Hi Drew, I didn't voluntarily decrease rents.

What you’re experiencing is completely normal, real estate analysis takes time until you build muscle memory with the numbers.

It is very unusual for rents to hold steady throughout the holiday months, traditionally the slowest time for the rental market.Rentals - Availability by MonthThe number of homes for rent decreased MoM, which is expected for this time of the year.Rentals - Median Time to RentMedian days to rent increased MoM, conforming to the seasonal trend.Rentals - Months of SupplyRental inventory decreased significantly MoM, now at 1.4 months, indicating a landlord’s market.Sales - Months of SupplySales inventory has ticked up MoM to just below 2.4 months, still a seller’s market.Sales - Median $/SF by MonthPrices decreased MoM, perhaps finally catching up to the holiday “slump” that did not occur during the holiday months.Why invest in Las Vegas?

That said, as Robert Kiyosaki has suggested, tax benefits should enhance a good deal, not justify a bad one.To wrap up, I believe REITs are great passive investments that allow you to easily get exposure to commercial real estate before you have the financial muscle and experience to own the rental property yourself, specially in markets you think may outperform due to demographic or economic changes.

(Say 3-5) I did this for a whole year before I bought so when the time came I had already worked that muscle so many times I could tell a deal worth looking at or passing on in 5 minutes or less.Happy to help with anything on the lending side as well.

Will NH see a population increase or decrease? 

You'll occasionally see some people raise extra and use the money from that raise to pay people's returns, which ultimately decreases returns.

You can still have a low to mid 6 interest payment and increase your cashflow with the decreased payment.

Under utillizing the cash flow generated would decrease the value of this strategy. 

Use this period to build “investor muscle”:Network locally: Northern NJ & Northeast PA have active REIA and Mastermind groups where you can learn creative strategies (seller finance, JV, partnerships, DSCR lending, etc.).Educate tactically: Move from general podcasts to deal-focused learning — cash flow calculators, DSCR loan basics, and rent comps.Understand investor financing: Once you’re ready, your pension-backed W2 and equity could make you an excellent DSCR or bridge loan candidate with the right structure.⚙️ 5.