Done properly, investment in real estate can become a path to financial freedom and early retirement, whether you’re living on a teacher’s salary in Springfield, MA or you’re an oral surgeon in Southbridge, MA. People from all walks of life can reap the long-term benefits of real estate ownership with strategic planning and research. While it can seem like a monumental undertaking, a major liability, or simply too much of a hassle for some, here are three reasons you should invest in a rental property.

Lower fraud risk

While most investment vehicles are heavily regulated, some emerging types of investments are not. The Bitcoin market, for example, is an as-yet unregulated investment vehicle that has seen a high degree of volatility, hacking, and outright fraud. In these instances, it is unlikely you can recover your investment.

While stocks are regulated, you cannot control the inner workings of the …