Appreciation is a bonus. It's not a plan.

[Joyce Ann Magallanes]

It's Friday, which means half of us are about to spend the weekend walking through properties.

Before you do, here's a gut-check I wish more new investors ran before they fall for a deal:

Does the rent actually cover the debt service on its own — no help from your income, no "it'll work out"?

That single number is the difference between a deal that scales and one that quietly drains you. Appreciation is a bonus. It's not a plan.

What's the first thing you check before you even schedule a showing? Curious what other investors run through mentally before they call an agent.