Here are some ways to make money in real estate: Buy and hold rental properties Participate in real estate crowdfunding Invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) Flip houses for a profit Develop real estate (e.g. build homes, convert commercial properties) Invest in vacation rental properties (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO) Purchase and hold land for future development Participate in a real estate syndicate or partnership Provide hard money loans for real estate investors Buy and hold mobile home parks or self-storage facilities.