Not getting applications from potential tenants with enough income

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Not getting applications from potential tenants with enough income

Leslie Ray
Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes

I know this is a problem everywhere these days, due to the insane increase in property values. We have a rental that's just under 1800 sf in a prime location near shopping, churches, etc. All are within walking distance but the home is still in a nice area with other nice homes and a great view of an expansive, serene pasture. I've received literally hundreds of inquiries, over a dozen applications, but NONE of the applicants have qualified due to lack of income. I used to require 4x the monthly rent as income, but back in 2020 I lowered it to 3x because the property values skyrocketed overnight in our area but wages didn't change. Something had to give. Rentals the size of ours are renting for around $2000 to $2100 depending on location and age. Since ours is an older home that was recently completely renovated (new quartz countertops throughout, new paint, new bathroom fixtures, new flooring (no carpet--all tile or waterproof laminate), all new/updated light fixtures, appliances only 2 years old, so pretty new still. It's a great house, open concept living room, kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room. Split floor plan, with master on one side of the house and the other two bedrooms and bath on the opposite side. Privacy fenced backyard, covered front and back patios, nice landscaping, and we provide free lawn care. You'd think it would rent right away. But after 2 months of nothing but unqualified applicants, we decided to drop the rent amount to $1850, and instead of asking the same amount for the deposit, we reduced the deposit to $1500. We allow up to 2 pets (regardless of size), but instead of the pet fee or pet deposit, we charge pet rent of $30 per pet per month. We've switched to this type of pet "fee" because most tenants find it too difficult to come up with a large sum of cash at the onset. Also, most tenants don't stay more than a year or two, in our experience. (The longest tenant we've had stayed for 3 years. This is a very transient area, so it's to be expected. Many of our tenants buy a house after renting from us, or are transferred with their employment.) 

Are things really so bad that we can't even find a tenant that earns 3x the rent each month? I can't see renting to someone who only makes 2x the rent each month, because they inevitably also have a great deal of debt. We require a credit score of 650, which is the average requirement for most rentals in this area, and I don't feel it's unreasonable to expect.

Tenants won't  know it until they move in, but we are very attentive landlords and take care of issues within 24-48 hours (unless, of course, there is an issue with availability of a serviceman or part). We have never had any serious issues with our rentals, since we maintain them impeccably. 

We don't have a mortgage on the home, the utilities on the empty house are minimal. How long should we allow the home to remain vacant? The longest we've ever had a rental say vacant in the past was a month. ALSO: I had ONE applicant who qualified, but it turned out that she wanted us to "save" the house for her till June! I told her we couldn't "save" it without payment, that we would have to allow other potential tenants to apply and if they qualified they would of course be free to rent it. She was quite annoyed at this. (I imagine she has always rented apartments, where they probably had availability at almost any time due to the large number of units they rent.)

Does anyone have any advice in this situation? I'm seriously at my wit's end. 

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Richard F.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
4mo
Quote from @Leslie Ray:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1782-Carley-Rd-Springdale-AR-72762/72875965_zpid/?view=public


 Nice looking property from the exterior, but Plain Vanilla on the inside. There is literally nothing to set it apart from the competition. Basic, white, low end appliances. No use of "feature" walls. Ceiling, walls, and trim all appear painted the same. The only contrast is in the kitchen, which, while it appears to be in good condition, seems quite dated. One tub and surround is basic white fiberglass, the other is a dated, bulky yet plain tub, possibly with jets? Flooring transitions look a little bulky, potential trip hazard, not critical, but not awesome.

And then there is your ad text. The first seventy five words, in essence, are saying F U, don't bother. Then you double down with an additional 63 words of discouragement at the end of your ad. Good Grief.

Sales 101: Build rapport, describe features and benefits, overcome objections, ask for Action!

