There are many Americans that are making money in real estate. I'm not talking get-rich schemes here. I'm talking about making wise investment decisions when it comes to real estate.

These are the people that aren't simply flipping a home for the fun of it. They really know their stuff. They aren't as affected by rising interest rates, because they are ready for them. They have made their choices carefully in order to minimize risk. They aren't jumping out of the real estate game due to a slowing market. They understand how the market works in their area.

Investors accounted for 23% of home sales last year. There are many investors out there that are making money. You might want to join them. But you need to do a few things along the way:

1. Pay off your personal mortgage.

You should own your home free and clear before you invest in other properties. It will not only give you a place to live, but teach you how to financially pay for a property. It will also look good to lenders that you own your own property. It shows that you understand the loan process.

2. Get an education.

You can't just jump into an investment. You need to understand the details and risks. You have to be able to mitigate the risk. Look to the internet, the library, credible investment groups and even college courses as a source of information. Your local real estate investors, realtors and lenders may be valuable information sources for you. Shop around for your information. You will need it.

3. Get some help.

Truly successful people understand that you have to be willing to accept the help of others. You can't be great at everything. You might need to look for a mentor, investment partner or network to help you start on the road to investing in real estate. You want to find someone you can trust who is currently experiencing a successful real estate investment.

4. Watch the markets.

There are many factors that impact the real estate market. For example, the job market can impact the ability for consumers to buy homes. But the most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to know your own market. Some markets boom while others are busting. Some see price appreciations one year and depreciations the next year. Some aren't getting big jumps in housing values, but have a steady track record. Consider the area closely when deciding to invest. Watch it closely for any changes. Know when you need to get out.

Investing in real estate isn't an easy task. It takes a lot of education and savvy. You need to be able to think and juggle. You have to be able to make quick decisions and solid choices. Listen to those who are successful and learn from your own experiences. And remember, any good investment isn't a quick one. It's usually best to look to the long term. Good Luck.