What I Do Differently Now as a More Experienced Investor

[Ryan Spath]

As I’ve been investing in real estate for over 10 years, I’ve changed the way I approach certain decisions. Early on, I tried to repair almost everything. (Often times myself) I rarely considered the age of an appliance and focused mainly on fixing it because replacement felt wasteful. Over time, that mindset has shifted as I’ve gained more experience and started valuing time, predictability, and simplicity much more.

Using washers and dryers as an example, my approach today is very different. Just getting an appliance repair technician to a property typically costs around $179. In most cases, the actual repair ends up being $200 or more, which means I’m already $379 into a washer that is six or more years old. On top of that, there is usually a delay while waiting for parts to arrive and then scheduling a second visit, all while the tenant is without a functioning unit.

At that point, replacement starts to make more sense for me. I can replace the washer for around $600 all in, which includes delivery, installation, and hauling away the old unit. That removes uncertainty, reduces downtime, and eliminates the risk of another part failing shortly after the repair. We’ve also had very good luck using Hotpoint 4.0 cubic foot top-load washers, which have proven to be reliable and easy to source.

While I know this may not be the most cost-effective decision in every scenario, for properties we manage out of state it has been a much simpler and more efficient way to operate. Fewer moving parts, faster resolutions, and less coordination have ultimately made this approach worth it. As I’ve grown as an investor, I’ve learned that operational simplicity and reduced friction often matter more than maximizing every last dollar.

I’m curious how others’ mindsets have evolved over time. What decisions do you handle differently now compared to when you first started investing? Where have you intentionally chosen simplicity over squeezing out maximum efficiency?