Thusly:

Spacious, freshly painted 3BR 2 BA with large covered patio and fenced back yard is ready to move into today! Enjoy the calming view of pastureland (and cattle, horses, grazing?) across from your front yard with an expansive, open view. Huge main living area with (gas/wood) fireplace, Primary suite with walk in closet and double vanity (which you imply but do not show),tub AND separate shower; large kitchen and breakfast nook, with plenty of cabinet and counterspace (and direct access to the patio?) make entertaining a breeze. Two additional bedrooms with ample closets and access to a shared full bath are located in a separate wing, adding needed privacy within the home. The separate laundry room with hookups only (is that common for the area, or do most come equipped?) is near to, but separate from, the kitchen; the two car garage has ample size for additional storage or work area, and you can walk to shopping! Limited Yard service is included.

Maximum of 2 approved pets may be allowed with additional monthly cost. Proof of minimum total household income for approval is $5500 gross. Provide income verification and request your Pre screening questionaire for full copy of Rental Agreement terms at no cost. A Zillow report will be required if you choose to move forward after viewing the property.

Paint your ceilings with a high hide white to create needed contrast from the walls. if you MUST paint the trim same color, use gloss finish for the trim, with satin or eggshell for walls EXCEPT for kitchen and bath, where you should use semi-gloss for easier cleaning. The different finishes will provide at least some contrast.

Create a feature wall in the main living space, the primary, and possibly the other two bedrooms. All it takes is painting one wall a pleasant contrasting color, usually the wall farthest from the room entry. Or add a simple wallpaper border at the top of the wall. Or add trim/moldings or go as far as wainscoting or a board and batten look to create a pattern or boxes on a single wall for added dimension. It does not take a huge expense, put indeed done well can pay off big. 

I glanced through pics of a few of the other featured properties on the page, every one I viewed had stainless steel appliances. Everyone knows kitchens and baths are where you make money on upgrades.

Speaking of Baths, fiberglass units are fine for a quick fix, but they do not say "quality". Many are not installed properly, and the bottoms will actually crack due to flexing caused by lack of proper support and fat people. The other tub is just bulky and dated, and a lot of people have misgivings about potential health hazards from "hot tubs" and their inner workings. Not altogether unfounded, I would add. A simple, "Americast" porcelain/lightweight cast iron tub, Hardiboard backers, and basic subway tile installed properly, and with a simple contrasting tile pattern of some type within the overall design, will provide a low maintenance, highly durable, 30 year solution as long as waste (including trap, waste and overflow) and supply lines are replaced at the same time, and proper installation methods are utilized.

The only AI used in this post was Actual Intelligence, and 30 years of experience. I hope I have not been to "harsh" on you...

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo

    The screening process is far more than just checking off an "income" box. Study the facts of the available Tenant pool for your price range and location. You will probably find that you either lower that specific criteria, or you keep sitting empty. 

    Is that 3X amount currently for each adult, or total household? You need to screen all of the adults, but you can apply a Total Household Income criteria rather than by individuals.

    Also, I would not be reducing Security Deposits when you know their income is minimal anyway.

    1Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    5mo
    Yes, I'm aware of that. I've obviously researched the facts for the tenant pool. I've been a landlord for over 30 years. The rental price range and location are now lower than what they should be, given that I reduced the rental rate from $2000 to $1850 per month, and I've also reduced the security deposit amount. What I'm seeing is very unusual for this area. In the past it's never been this difficult to find a good tenant, someone with the necessary income.

    The 3x amount is for the total household. I make it clear in the requirements when I send off the application. 

    Another issue that I may not have mentioned in my original post is that the vast majority of inquiries are coming from very low end individuals, while the house is located in a very nice neighborhood. It's not upscale, but it's very well kept and the neighbors are particular about the tenants that move in (most are homeowners--only our house and one other is a rental). The homes in this neighborhood are valued at around $375K and up. That's the median cost of housing in our area (yes, still well below many cities in the U.S.). 

    I've done a great deal of research to determine the rent for this house. My mother was living in the home for the last 10 years or so, which is why we had it renovated throughout. The low end rent for this house should be $1900 and the high end $2300 according to everything I've researched (realtor websites, rental websites, local rental statistics and current rental rates throughout the city we're in. I've had our realtor (he's been our go-to guy for the last 15 years or more) visit the home and he felt that $2000 was a very reasonable rental rate, but we don't want it sitting empty for a long time since we will be using a percentage of the income to help finance my mother's expenses (she has an extremely low income from SS--not enough to survive on).
    0Reply
    • Richard F.
      Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Leslie Ray:
      Yes, I'm aware of that. I've obviously researched the facts for the tenant pool. I've been a landlord for over 30 years. The rental price range and location are now lower than what they should be, given that I reduced the rental rate from $2000 to $1850 per month, and I've also reduced the security deposit amount. What I'm seeing is very unusual for this area. In the past it's never been this difficult to find a good tenant, someone with the necessary income.

