So, not really passive.Investing in rReal estate offers a lot more control than investing in stocks, but it also requires an investment of time to do well.

i work full time too, so i can only do one big project at a time, and can only make about 1 offer every 1-2 months.my stock answer to anyone is to invest where they live - and for expensive metros that includes 1-2 hours out. 

These programs offer options for less money down and in some cases DPA - Down payment assistance.As a banker for over 18+ years I am very skeptical when I hear a new name in the business only because its become tougher to lend with all of the new laws and credit/insurance requirements and regulations.  

I've been surprised at properties that have passed conventional financing though...and even FHA....also, one could present 2 offers to seller--one for a cash offer and one for seller financing (at a higher price of course). 

Find a good lender, get pre approved, make sure you practice running the #'s using the 100's of videos and guides from BP, find an investor friendly Realtor, and then start making offers on any property that meets your goal.

-- We focus on verifying 2-year work history and verifying rent payments with last 2 landlords (unless in same property for 5+ years).3) MoveIn Specials: be careful with offering "free rent" as will just attract tenants with no cash.-- Try free TV or something else worth 25-50% of one month of rent.-- Or, what we do is offer the free rent AFTER & ONLY if they pay their first 3 months of rent on time to earn it.4) Lower the rent 5% every 2-4 weeks until activity picks up.5) Understand this is the worst time of year to find tenants.-- Starts picking back up end of February when this tenant pool starts getting their income tax refunds and aren't broke anymore.6) Section 8: where is the property being advertised?

Quote from @Alecia Loveless: Something is better than nothing, but I would offer more like $250 or 1/4 of a month's rent.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – and they often select the first PMC they call!

Does any of your competition offer it all? 

Paying off rental mortgages increases monthly cash flow but reduces liquidity, while investing in hard money lending offers high returns but is taxed as ordinary income.Buying a multi-unit rental provides tax benefits like depreciation, while purchasing a business can yield strong profits but requires active management.