The money from real estate investing can be used as passive or residual income.  Either way, you will consistently have money coming in from your property rental(s).  There are some things that you need to know in order to keep the money coming in.

In order to start the wealth process with real estate investing, get one property first.  Seek one that does not require a lot of work and is suitable for renting out to prospective tenants.  You can look for foreclosures in addition to other types of homes. 

People can get foreclosed homes for a steal, usually at auctions.  The banks are desperately trying to get rid of these homes because it will be a loss for them if they keep them.  You will still be able to make an investment once you get it fixed up and suitable for living purposes.

If you stick with the real estate investments, you will eventually profit from them.  Don’t look for an overnight windfall.  You have to build your wealth with real estate investing.  There will be those times when the economy and real estate market will change.  However, you will still be able to profit from it, as long as you hang in there. 

When you are making passive or residual income, you are making money when you own rental properties and not having to do the work on the property itself.  Rental properties can help to keep money in your pocket. 

Eventually, you will make enough money from these properties so that you will not have to work a full-time job anymore.  For the most part, that is a goal for most people.  They key to building wealth is to stay with it and not get discouraged if you have patterns of lack of rental income.  There will be some properties that will generate income all the time, while others may be spotty.