It largely depends on your goals as an investor. Some people are perfectly happy investing in REITs, while others prefer to invest directly in properties because they have more control over their investment.
Just keep in mind that investing directly in a property is a bit riskier.
Suppose you buy a multifamily house, and something happens to it—a fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or a destructive tenant. You don’t have to worry about these types of issues when investing in REITs.
So, just because you have the money to put a down payment on a piece of real estate doesn’t mean you necessarily should.
Think about what you want to get out of your real estate investment. If you're looking for quick gains and no hassle, look into REITs and check out RealtyMogul. And if you’re accredited, check out their direct properties as a way to invest in specific properties with less risk.