All-cash offers are common in today's competitive real estate market, but there are other options if you don't have the cash you need.

In 2015, the couple set a goal of replacing their clinical incomes with real estate cash flow. They describe the six main ways to make money in real estate, from appreciation to tax benefits.

To build wealth via real estate investing, "it's important to be as efficient with your capital as possible," said investor James Berkley.

The gift of cash is always welcome, especially for occasions that mark the beginning of a new journey, like bar and bat mitzvahs, graduations and weddings.