Real estate for not so risky gains doing stock market for short term would be extremely risky. If you have 10k and decent credit get a FHA loan only need 3% down on a duplex and rent out one side live rent free for 2 years. after 2 years sell that property and 1031 exchange it look that up if you dont know what that is. after you do that and have a much nicer property hopefully a complex take a HEL out home equity loan and then instantly buy another property that has tenants already and boom you just started you real estate empire. Real estate 101 you're welcome.