Do you watch the news or read the newspaper? If so, you are probably bombarded with news about the “down economy” and the “real estate slump.” It’s time to cut the news off because these reports are not exactly applicable to the Fort Lauderdale area. Despite what you may hear on the news, the Fort Lauderdale real estate market is alive and well.

While it is true that Fort Lauderdale homes for sale are selling for much less now than they did between 2000-2005, the profit margin can be very similar to what it was during those years if you enter the market now with the right purchase. The market value has adjusted itself, and there are plenty of people profiting in the real estate market right now with rental homes, flipping auction properties, and multi-family housing. “Flipping” is sort of a dirty word in the real estate market these days, but rest assured that it is making a quick comeback. In fact, investor flipping may just help revive the market.

One of the best ways to find profitable investments among the many Fort Lauderdale homes for sale is through the weekly foreclosure auction in Broward County. Properties are often sold through auction for pennies on the dollar and rehabilitated for flipping or for use as a cash flow property. Multifamily housing has become extremely profitable for investors thanks to the rental housing boom. Some are choosing to purchase duplex properties that double as a primary residence and a cash flow property with only one tax bill. Having a renter cover your mortgage, or at least part of it, is a great way to make a smart real estate investment these days.

If you’re a handyman, you’re in luck these days. There are plenty of Fort Lauderdale homes for sale near the beach and the Intracoastal waterway that sell at the weekly auctions for much less than their market value. These homes can often use some rehabilitation or minor TLC that will significantly increase the value after auction. All of this brings us right back to the days of Kiyosaki, when millions could be made through the equity gained by minor repairs and alterations to the property.

If you’ve owned property during the real estate boom, chances are it’s lost a tremendous amount of value since that time. Ironically, some people are making up for those lost dollars through real estate investment. Whether you choose to find your property at an auction, through an experienced real estate professional, or both can make the difference between $1000s and hundreds of $1000s of profit.

Finding your own properties at auction is fine if you are have serious experience with foreclosure auctions and real estate. The vast majority of people don’t, which is where a seasoned real estate professional comes into play. The profession of real estate is an enormous group of people, and it’s a travesty that the newbie real estate agent is usually just as easy to find as the professional who’s spent years at foreclosure auctions for investment purposes. Do you want the newly licensed agent or the professional who has practiced the 10,000 hour rule with investment property (as explained in Outliers).

Mike Benton is an experienced real estate professional with a background in development and sales. He’s spent years on the steps of foreclosure auctions on behalf of client investors who wish to gain back their profit lost during the real estate depression. Whether you wish to look for a new home or several multifamily properties, Mike Benton will find the best Fort Lauderdale Homes for Sale for you.

Mike Benton is a real estate professional specializing in short sale and foreclosure properties in Boca Raton, FL.