This planning phase at the beginning does not seem to be emphasized enough.As I read other people's investment stories and talk with other real estate investors, I have noticed that some seem to have unrealistic expectations about real estate investing.

Do not use the phrase or even a thought of what I emphasized in bold font quoting your text!

Come to a crocodile infested river and go swimming...Personally I used to emphasize with tenants and the struggle against increasing rents.

There can be one item that will take 5 minutes to fix, and we will gladly leave the final payment (which can be in excess of $20,000) outstanding until it has been remedied.What I emphasize to all of our potential clients is that the client/contractor relationship is very intimate.

It would take someone all of 30 seconds to find that out.For my other rentals, I emphasize that we live locally and take pride in keeping our properties in great condition. 

I also got a college degree that emphasized real estate.  

Jim, you've hit the nail on the head again.Originally posted by Eddie Ziv:I still want to emphasize on the difference between multi-family and SFRs.

I have read many books on general business and investing but I feel that everything I read doesn’t emphasize the basics I’m looking for for getting started.

I would also emphasize that you may want to keep your vacation and businesses separate.

This can’t be emphasized enough..... not just email.... but actual phone conversation.