Now, it is just another asset class that can provide safety and steady returns over time, when done right. 

Where info is thin or scattered, having everything centralized (your policies, resident agreements, house rules, incident/UA logs, grievance and appeals processes, governance, safety, neighbor relations) removes the guesswork.If you want, I can connect you with a couple of my Pennsylvania students so you can hear how they handled licensing and getting their first referral partners in Philly.

Younger people look at me like I’m crazy when I mention interest rates in the double digits throughout the 1980s. 

., the more I realize how powerful industrial properties can be — especially when repurposed for digital infrastructure like AI compute, edge storage, or colocation.I’m currently researching how to get started in this space, so I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far and get your insights.💡 The OpportunityTraditional warehouse leases might rent at $0.80–$1.50 per sq. ft. per month.But when you retrofit a space for server racks, fiber connectivity, and redundant power, those rents can easily jump to $4–$8 per sq. ft. per month — or even more if you lease to edge-compute operators or Web3/AI startups.That’s the kind of industrial arbitrage that could turn a $400k–$800k property into a 6-figure monthly cash flow machine.🔍 Areas to Study Before Jumping InHere’s the roadmap I’m currently following to understand the space better:Power & ZoningTarget properties with 3-phase 480V power and capacity for at least 1–2 MW (utility upgrade optional).Zoning: industrial light/medium (M-1/M-2) or “data processing center” permitted use.Check local grid stability, cooling needs, and climate resilience.ConnectivityFiber access is everything.

You’re in a Strong Starting Position — You Just Feel “Illiquid”You already have several things going for you:Home equity: Roughly ~$140K in unrealized equity ($235K value – $90K loan).Pension & retirement savings: Long-term financial safety net.Stable W2 income + supplemental job: Consistency lenders like.Below-market mortgage rate (4.25%) on your primary — a great asset in today’s high-rate environment.The challenge isn’t wealth, it’s liquidity — you’re “asset rich, cash flow tight.”

My gut feeling is that a portfolio of 10 - 20 REITs, dividend yield 6% + and internal growth 4- 5%, could yield a low double digit return over the long term.  

@Parris Taylor I think tying twillio into pre-planned reminders about what's coming: rent due dates, safety visits, filter changes, maintenance plans, etc would be great to keep me AND the tenants consistent. 

Having spent two decades in risk mitigation, reduction of liability and safety over all else (even profit, especially profit) is not only a smart way to operate.

I'm particular about housekeeping in my home but the truth is if its not a safety hazard, you don't see bugs etc. and they are good tenants otherwise I'd probably ignore it. 

Hoping to learn from real stories here before diving deeper.On one of my first note deals I overpaid for a low single digit interest rate loan.