advisers will help you set a tailored plan, and stick to it.

Once you’re set, you can sit back as Vanguard’s advisors manage your portfolio. Because they’re fiduciaries, they don’t earn commissions, so you can trust that the advice you’re getting is unbiased.

3. Don’t be afraid of debt

In an interview with Forbes, Kiyosaki said, “If you’re gonna go into debt to invest in real estate, find the best rate.”

With interest rates falling, finding a better rate should be easier than it was last year. A quick and efficient way to check out the rates available is the Mortgage Research Center (MRC). The platform can help you easily compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, including your ZIP code, desired property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a loan with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors of all time. So, if you follow his moves by buying what he buys and selling what he sells, that’s a recipe for investing success, right?

Copycat investing sounds good in theory. Buffett even admitted in a 2009 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, “I did the same thing when I was young.” However, the Wizard of Omaha offered a word of warning as well. "You can piggyback on my moves, but you can’t buy the whole businesses I do."

The problem is that most investors don’t have the means to buy entire businesses in the way that Buffett can, and that means they don’t have the same control over the outcomes.

That’s just one reason why buying like Buffett looks a lot better on the surface than it is. But it certainly doesn’t mean you need to have Berkshire Hathaway’s amount of capital to become a successful investor. Below are three Buffett-backed tips for growing your wealth as an individual investor.

Start when you can

It’s all about starting small. The sooner you start investing, the better, no matter how much you’re setting aside. That’s because one of Buffett’s core principles, compounding, ensures you earn returns on both your initial investment and the growth it generates. For instance, investing $100 per month at a 5% annual compound rate would grow to $15,593 over 10 years.

If you’re struggling to find the extra cash to invest, platforms like Moka can simplify investing by building a long-term portfolio for you using your spare change.

Moka automatically rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into diversified portfolios. This way, even everyday spending can contribute to your financial goals.

It’s perfect for those new to investing who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution with minimal effort.

Invest for the long-run

Instead of trying to beat the market and constantly changing your investments, another tried-and-true Buffett approach is to pick solid investments and then leave them alone.

In 1998, Buffett shared his belief that investors should “only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for ten years.” Data from Finimize also proves that in general, the longer your investment horizon is, the less likely you are to suffer a loss.

If you have a long-term goal in mind for your investments, working with a financial advisor can help you make a concrete plan to get there.

The upside to working with a financial planner is that you’ll have an expert who isn’t emotionally attached to your money offering advice on how to manage your assets. That could be invaluable, especially if life ends up throwing you a curveball, such as an earlier-than-expected retirement, a sickness or other unplanned event.

However, if you’re confident in your ability to invest and can keep any personal sentiment from influencing your decision-making process, CIBC Investor’s Edge offers a comprehensive platform for do-it-yourself investors to build and manage their own portfolios. It’s a great choice self-directed investors to trade stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds and more online or through a mobile app, keep on top of markets with a vast library of research, and set up alerts to monitor stocks and get real-time quotes through a bank-owned online brokerage with strong security measures.

Research, but don’t copy

Another issue with trying to follow Buffett’s trades is that the stock market moves quickly. In the 1960s, when the Oracle of Omaha was in his 20s (and perhaps still copy trading), the average stock-holding period was between seven and eight years. Now, it’s less than a year long, on average. And given the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) only requires American institutional investors, such as Buffett, to disclose their holdings quarterly, you’d often be several months behind his actual trades.

This delay can lead to serious risks. That’s why it’s important you stick to industries or businesses you understand rather than following blindly.

Although social media trends or buzzy crypto drops may make lead some investors to chase fleeting, if downright deceitful money moves, it’s important to not dive headfirst into something without doing your research and always expressing a bit of healthy skepticism.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

San Diego police received a tip recently about a stolen trailer listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. That tip led to an hourlong SWAT raid and the discovery of four more stolen trailers, with five suspects arrested.

"Obviously, no one wants this in their community — especially if it’s a chop shop or an active criminal organization that’s going on,” San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division Capt. Michael Ramsay told NBC 7 San Diego.

“So yes, we had something weird take place, so we are going to use our search warrants, our SWAT teams to handle these types of issues."

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

This case reflects a much bigger problem, with an estimated $500 billion in stolen or counterfeit goods sold online worldwide each year.

Fortunately, there are ways to help protect yourself when shopping online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay.

From online listing to police raid

San Diego police said they received a report of a stolen trailer: After discovering his trailer missing from a storage locker, the owner spotted it for sale on Facebook Marketplace in the Mira Mesa neighborhood.

