Real estate investing can be as fun as it is profitable. Remember to do the research on the property before signing a contract. Do not rush into a new home mortgage or financial commitment on a rental property without performing the necessary due diligence.

The community as well as the deed should be reviewed. Look for new building in the area- either commercial property or residential property. Typically, new building or refurbished properties are a sign of community growth.

Then again, if you are looking at rural property in areas outside of the city, such as a ranch or farm land, that can be a little more difficult to assess. Protect your investment and locate a local real estate agent that is familiar with the area you are considering investing in.

• Hedge Funds Sprout In Gaps In RealEstate Lending New York Times

  With money still tight, investors in real estate are forced to turn to hardmoney lenders, who charge high interest for shortterm loans. More often than not these days, those lenders are hedge funds, according to The Wall Street Journal.

• Eye Slain Brooklyn Couples Real Estate Firm For Clues New York Daily News

  Investigators think the financial records of a real estate company might solve the mystery of who killed a Brooklyn couple in their bed last month, the Daily News has learned.

• Medical Real Estate Unit Begins Memphis Commercial Appeal

  CB Richard Ellis Memphis LLC is launching a new division to tap the growing health care office real estate market.