Why I Invest in Real Estate (And Why You Might Consider It Too)

[Brian J Allen]

People often ask me why I choose to buy investment properties and other real estate. The answer is simple:

Labor is finite.

We can only work in the present, and once that time is gone, it’s gone for good. If you take a day off and don't earn, that day will never return, and neither will the money you could have made. We all have a limited amount of time to work, and there’s a constant push to maximize that time to earn as much as possible—so we can enjoy life beyond work.

Most people work to meet their immediate needs—food, clothing, and shelter. When they have a little extra money, they invest in things that don’t lose value right away. Durable goods like fridges, cars, and houses give us more control over our time and resources. A fridge keeps food fresh longer, a car saves time by reducing the need to walk everywhere, and buying a house ensures your money doesn’t simply expire like rent.

But as investors, we’re aiming for something bigger. We take the money we’ve earned and make it work for us. In real estate, this means buying properties that generate income—while we sleep—and (ideally) appreciate in value over time. Many people believe investing in real estate is a passive activity, but that's rarely the case. There’s always work involved.

Ultimately, what we’re trying to do is transform a finite resource—our time—into something that can last indefinitely. Real estate is one of the few investments that allows us to take today’s effort and turn it into long-term gains that can continue even when we're no longer actively working.

That’s why I buy investment properties. I’m not just thinking about today, but about building something that lasts far into the future.