Nationwide the property values have nosedived significantly in 2008 and as a real estate investor you need to be sure you're "buying right" before you commit to any deal. It's more important now than ever before.
Pass the river at shallows - not at deep and unclear places. There are several errors, a real estate investor does and you need to avoid such mistakes and become successful in real estate market.
also learn about stock mutual funds for your family.
site pages have financial planning articles about exchange traded funds considerations.
find financial articles on index mutual funds.