If you only have $500, you should not be investing in ANYTHING. And NO, don't take out a loan to buy a house to rent it out. This is how so many people wind up broke. Put money into an IRA or 401-k or the new MyRA. If you want to invest in stocks in your IRA, put money into a Vanguard total market fund. But, frankly, if I only had $500, I would simply keep it in a checking account so that I could pay bills.

And, listen, NO ONE knows what stocks to buy and how much money they will make, if any. The stock market is a crap shoot.

I thought about real estate investing and stocks as well, I am currently employed full time. My first question is:

-How much would I need to buy a stock and make good financial gains from it in the future? I was thinking doing it through my bank, and I'm willing to spend $500. Is that still too low?

Secondly (regarding real estate)

- Would it be wise, based from your experience(s) to take out a loan for a home, and rent it out for profit? And if that were the case, would I be held responsible for any damages or repairs needed in that household.

Both of these subjects are really tricky for me because I have no family or friends who have experience in either field, any information would be greatly appreciated. Even links to websites. I am under contract for three years but I want to do more. I am looking to gain knowledge and experience in those fields, looking out for my retirement in the distant future.