by Stella Kaye

Created on: January 04, 2009   Last Updated: October 20, 2009

A JOB FOR LIFE

Why invest in real estate? Now is the time to buy while houses are so reasonably priced but that aside I would thoroughly recommend it as one of the most rewarding jobs anyone can have.

Six years ago, I decided to become an investor in real estate as I hoped it would fill my days with something I already had a keen interest in. Being a real estate investor would not only give me a job I enjoyed but it would give me some purpose in life as well as providing my family with long- term financial security. And I must emphasise the phrase 'long- term' because being a property investor is no easy way to a fast buck.

I would definitely recommend becoming an investor in property if you want to be your own boss and not be tied to routine, but it is not for the faint-hearted who do not cope well with unexpected problems, or those who may not take kindly to the many responsibilities that go along with owning a number of properties.

If you want a quiet life then forget it and get an ordinary job where you can go home at the end of the day and put work related worries behind you. There have been times when I've dreaded the phone ringing, because as luck would have it, things usually go pear-shaped all at once. You have to be contactable at all times because if things aren't addressed swiftly they will invariably get worse.

Becoming an investor in real estate is a huge commitment and not one to be taken lightly; you will be giving yourself a job for life and you will need to be available evenings and weekends too - not just within normal office hours. If you choose to manage your own properties (which I recommend if they are located within reasonable travelling distance) be prepared to deal with any situation that arises - from real emergencies to the purely trivial.

Ridiculously illogical requests and comments from tenants will amuse you no end such as the inevitable phone call in the depths of winter to complain that the rental property soon becomes cold once the heating is switched off.

Six years ago I started my own business, working from home by becoming an investor in real estate quite simply because no one else would give me a job. Having brought up four children I decided to return to the workplace at the grand old age of forty five but no employer was prepared to employ me. I was apparently too high a risk. 'You haven't worked since 1986,' they would point out, peering disdainfully at my hardly impressive CV.

'I've stayed at home for the past twenty

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