conversation: User (coojw): "I only have about 5,000 in my 401k and about 4,500 of that is vested.\n\nAnyone have any ideas on how I can use this money torwards real estate investing? "
  Self: "Why do you feel you should invest in real estate?\n\nThe best way, in my opinion, to invest in real estate is through the use of a [Real Estate Investment Trust ](https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Real_estate_investment_trust).    The Vanguard REIT index fund is a collection of many REIT; it is also the fund that I use.  I would not recommend investing more that 10% of your portfolio in real estate."
  Voerendaalse (Voerendaalse): "I invested via my bank. So far, my shares have gone down 2% in about six months."
  Self: "&gt;I invested via my bank.\n\nWhat?\n\n&gt;So far, my shares have gone down 2% in about six months.\n\nShares go up, shares go down, such is the nature of investments.\n\nHowever, over a long period of time, it is statistically likely that the Vanguard REIT index will earn a positive return that will beat inflation."
  Voerendaalse (Voerendaalse): "In the Netherlands, so different story. But just to show  that real estate is not instant super profit..."
  Self: "My apologies.  Yes, I agree with you. \n\nCheers"
  