Investment in real estate, as any investment, depends on a couple of things/expectations:
- what's your budget?
- for what period of time you want to make the investment? 5, 10, 20 years?
- what is more important - the profit or the safety?
Once you clarify this, there are many investment plans, agents and offers.
Also, don't ignore investing abroad. Do a Google search for "property investment in " Spain, Cyprus, Bulgaria... There are many offers for houses facing to the sea in this growing markets. But, here the risk is higher, if you like to "have the hands on your investment".