Operating properties directly makes sense for people who want to be hands-on in the daily operations of a property and who have the time and experience to be successful at it. There are many cases, however where people acquire properties and then encounter hidden challenges like bursting pipes, termites, cockroaches and other unforeseen headaches. That’s why many people are better off and able to get better returns investing in other people’s deals. After the due diligence of an operator, and the specific opportunity, the work is done, and the cash comes in. Craig Stevens, Founder of GroundBreaking Real Estate LLC, started out buying small residential units on his own but has transitioned to investing in and raising capital for other syndicator’s deals.