You don’t need to be a full-time landlord to invest in real estate.
Whether you’re a physician, tech professional, attorney, or entrepreneur, there are accessible ways to put your capital to work in real estate—without it becoming your second job.
Here are five real estate investment routes tailored for busy investors:
1. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Easiest Entry Point
REITs are publicly traded companies that own and operate income-producing real estate. You can buy shares just like a stock, making this one of the most liquid and hands-off ways to gain exposure to the real estate market.
- ✅ Low minimum investment
- ✅ Highly liquid
- ⚠️ Limited control and transparency
- ⚠️ Subject to market sentiment like all publicly traded securities
- ⚠️ Indirect benefits from depreciation
Great for: Dipping your toe in real estate without leaving your brokerage account.
2. Turnkey Rentals: Hands-Off Ownership
Turnkey rental companies sell renovated properties with tenants and property management in place. You own the property and receive monthly rent checks, with minimal involvement in day-to-day operations.
- ✅ Direct ownership and control
- ✅ Tax benefits like depreciation
- ⚠️ Requires oversight and risk tolerance
- ⚠️ Requires knowledgeable due diligence at purchase
Great for: Investors who want ownership without rehabbing or managing tenants.
3. Short-Term Rentals: Higher Income, Higher Involvement
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have turned vacation rentals into income opportunities. You can hire property managers to run these, but STRs often require more active involvement and compliance with local regulations.
- ✅ Potential for strong cash flow
- ✅ Attractive in high-demand tourist areas
- ⚠️ More volatility and operational complexity
- ⚠️ Requires regular active management (hired out or not)
Great for: Investors with a tolerance for risk who want income upside.
4. Real Estate Funds: Professional Management, Less Work
Real estate funds pool investor capital to purchase multiple properties. These are often managed by experienced sponsors and may target specific sectors (e.g., multifamily, retail, industrial).
- ✅ Diversification within the fund
- ✅ Completely passive
- ⚠️ Requires due diligence on the fund and sponsor
- ⚠️ Fund managers choose the properties
Great for: Professionals who want access to larger deals with limited involvement.
5. Real Estate Syndications: Passive Ownership with Direct Property Access
Syndications allow you to co-invest in a specific property—like a multifamily complex or neighborhood shopping center—alongside other limited partners. The sponsor team handles acquisition, management, and exit.
- ✅ Cash flow, tax advantages, and equity upside
- ✅ You pick the property investments that you like
- ✅ Hands-off once you invest
- ⚠️ Less liquidity and longer time horizon
Great for: Busy investors who want the benefits of real estate ownership—without the hassle.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Your ideal route depends on your time, risk tolerance, and return expectations. At NC Capital Group, we specialize in real estate syndications that provide busy professionals with stable income, long-term growth, and the peace of mind of a passive investment.
Ready to explore our next opportunity? Contact us to learn more.
Win Coleman, CCIM, is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds both North Carolina and South Carolina Real Estate Licenses and was awarded the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2008.
Win served on the board of directors of The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) where he co-chaired The Independent Rental Owner’s Council (IROC). He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR) and the Raleigh Kiwanis Club.
While a specialist in site identification, evaluation and acquisition for investors and businesses, he also has extensive experience in brokerage, leasing, property management and investment sales.
Win assists in managing The Coleman Group, LLC, which owns a portfolio of investment properties, and he is a member of our acquisitions committee. He has lifelong experience and love for historic properties including the one he restored and where he resides in Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh.