Investing for Beginners Real Estate. And even the interest rates of online savings accounts are nothing to brag about compared with the potential earnings from other investment options. That said, if you’re not already an online banking customer you’ll likely need to wait a little longer for transfers from your checking account than if you held the savings account at your own bank. These memories came flooding back when I received the following email from a reader named Matthew:. Here are 5 ways to invest your down payment while you continue saving to purchase your first house. If you’re saving money for a down payment on a home or other real estate , then the best place to invest it to earn a return on your cash until you need it is nowhere. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.