Other than stocks and bonds, investing in real estate has long been a way for people to accumulate wealth. However, the changes made in mortgage lending from 2007 to 2012 made it difficult for people with a current home loan to invest in a 2nd property. Fannie Mae has changed that.
There are some requirements regarding credit scores, income, and available funds. However, the overall strict rules have been loosened to allow people a way to turn their existing home into a rental property and buy a 2nd home at the same time.