After officers arrived at the home in question, one person, who had been inside a different trailer also reported stolen, was taken into custody. But police quickly realized more people were hiding in the home, and when they wouldn’t come out, SWAT was called in.

"We heard bang-bang-bang-bang, 5 shots … and everybody here didn’t even know what was going on," one neighbor told NBC 7.

Police told reporters that what neighbors heard were flashbangs, deployed to warn occupants to exit their home.

The operation led to the arrest of a woman and three other men. By the end of their search, police say they recovered five stolen trailers on the property, as well as a firearm found inside one of the trailers.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

The growing problem of online stolen goods

According to the National Retail Federation, retailers reported a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents between 2019 and 2023. Many of these items make their way to online marketplaces, where they are sold to unsuspecting buyers.

To combat this growing issue, both federal and state governments are implementing stricter regulations for online marketplaces.

The INFORM Consumers Act, signed into law in 2022, requires online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume sellers, those with 200-plus transactions or $5,000 or more in revenue within one year. The law also mandates that marketplaces provide consumers with ways to report suspicious activity.

At the state level, California has introduced additional measures that aim to close any loopholes that allow sellers to avoid verification procedures by advertising through online marketplaces, but completing transactions offline.

How to protect yourself from buying stolen goods online

Major online platforms have policies prohibiting the sale of stolen goods. Facebook Marketplace, for example, explicitly forbids selling stolen items, but it can still happen — that’s where the owner who provided the tip to San Diego police first spotted his stolen trailer.

Facebook recommends that users report suspicious listings and contact local law enforcement if they believe an item is stolen. Craigslist and eBay have similar policies in place.

However, the responsibility ultimately falls on buyers to exercise caution. Here are some steps you can take to help avoid purchasing something stolen:

1. Be skeptical of prices that seem too good to be true

Significantly underpriced items can indicate something isn’t quite right.

2. Check for documentation

Ask for receipts, serial numbers or other proof of ownership before you meet the seller, especially for expensive items.

3. Meet sellers in public places

Many police stations have safe exchange areas for buyers and sellers to meet up. If a seller insists you come to their location, consider it a possible red flag — they may have something to hide.

4. Be wary of sellers with multiple similar items

Someone selling numerous bikes, power tools or electronics might be offloading stolen merchandise.

5. Watch for the bait and switch

If the seller shows you photos of one item but presents something different when you meet, walk away.

By remaining vigilant and following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of inadvertently purchasing stolen goods.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Robert Kiyosaki has a controversial take on debt: you shouldn’t avoid it. Instead, just embrace it.

Garrett Gunderson interviewed Kiyosaki in 2019, and that’s how he said the rich get richer. His stance is pretty unique from the other big name financial gurus.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Suze Orman emphasizes strict budgeting and frugality, and Dave Ramsey champions a debt-free lifestyle. But Kiyosaki’s perspective is markedly different.

By investing in investments that generate cash flow, while minimizing taxes and tapping into debt, Robert Kiyosaki’s strategy is focused on growing assets rather than cutting costs. Here are 3 of his top tips.

1. Invest for maximum returns and minimize taxes

Kiyosaki suggests prioritizing investments with maximum returns and low tax burdens. That means he opts for alternative assets and specific tax-shielded accounts, like IRAs.

Real estate

In Kiyosaki’s words, “The more debt you have, the more real estate you can buy and the less tax you pay."

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Gold

Kiyosaki is also a proponent of alternative assets like gold. He openly shares that he owns gold as a hedge against economic downturns.

Unlike fiat currency, the precious metal cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks, and its value is not tied to a single economy or currency. These traits make gold a favored “safe haven” asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Investors seem to be taking note. So far in 2025, the price of gold has surged, surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Crypto

Kiyosaki certainly isn’t shy about his love for digital currencies, famously sharing on X that he has lofty aspirations of owning 100 Bitcoin (he currently owns 76.)

Now would be a pretty good time to own all of those coins, given its price has continued to hit all-time-highs above $90,000 in the past few weeks. Though, it’s an inherently volatile investment – and it’s consistently ebbing and flowing. So, you want to be sure you can stomach that level of volatility and risk before investing in crypto like Kiyosaki does.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

2. Use a team of experts

Another way Kiyosaki differs from other financial commentators is that he argues accountants, tax experts, and even attorneys can be key to minimizing taxes. He unapologetically believes that "If you’re a coward and you’re afraid of the IRS, then you’re middle class and poor."

