I thought we might start a stock thread and see if there is any interest.

My day job is managing and maintaining my rentals.

I do believe though that it's less risky than the stock market in the long run.Great comments and as I do more research will post more questions.

However, you should be aware that the $1,000 per month is NOT to "maintain a home that was built 5 years ago".

Stocks have only been minimally successful especially after the crash and all that...

When I was a financial planner I worked with several people who donated stocks and real estate through the use of a charitable remainder trust (CRT).

I don't mind taking somewhat of a hit on one or two houses that I may own for a few years if they will ultimately pull out of the downturn.Comparing the RE market to the stock market, what goes down must come up.

Some use the rental investments as pure investments, instead of or in addition to their stocks, etc.

You bought it, its your responsibility to maintain.

Remember if you put down %10 , and that property over a 30 year average , goes up just 2%, and we all know real estate over the next 30 years will average more than 2% , but for argument sake , lets say 2%.That means your original investment is going up %20 a year, I can't do that in the stock market for the next 30 years. yes I know some of the properties first few years will not positive cash flow, but that is to me is fine.