      The 3x amount is for the total household. I make it clear in the requirements when I send off the application. 

      Another issue that I may not have mentioned in my original post is that the vast majority of inquiries are coming from very low end individuals, while the house is located in a very nice neighborhood. It's not upscale, but it's very well kept and the neighbors are particular about the tenants that move in (most are homeowners--only our house and one other is a rental). The homes in this neighborhood are valued at around $375K and up. That's the median cost of housing in our area (yes, still well below many cities in the U.S.). 

      I've done a great deal of research to determine the rent for this house. My mother was living in the home for the last 10 years or so, which is why we had it renovated throughout. The low end rent for this house should be $1900 and the high end $2300 according to everything I've researched (realtor websites, rental websites, local rental statistics and current rental rates throughout the city we're in. I've had our realtor (he's been our go-to guy for the last 15 years or more) visit the home and he felt that $2000 was a very reasonable rental rate, but we don't want it sitting empty for a long time since we will be using a percentage of the income to help finance my mother's expenses (she has an extremely low income from SS--not enough to survive on).
      Well, the other factor is simply the time of year. I'm assuming it is a 3, maybe 4 bedroom home. Very few sane people will choose to move an entire family during the school year. I would expect interest starts notably picking up now that tax day has passed, and the school year ends relatively soon. There are few locations that have quality prospective Tenants moving between October 15 and end of April - early May, other than job transfers, Military PCS, death, divorce, etc. 

      If you are confident in the pricing, take the time to do any minor repairs, touch ups, and inexpensive upgrades such as a feature wall, drawer pulls, closet organizer, or light fixtures, and make sure windows, screens, and interior light covers are very clean to help seal the deal when the right group does come through.

      It costs less to sit vacant that it does with low quality Tenants that might well disappoint.
      2Reply
  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo

    You state the the unit is "not upscale, but it's very well kept". Post a link so we can see your ad and provide input. 

    What is your showing process? What "rental" experience does your agent actually have? Full time PM, or just handling a few on the side for clients, with Sales as his primary job? Sales and Rentals are two very different arenas.

    0Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    5mo

    Yes, I've taken that into consideration as well, but honestly, I'm getting a lot of inquiries, so I think it has more to do with finances. We've already done all of the upgrades and renovations. We had to as soon as my elderly mother moved out. As you can imagine, it was due for it. All of the repairs have been made as well. We just need a good tenant.

    I'm with you on the letting it sit rather than put a less-than-acceptable tenant in.

    0Reply
  • Marcus Auerbach
    Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    5mo

    We can't help you here @Leslie Ray because we only have the information you provided, meaning we have the same perspective as you. There is something wrong, but you don't see it and we only know what your opinion is. Can you post the link?

    1Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    5mo

    The link won't help you at all. It describes the house the same way as in my post. Most of the folks who are contacting me are just from driving by and seeing the sign, even though the online listing is comprehensive and clearly states the requirements to qualify. The sign includes a brief description in a flyer. The vast majority of ALL inquiries are unqualified individuals. In our area there is a large population of immigrants, and they don't have credit scores for the most part. The largest inquiry/applicant demographic (I've been keeping track) are Marshallese. I suspect they either don't understand that there are requirements to renting a home, or they are simply ignoring the instructions. They have a tendency to simply call and say, "I want to rent the house--can we meet right now? We want to move in right away." Of course I'm delighted that they're so interested, and I sent them the application with a short explaination of the qualifications required. They submit the application, but it's clear they've not read through the requirements because they try to "self report" their income with no actual proof and they don't have credit scores. Some of our best renters have been Latinos, but it's apparent they DO read the requirements, so I'm not getting many applications from them. As for other demographics, they are almost non-existent, or they act extremely entitled throughout the process, expecting me to lower the price even more, to "give them a break" with regard to the credit score, or give them some kind of "special" permissions (I had one guy want to tear down part of our privacy fence to put in a massive shed for his tools. I told him that the shed wouldn't fit, but even if he agreed to a smaller one, he would have to pay to have the fence taken down and then replaced--professionally.) We do manage to find all types of individuals, don't we? Thankfully, this time around I'm not fighting with the angry individuals who are trying to claim that all 5 of their pets are EDS or "service" animals...I think they're beginning to understand that landlords aren't falling for that nonsense. Lol.

