Passive and active real estate investing are two distinct approaches to this business, each with advantages, drawbacks, and considerations. The strategy you choose often comes down to personal financial goals and preferences, but there’s no denying that passive investing offers a few distinct advantages for all investors.

The U.S. stock market did not have a good week at the end of February. This in itself is an understatement — the Dow fell 1,191 points. S&P 500 posted its worst numbers since the Great Recession. The Dow drop of 4.4 percent, however, marks the worst single-day stock market drop in history. The U.S. stock market lost some $4 trillion in value where the global stock market lost $6 trillion.

It takes a lot of time, hard work and dedication to build up a solid passive investment portfolio. None of us find success just starting out — patience and consistent efforts are key here. Once we get our portfolios in a good place, it doesn’t mean we can take out hands off of the wheel. Not entirely, as 100% hands-off investing is a myth.

Owning investment property can be time consuming. So much so that it can encroach and even eclipse other aspects of life. It can, at times, feel like a huge time-suck, compromising family time, leisure time, as well as time to extend and grow wealth. It doesn't have to be that way. There are ways to own investment properties, manage them effectively, and maintain their profitability, while preserving time to have a gratifying life.