Donna Hartl and her husband bought a vacant lot in Brooksville, Florida for $17,500, planning to build their dream home. However, they discovered a Duke Energy easement from 1955 prevents construction within 100 feet of a pole, leaving most of the land unusable. They still owe taxes on the property.

Real estate investing is a popular way to build wealth, with Americans ranking it as the best long-term investment. One option is investing in shares of vacation homes or rental properties through platforms like Arrived, which allows investors to earn passive income without the responsibilities of being a landlord.

Another avenue for property ownership is commercial real estate, with First National Realty Partners (FNRP) offering accredited investors the chance to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties. Investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart with a minimum investment of $50,000.

While these investment opportunities offer potential returns, they also come with risks like no returns or illiquidity. It’s important to speak to a professional before investing, especially if you are retired or close to retirement. Join 200,000+ readers to get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: This Florida couple bought a vacant lot for $17,500