Passive real estate investing is what our lenders do: They invest money into an asset with the expectation of generating income. It’s the traditional definition of an investment. The lender’s time is not required to manage or operate that real estate asset. The asset (like a distressed home) is backed by a note and a first-position lien. On the flip side, active real estate investing, or what our borrowers do, means investing both equity and time into an asset to generate income, such as being a landlord or rehabbing a home. Active real estate investors are responsible for any of the following: Sourcing properties for acquisition, getting financing, overseeing construction and contractor teams, and/or managing tenants.