Hales Corners, WI · Member since 2013 · 229 posts · 80 votes
Lay it on me friends, I want to hear what you hate about land lording. What should I expect that is a real PITA? I read in someone's post the other day that they hate land lording. It is my goal to try land lording and purchase and run a rental property. If you are a veteran landlord, which parts of it are the rough spots? What are your hassles? I know that good management can take care of a lot of your issues. What should I be prepared for? Thanks!
Real Estate Agent · Southington, CT · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y
Two things I have learned in the past 10 years that to me are most important:
1. Buy the property at a good price. Never overpay. Other deals will come around as a buy and hold investor.
2. Screen tenants in depth from day 1 and never sacrifice any of your guidelines for what you deem a quality tenant.
What's the worst part about landlording? People who don't pay rent of course.
Pest control...I hate paying the pest control man (although I need them). I can't blame the tenants even though a lot of pests can be caused by them. It's just a matter of terminating the leases on filthy messy tenants.
Long evictions....professional tenants that know the system...they can put a damper on cash flow.
Yep, going through the whole pest control thing now. Thought I had it taken care of back in December but no.
Investor · Thermopolis, WY · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
12y
Having the tenant that has truly had a bad break, cancer, or blew out the knee, and knowing you will eventually have to boot them because they have not been able to pay rent for the last 2 months (.
Lender · California and Florida · Member since 2008 · 319 posts · 194 votes
12y
For older properties, just assume a larger budget for repairs and maintenance. I purchased two last year that simultaneously had water explosions in the same month. Both mid 70s with failing pipes. I've learned this to create an annual inspection with someone that can recognize and help me forecast some of the repairs that need to happen now and those I need to start stalking away for in the near future. I was way too lax about it and it's been an expensive year!
Augusta, GA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
12y
"No shows" when a rental property is vacant. Tears my toenails since I still work full time and carefully plan to be at the rental unit at least 10 minutes early for every appointment to make certain the air/heat is on (so the applicant can see that it works), blinds are open, etc.. Then the folks who had a scheduled appointment don't show and don't bother to call to cancel.
Residential Landlord · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2014 · 81 posts · 4 votes
12y
Karen, I too hate the beginning "innocence" of someone only to find out later who they REALLY ARE.... But all in all the good out weighs the bad. Remember, there are stressors and headaches with Rehabbing, Wholesaling as well as anything worth benefiting from.
Investor · Lincoln, NE · Member since 2013 · 24 posts · 1 vote
12y
I purchased a duplex, and unfortunately inherited tenants.
I am now evicting one. The Tenant caused a flood, then called the city to complain about the "conditions" then thought that entitled her to not have to pay rent.
If I felt I didn't want to deal with this stuff, I would hire a company to take over the management. At some point I will have all my property managed by somebody else, but for now it is worth it for me to do it.
When I was an Employee, I never won an argument with my Boss, (not because I was wrong, but because I never had any power,) but with Real Estate, suddenly I am the one who makes the rules, and wins the arguments.
Rental Property Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2014 · 385 posts · 702 votes
12y
The contractors....showing up late not finishing on time....then relentlessly calling asking why you won't use them again. Perhaps if you came in on budget and finished on time?!?
Santa Monica, CA · Member since 2014 · 4 posts · 0 votes
12y
Eviction is the worst. After doing this for years I have found a better way, investing in mortgage notes rather than property. I would highly recommend the switch. Many of the investors I work with have gone through the perils of land lording, and have now graduated to investing in mortgage notes for the ease and simplicity. Shoot me a message if you want some more info.