His advice might rub you the wrong way, but there’s something to be said for seeking a professional’s opinion on your finances. After all, it’s a lot harder to see the forest for the trees when it’s your money. And professional financial advisors can play a crucial role in helping you zoom out and make the best plans for your future.

With Vanguard, you can connect with a personal advisor who can help assess how you’re doing so far and make sure you’ve got the right portfolio to meet your goals on time.

Vanguard’s hybrid advisory system combines advice from professional advisers and automated portfolio management to make sure your investments are working to achieve your financial goals.

All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire about your financial goals, and Vanguard’s advisers will help you set a tailored plan, and stick to it.

Once you’re set, you can sit back as Vanguard’s advisors manage your portfolio. Because they’re fiduciaries, they don’t earn commissions, so you can trust that the advice you’re getting is unbiased.

3. Don’t be afraid of debt

In an interview with Forbes, Kiyosaki said, “If you’re gonna go into debt to invest in real estate, find the best rate.”

With interest rates falling, finding a better rate should be easier than it was last year. A quick and efficient way to check out the rates available is the Mortgage Research Center (MRC). The platform can help you easily compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, including your ZIP code, desired property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a loan with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Robert Kiyosaki has a controversial take on debt: you shouldn’t avoid it. Instead, just embrace it.

Garrett Gunderson interviewed Kiyosaki in 2019, and that’s how he said the rich get richer. His stance is pretty unique from the other big name financial gurus.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

Suze Orman emphasizes strict budgeting and frugality, and Dave Ramsey champions a debt-free lifestyle. But Kiyosaki’s perspective is markedly different.

By investing in investments that generate cash flow, while minimizing taxes and tapping into debt, Robert Kiyosaki’s strategy is focused on growing assets rather than cutting costs. Here are 3 of his top tips.

1. Invest for maximum returns and minimize taxes

Kiyosaki suggests prioritizing investments with maximum returns and low tax burdens. That means he opts for alternative assets and specific tax-shielded accounts, like IRAs.

Real estate

In Kiyosaki’s words, “The more debt you have, the more real estate you can buy and the less tax you pay."

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Gold

Kiyosaki is also a proponent of alternative assets like gold. He openly shares that he owns gold as a hedge against economic downturns.

Unlike fiat currency, the precious metal cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks, and its value is not tied to a single economy or currency. These traits make gold a favored “safe haven” asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Investors seem to be taking note. So far in 2025, the price of gold has surged, surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Crypto

Kiyosaki certainly isn’t shy about his love for digital currencies, famously sharing on X that he has lofty aspirations of owning 100 Bitcoin (he currently owns 76.)

Now would be a pretty good time to own all of those coins, given its price has continued to hit all-time-highs above $90,000 in the past few weeks. Though, it’s an inherently volatile investment – and it’s consistently ebbing and flowing. So, you want to be sure you can stomach that level of volatility and risk before investing in crypto like Kiyosaki does.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

2. Use a team of experts

Another way Kiyosaki differs from other financial commentators is that he argues accountants, tax experts, and even attorneys can be key to minimizing taxes. He unapologetically believes that "If you’re a coward and you’re afraid of the IRS, then you’re middle class and poor."

His advice might rub you the wrong way, but there’s something to be said for seeking a professional’s opinion on your finances. After all, it’s a lot harder to see the forest for the trees when it’s your money. And professional financial advisors can play a crucial role in helping you zoom out and make the best plans for your future.

With Vanguard, you can connect with a personal advisor who can help assess how you’re doing so far and make sure you’ve got the right portfolio to meet your goals on time.

Vanguard’s hybrid advisory system combines advice from professional advisers and automated portfolio management to make sure your investments are working to achieve your financial goals.

All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire about your financial goals, and Vanguard’s advisers will help you set a tailored plan, and stick to it.

Once you’re set, you can sit back as Vanguard’s advisors manage your portfolio. Because they’re fiduciaries, they don’t earn commissions, so you can trust that the advice you’re getting is unbiased.

3. Don’t be afraid of debt

In an interview with Forbes, Kiyosaki said, “If you’re gonna go into debt to invest in real estate, find the best rate.”

With interest rates falling, finding a better rate should be easier than it was last year. A quick and efficient way to check out the rates available is the Mortgage Research Center (MRC). The platform can help you easily compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, including your ZIP code, desired property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a loan with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

What to read next

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Back in 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. As of Feb. 2025, it’s 135% higher, sitting around $424,429.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 7.14%.

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2025.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually (or at least in the world of interest rates) what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible–because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. And if they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate.

New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

Choosing in-demand markets

Generally, Buffett isn’t a huge fan of investing in real estate for returns. He tends to prefer the stock market, because it can be easier to pinpoint companies with strong growth potential. Real estate can be a bit murkier. That said, he has invested in REITs, and sold his stake in STORE Capital’s REIT after it was acquired by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund.

If you’re interested in REITs, DLP Capital offers tax-advantaged, private REITs through various investment funds.

DLP Capital aims to deliver annual returns in the range of 9% and 13% — at par with the S&P 500 index’s 10.26% median annual return. The firm’s success speaks for itself. DLP Housing Fund has delivered 19.47% returns annually between 2020 and 2023.

Accredited investors can earn passive income through monthly, quarterly, or annual distributions, all while benefitting from portfolio diversification and a potentially lower tax bill.

DLP also facilitates the investing process, so real estate investing can be as simple as Buffett dreamed of back in 2012.

What to read next

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

San Diego police received a tip recently about a stolen trailer listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. That tip led to an hourlong SWAT raid and the discovery of four more stolen trailers, with five suspects arrested.

"Obviously, no one wants this in their community — especially if it’s a chop shop or an active criminal organization that’s going on,” San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division Capt. Michael Ramsay told NBC 7 San Diego.

“So yes, we had something weird take place, so we are going to use our search warrants, our SWAT teams to handle these types of issues."

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

This case reflects a much bigger problem, with an estimated $500 billion in stolen or counterfeit goods sold online worldwide each year.

Fortunately, there are ways to help protect yourself when shopping online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay.

From online listing to police raid

San Diego police said they received a report of a stolen trailer: After discovering his trailer missing from a storage locker, the owner spotted it for sale on Facebook Marketplace in the Mira Mesa neighborhood.

After officers arrived at the home in question, one person, who had been inside a different trailer also reported stolen, was taken into custody. But police quickly realized more people were hiding in the home, and when they wouldn’t come out, SWAT was called in.

"We heard bang-bang-bang-bang, 5 shots … and everybody here didn’t even know what was going on," one neighbor told NBC 7.

Police told reporters that what neighbors heard were flashbangs, deployed to warn occupants to exit their home.

The operation led to the arrest of a woman and three other men. By the end of their search, police say they recovered five stolen trailers on the property, as well as a firearm found inside one of the trailers.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

The growing problem of online stolen goods

According to the National Retail Federation, retailers reported a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents between 2019 and 2023. Many of these items make their way to online marketplaces, where they are sold to unsuspecting buyers.

To combat this growing issue, both federal and state governments are implementing stricter regulations for online marketplaces.

The INFORM Consumers Act, signed into law in 2022, requires online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume sellers, those with 200-plus transactions or $5,000 or more in revenue within one year. The law also mandates that marketplaces provide consumers with ways to report suspicious activity.

At the state level, California has introduced additional measures that aim to close any loopholes that allow sellers to avoid verification procedures by advertising through online marketplaces, but completing transactions offline.

How to protect yourself from buying stolen goods online

Major online platforms have policies prohibiting the sale of stolen goods. Facebook Marketplace, for example, explicitly forbids selling stolen items, but it can still happen — that’s where the owner who provided the tip to San Diego police first spotted his stolen trailer.

Facebook recommends that users report suspicious listings and contact local law enforcement if they believe an item is stolen. Craigslist and eBay have similar policies in place.

However, the responsibility ultimately falls on buyers to exercise caution. Here are some steps you can take to help avoid purchasing something stolen:

1. Be skeptical of prices that seem too good to be true

Significantly underpriced items can indicate something isn’t quite right.

2. Check for documentation

Ask for receipts, serial numbers or other proof of ownership before you meet the seller, especially for expensive items.

3. Meet sellers in public places

Many police stations have safe exchange areas for buyers and sellers to meet up. If a seller insists you come to their location, consider it a possible red flag — they may have something to hide.

4. Be wary of sellers with multiple similar items

Someone selling numerous bikes, power tools or electronics might be offloading stolen merchandise.

5. Watch for the bait and switch

If the seller shows you photos of one item but presents something different when you meet, walk away.

By remaining vigilant and following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of inadvertently purchasing stolen goods.

What to read next

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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