    0Reply
    • Richard F.
      Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      4mo
      Quote from @Leslie Ray:

      The link won't help you at all. It describes the house the same way as in my post. Most of the folks who are contacting me are just from driving by and seeing the sign, even though the online listing is comprehensive and clearly states the requirements to qualify. The sign includes a brief description in a flyer. The vast majority of ALL inquiries are unqualified individuals. In our area there is a large population of immigrants, and they don't have credit scores for the most part. The largest inquiry/applicant demographic (I've been keeping track) are Marshallese. I suspect they either don't understand that there are requirements to renting a home, or they are simply ignoring the instructions. They have a tendency to simply call and say, "I want to rent the house--can we meet right now? We want to move in right away." Of course I'm delighted that they're so interested, and I sent them the application with a short explaination of the qualifications required. They submit the application, but it's clear they've not read through the requirements because they try to "self report" their income with no actual proof and they don't have credit scores. Some of our best renters have been Latinos, but it's apparent they DO read the requirements, so I'm not getting many applications from them. As for other demographics, they are almost non-existent, or they act extremely entitled throughout the process, expecting me to lower the price even more, to "give them a break" with regard to the credit score, or give them some kind of "special" permissions (I had one guy want to tear down part of our privacy fence to put in a massive shed for his tools. I told him that the shed wouldn't fit, but even if he agreed to a smaller one, he would have to pay to have the fence taken down and then replaced--professionally.) We do manage to find all types of individuals, don't we? Thankfully, this time around I'm not fighting with the angry individuals who are trying to claim that all 5 of their pets are EDS or "service" animals...I think they're beginning to understand that landlords aren't falling for that nonsense. Lol.

      You really need to get out of the habit of referring to various "demographics" or you will end up with Fair Housing issues.

      Since you have no other posts, and refuse to provide a link to your ad so we can see what kind of images and ad copy you have, I am assuming you are just another AI experiment gone wrong.

      good luck...
      0Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    5mo

    Can you advertise in a different way? To attract more upscale renters? Just a thought....

    But I agree that it is better sitting for a while than getting a bad tenant, they can cost you a year's worth of rent real quick....

    0Reply
  • Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 523 posts · 196 votes
    4mo

    Double-check your marketing channels (signs can sometimes pull a very different audience than online listings). Make sure your ad is very clear about income requirements upfront so you filter earlier. Consider whether 3x is still realistic for your specific submarket right now, vs what renters in that price band actually earn

    In some areas, you can have strong demand but still a mismatch between rent level and qualified income. It’s not necessarily a “bad property” issue, just a narrowing pool. I’m in the same camp as others here, better to wait than relax standards too far and end up with a problem tenant.

    [email protected]480-795-7938
    get MULTIfamily Property Management4.7220 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • John Clark
    Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4mo

    This is where your professional networking comes in handy. What is the current experience of your fellow landlords?

    0Reply
  • Kamil Lysik
    Property Manager · Warsaw · Member since 2026 · 107 posts · 37 votes
    4mo

    You're not alone in this — we've been seeing the same pattern. Well-maintained, fairly priced property, plenty of inquiries, but the income just isn't there to qualify. The gap between what rentals cost and what people actually earn has gotten genuinely painful in a lot of markets.

