10.6 Million Americans Earn Income from Real Estate Investing—Here’s How You Can Too
- Christian Staton
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 24
📊 Quick Stat: Over 10.6 million Americans earn income from real estate investing. Are you ready to join them?
Introduction
More people than ever are making real estate their side hustle, passive income stream, or full-time business. Whether it’s renting out a spare unit, house hacking, or managing multiple properties, real estate is one of the most consistent wealth-building strategies available.
But let’s be honest—being a landlord isn’t always glamorous. Late rent, maintenance calls, and piles of paperwork can turn your investment into a second job.
That’s why property management software like HELM exists—to take the overthinking out of property management. In this guide, we’ll cover:
Why real estate investing is booming
Common struggles landlords face
How property management software like HELM saves time & stress. Check out HELM in action!
Steps to start or scale your rental business
Let’s dive in.
Why Real Estate Investing Is on the Rise
1. Passive Income & Cash Flow
With stocks, you sell to profit. With real estate, you collect rent month after month. That’s why landlords love it—your investment pays you without needing to sell.
2. Property Values Keep Rising
Historically, real estate appreciates in value, meaning your asset becomes more valuable over time. Even during downturns, markets tend to recover, making it a long-term wealth builder.
3. Big Tax Benefits
The government incentivizes real estate investors with tax advantages like:
Depreciation (write off the cost of the property over time)
Mortgage interest deductions
Property tax deductions
4. Inflation Hedge
As inflation rises, so do rent prices. Owning rental properties ensures your income keeps pace with the economy.
5. Easier Financing & Creative Strategies
Many new investors start with:
House hacking – Live in one unit, rent the rest.
BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) – Use equity to scale.
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) – Higher cash flow potential.
The Hidden Struggles of Real Estate Investors
📉 Reality Check: Most new investors think real estate is easy money. But here’s what they don’t expect:
❌ Late Rent & Cash Flow Headaches
Chasing tenants for rent, dealing with bounced checks, and wondering if/when the money will hit your account.
❌ Tenant Screening Nightmares
One bad tenant can cost you thousands in missed rent, property damage, and legal fees.
❌ 24/7 Maintenance Issues
Your tenant’s plumbing disaster? Suddenly your emergency.
❌ Endless Paperwork & Disorganization
Leases, payment records, maintenance logs—it’s too easy to lose track without a system.
This is where most landlords burn out. But smart investors use technology to eliminate these problems. Read our other blog post about why real estate investing is worth the grind.
How HELM Property Management Software Fixes It All
If you’re still using Venmo, spreadsheets, or manual lease signing, you’re working harder than you need to.
✅ Automated Rent Collection (No More Awkward Texts)
Tenants pay online via ACH (direct bank transfer).
Automatic reminders prevent late payments.
Funds go straight to your bank account with zero stress.
✅ Built-in Tenant Screening
Instant credit, background, & eviction checks.
Avoid costly bad tenants before they move in.
✅ Easy Maintenance Management
Tenants submit service requests online (with photos).
Assign repairs to your handyman or HELM’s partner network.
Track all maintenance costs in one place.
✅ Digital Lease Signing & Document Storage
Tenants sign leases electronically—no scanning, printing, or mailing.
Store all rental agreements, invoices, and notes in one dashboard.
✅ In-App Messaging (Ditch the 100-Text Chains)
Keep all tenant communication organized.
No more missed messages or scattered email threads.
✅ Industry’s Best Pricing
Most property management software costs $50-$100/month. HELM is just $19.99/month—no hidden fees.
🚀 HELM helps landlords manage their rentals effortlessly. More time, less stress, higher profits.
How to Start (or Scale) Your Rental Portfolio
Want to join the 10.6 million Americans earning rental income? Here’s a simple roadmap:
Step 1: Pick Your Strategy
🏠 House Hacking – Buy a multi-unit, live in one, rent the rest.
🏢 Long-Term Rentals – Buy & hold for monthly income.
📈 Short-Term Rentals – Airbnb/VRBO for higher cash flow.
Step 2: Find a Profitable Property
Look for undervalued properties with strong rental demand.
Analyze cash flow (rent - expenses) BEFORE buying.
Step 3: Finance It Smartly
5-20% Down? Go traditional.
3.5% Down? FHA loans work for house hacking.
BRRRR Method? Reinvest equity to buy more rentals.
Step 4: Use HELM for Stress-Free Management
Automate rent collection & maintenance.
Screen tenants properly from the start.
Keep all documents & communication in one place.
📊 Pro Tip: Treat your rental like a business. The difference between an average landlord and a successful investor? Better systems.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Make Real Estate Work for You?
Real estate investing isn’t just for the wealthy. Over 10.6 million Americans are already earning income from rentals—why not you?
🚀 With HELM, you can:
Collect rent automatically
Find & screen quality tenants
Manage maintenance & communication seamlessly
Save hours of admin work every month
👉 Start your FREE 90-day trial today. Let HELM handle the headaches—so you can focus on building your wealth.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. HELM Property Management Software, LLC does not provide legal, financial, or investment consulting services. Real estate investing and property management involve risks, and laws vary by state and municipality. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified attorney, accountant, or financial professional before making any real estate, financial, or property management decisions.
Nothing in this blog creates an attorney-client, financial advisor-client, or other professional relationship between the reader and HELM Property Management Software, LLC. Additionally, this content is intended for U.S. audiences, and legal or financial regulations may differ in other jurisdictions.
HELM Property Management Software, LLC makes no warranties or representations about the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. While we strive to keep our content up to date, real estate and financial regulations change frequently, and we are not responsible for outdated or incorrect information. Any mention of third-party services, products, or companies does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of their services.
By using this information, you agree that HELM Property Management Software, LLC is not liable for any losses, damages, or legal consequences resulting from decisions made based on this content.
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