A lot of investors I know take a blended approach: keep some properties free and clear for steady cash flow and peace of mind, while leveraging others through a refi or 1031 to keep scaling.

Whether it’s a surprise repair, a vacancy spike, or a refinance delay, your reserves are what keep you from making reactive decisions that can hurt long-term performance.Strong reserves don’t just protect the property — they protect your reputation, your investor relationships, and your peace of mind.Here are a few quick takeaways to remember:Hold a minimum of 3–6 months of operating expenses for each property.Build a capital expenditure reserve — roofs, HVAC, and parking lots don’t last forever.Plan for the unknown.

The right guidance early on can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you peace of mind as your investments grow.Best of luck!

I would be happy with the outcome and peace of mind knowing I got a full asking offer in 5 hours, not 5 months. 

But as you grow, it’s worth it for peace of mind.

It can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure compliance, and give you peace of mind as your short-term rental business grows.Wishing you success!

Protect your peace too :) Glad you came here to help find a supportive community Becca!!

It’s about buying peace of mind.your utility bill is a free inspection reportMost landlords just autopay and move on.But that water bill?

On the other hand, if you’re optimizing for stability and simplicity, owning free and clear provides peace of mind and consistent yield — especially when rates are high and returns are tight.Property Mix: A two-unit with an ADU is a great hybrid asset — flexible enough to adapt between STR, mid-term, or long-term leases depending on market shifts.

For many small landlords, the biggest benefit is peace of mind and risk isolation.