    3Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo
    John Clark, I only have one rental property left. My "networking" is no longer there and hasn't been for years since I've finally sold off all of the other rentals. I got tired of the  I do have a few real estate brokers/agents who give me input, but they're just as surprised as I am that the place hasn't rented. The price is right, as is the deposit. The house is well maintained, everything works, has been renovated since January. Every person who has contacted me about the house loves it (or at least they say they do and their tone of voice seems to confirm it). We did great with our rentals until right after Covid, when home values almost doubled overnight. Suddenly no one could afford a place anymore. We raised our rents out of necessity: taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities (when empty), yard work, occasional repairs during tenant occupancy, etc. required it. We didn't jack up our rents the way most of our fellow landlords did. I didn't see the need as I have a couple of excellent, low cost contractors that have always handled things for us. We've received quite a few more applications recently, but still no qualified tenants. I don't like posting our rentals to forums like this because the criticisms area almost always overly harsh, but I'm going to post since apparently someone needs to knock me down so they can post critiques. I thought I might have a potential tenant lined up last week, but they refused to complete the background/credit check and I never heard back. I don't care--if that's a problem for them, I'm probably better off. I already had a felon with a "child endangerment" charge apply, which shocked me (of course I turned him down...that wasn't the only felony he had). I care about the neighbors so I'm not about to rent to a felon.
    1Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo

    https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1782-Carley-Rd-Springdale-AR-72762/72875965_zpid/?view=public

    0Reply
    • Richard F.
      Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      4mo
      Quote from @Leslie Ray:

      https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1782-Carley-Rd-Springdale-AR-72762/72875965_zpid/?view=public


       Nice looking property from the exterior, but Plain Vanilla on the inside. There is literally nothing to set it apart from the competition. Basic, white, low end appliances. No use of "feature" walls. Ceiling, walls, and trim all appear painted the same. The only contrast is in the kitchen, which, while it appears to be in good condition, seems quite dated. One tub and surround is basic white fiberglass, the other is a dated, bulky yet plain tub, possibly with jets? Flooring transitions look a little bulky, potential trip hazard, not critical, but not awesome.

      And then there is your ad text. The first seventy five words, in essence, are saying F U, don't bother. Then you double down with an additional 63 words of discouragement at the end of your ad. Good Grief.

      Sales 101: Build rapport, describe features and benefits, overcome objections, ask for Action!

      Thusly:

      Spacious, freshly painted 3BR 2 BA with large covered patio and fenced back yard is ready to move into today! Enjoy the calming view of pastureland (and cattle, horses, grazing?) across from your front yard with an expansive, open view. Huge main living area with (gas/wood) fireplace, Primary suite with walk in closet and double vanity (which you imply but do not show),tub AND separate shower; large kitchen and breakfast nook, with plenty of cabinet and counterspace (and direct access to the patio?) make entertaining a breeze. Two additional bedrooms with ample closets and access to a shared full bath are located in a separate wing, adding needed privacy within the home. The separate laundry room with hookups only (is that common for the area, or do most come equipped?) is near to, but separate from, the kitchen; the two car garage has ample size for additional storage or work area, and you can walk to shopping! Limited Yard service is included.

      Maximum of 2 approved pets may be allowed with additional monthly cost. Proof of minimum total household income for approval is $5500 gross. Provide income verification and request your Pre screening questionaire for full copy of Rental Agreement terms at no cost. A Zillow report will be required if you choose to move forward after viewing the property.

      Paint your ceilings with a high hide white to create needed contrast from the walls. if you MUST paint the trim same color, use gloss finish for the trim, with satin or eggshell for walls EXCEPT for kitchen and bath, where you should use semi-gloss for easier cleaning. The different finishes will provide at least some contrast.

      Create a feature wall in the main living space, the primary, and possibly the other two bedrooms. All it takes is painting one wall a pleasant contrasting color, usually the wall farthest from the room entry. Or add a simple wallpaper border at the top of the wall. Or add trim/moldings or go as far as wainscoting or a board and batten look to create a pattern or boxes on a single wall for added dimension. It does not take a huge expense, put indeed done well can pay off big. 

      I glanced through pics of a few of the other featured properties on the page, every one I viewed had stainless steel appliances. Everyone knows kitchens and baths are where you make money on upgrades.

