[scho63]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

Rentals can be tough if you only have 1 or 2 and the reason is they normally don't generate enough cash flow. A hot water heater replacement can cost you $1000 and if you're clearing $50 /month on a rental after Principal/Interest/Taxes and Insurance well then two rentals will pay for that one water heater in a year. My break seemed to have come at 10 rentals to cover itself without having to pull money out of my pocket. but keep in mind I was at 100% financing too.

You answered an important question here for someone thinking about getting into the rental home game, I think Buehler for tax reasons.

You NEVER want to buy a rental for tax reasons, you want to buy it to make money and positive cash flow even if it's $25 a month. Taking money out of your pocket every month to pay for someone else to live in your home is ludicrous.

Great summary!