What Have You Completely Changed Your Mind On in Your RE Career?

[Will Gaston]

All:

I've recently passed my 15th anniversary of buying my first investment property and have been reflecting on what I've done right and wrong in those years. One thing I've thought a lot about is how I've done a complete 180 on several things since I started. Three big things come to mind:

Then: Negotiate hard on everything, especially with contractors. 

Now: Pay contractors what they're asking.

Then: Argue with tenants about what to fix and what not to fix.

Now: Fix everything. 

Then: I want the lowest interest rate possible.

Now: I want the easiest bank to work with.

I think my investing career has gotten easier and more fun since I've changed my mind on the above 3 items. What have you completely changed your mind on since you've started investing?

[Nicole Heasley Beitenman]

Seconding @Anthony Gayden. I was all about MFHs until I started running the numbers on them in my area. The price is higher and the rents are lower. I also thought 2BRs/3BAs were the ultimate choice for a rental. But my 2BRs bring in just as good returns with fewer tenants and fewer headaches. Finally, I thought I wanted to BRRRR. Now, I just look for low-cost turnkeys.