      Speaking of Baths, fiberglass units are fine for a quick fix, but they do not say "quality". Many are not installed properly, and the bottoms will actually crack due to flexing caused by lack of proper support and fat people. The other tub is just bulky and dated, and a lot of people have misgivings about potential health hazards from "hot tubs" and their inner workings. Not altogether unfounded, I would add. A simple, "Americast" porcelain/lightweight cast iron tub, Hardiboard backers, and basic subway tile installed properly, and with a simple contrasting tile pattern of some type within the overall design, will provide a low maintenance, highly durable, 30 year solution as long as waste (including trap, waste and overflow) and supply lines are replaced at the same time, and proper installation methods are utilized.

      The only AI used in this post was Actual Intelligence, and 30 years of experience. I hope I have not been to "harsh" on you...

      3Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    4mo

     got the 2nd highest priced property in the area.

    The only one priced higher than yours is 4 bedrooms.

    Also, the qualification language in your ad is off-putting!
    - It may be ONLY attracting desperate prospects:(

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Amit PatelBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Bartlett, IL · Member since 2025 · 143 posts · 57 votes
    4mo

    Hey Leslie, I feel your pain! we’re seeing this exact situation a lot right now with owners in the Chicago suburbs. Tons of interest but no qualified tenants because wages still haven’t caught up with rents.

    You’ve already made smart moves: dropping to $1850, lowering the deposit, and switching to $30/pet rent.

    Quick tips that are working for our clients sometimes:

    • -Go to 2.5x income (if it still cash flows)
    • -Maybe Consider Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher if you can enroll.
    • -Add a small move-in special (first month discounted or credit).

    You’ve done the heavy lifting with the renovation, hope you'll rent it soon. 

    Hang in there. You got this!

    Casanomy Property Management562 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo

    I appreciate you taking the time to share your suggestions. I understand your points about finishes and appliances, and they’re certainly things I’ve considered. So far, though, the feedback from prospective tenants has been positive. In fact, several have expressed interest in using their own appliances, which I’m open to, and I’m also willing to upgrade appliances if a tenant specifically requests it.

    We’ve made significant investments in the property over time, including flooring, countertops, lighting, electrical updates, a new water heater, bathroom fixtures, and a new roof. The level of renovation is consistent with the neighborhood and the rental price point. My goal has been to balance quality improvements with what is typical and practical for this market.

    Regarding design choices like paint and finishes, I’ve opted for a clean, neutral approach that appeals to a broad range of tenants. I’m also flexible—tenants are welcome to personalize the space within reasonable guidelines, as long as it’s returned to its original condition when they move out.

    Some of the upgrades you mentioned—like higher-end finishes or more custom design elements—are more common in higher-priced homes in this area. Based on local market conditions, those types of investments would significantly increase costs without a clear return at this rental rate.

    I also prioritize durability and ease of maintenance when selecting materials and fixtures, which has proven important over time. Managing rentals involves balancing appearance, cost, and long-term upkeep.

    I agree that certain upgrades might attract additional interest, but they would come with a substantial increase in investment. At the end of the day, I’m trying to make financially responsible decisions while still offering a well-maintained and appealing home.

    Thanks again for your input—I do appreciate the perspective. The only AI used in this post was Actual Intelligence, and 30 years of experience (I'm 70 years old). You weren't too harsh--you were to the point. Just not the same point of view. :)

    1Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4mo

    @Richard F. What a great post to help the OP! That took some time to put together. Good job!

    0Reply
    • Richard F.
      Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      4mo
      Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

      @Richard F. What a great post to help the OP! That took some time to put together. Good job!

      Thanks, too bad the OP was apparently just looking for someone to confirm that he was the expert...
      0Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo
    Drew Sigit, it is the 2nd highest at the moment, but it won't be for long. Most homes this size for for around $2000 to $2100, and that's how I based the rate initially. I only reduced the rental rate later because we still don't have a tenant. My real estate agent friend insists that it's just going to take time.
    0Reply
  • Leslie Ray
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo
    @Bruce Woodruff: that's not true. I'm merely clarifying that I also have some experience in this matter. I don't necessarily have more, but I probably don't have less. I didn't post to get into a pissing contest, and I've done my best to be gracious about the criticisms and put them to use. I had hoped that just because most of you are men you wouldn't start behaving in an entitled manner...
    0Reply
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