For current income, tax shelter, and appreciation potential few investments can match direct ownership of rental property. However, you must be willing to take on the responsibilities of being a landlord in return for the possible rewards. Some investors dabble in residential properties-they buy houses to rent out or they buy small apartment buildings. Those kinds of properties, though, frequently lead to hassles with tenants, even if you hire a property manager. By contrast, renting to commercial tenants may be less demanding. Nevertheless, investment property always will require more time and effort than owning stocks or bonds or mutual funds.