A Sacramento couple rented their home to squatters who stopped paying rent and left the property in disrepair. The landlords struggled with the legal system to evict them, highlighting the risks of being a landlord in today’s real estate market.

To avoid the hassles of property management, investors can consider crowdfunding platforms like First National Realty Partners. This allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through commercial properties without the responsibilities of being a landlord.

For those interested in real estate but unable to buy property, platforms like Homeshares offer fractional ownership in rental properties. This provides investors with monthly income and appreciation without the need for a hefty down payment or property management.

Mogul, a real estate investment platform, offers fractional ownership in top-quality rental properties hand-picked by experts. Each property undergoes a rigorous vetting process, providing investors with an average annual IRR of 18.8% and cash-on-cash yields of 10-12% annually. Offerings often sell out quickly, with investments typically ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 per property.

Investing in a real estate investment trust (REIT) or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offers another way to benefit from the real estate market without the hassles of property ownership. Platforms like Moby provide expert research and guidance to help investors make informed decisions in the real estate market.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: This California couple fell prey to serial squatters who refused to pay rent for months. 3 ways to invest in real estate