<p>Blackacre,</p>
<p>A CD earning 5.5% isn't really earning 5.5% if you take into account income taxes and inflation. On the other hand, a rental property is an appreciating asset (if you look at history over the last 30 yrs) that the government allows you to write off it's <u>depreciation</u> as well as the ability to defer the tax on the gain indefinitely (1031 exchange). I would take Ninja's 3.8% over a 5.5% CD any day. The key is to find property with positive cash flow like Graph mentioned. The best way to start would be to buy a 4-plex and live in one, while renting the other 3. Not only are you able to write off your mortgage interest, you are also able to write off the depreciation of the building, as well as all cost of maintenance vs. the income you are receiving. I would recommend a 4 unit property because this is where you get the most bang for your buck without it being labelled a "commercial" property which would then cost you more in terms of financing and the government doesn't allow you to depreciate it as fast. More people have made their fortune this way than with the stock market, or flipping houses. Sure it takes more work, and we are talking a longer time frame, but it is in my estimation the best way to "invest" in real estate.</p>