Renting properties at or below mortgage payment

[Rob Barth]

Is it a bad idea to invest in properties where you would be able to collect rent that is equal or a little less than your mortgage payment? Or does anyone have a rule of thumb on how much profit they typically expect to make monthly on a property?

[Andrew B.]

this is only a good idea if you have reason to believe that the area will be appreciating quickly, which is called speculation and akin to gambling not investing. me personally, I would rather put my money on black than bank on market appreciation. negative cash flow rentals are a time suck and money suck.