Why should you consider owning rental property? The most under rated fact is that as an owner you can retain all rights and privileges of ownership but the monthly mortgage payments are being paid by your tenants. This is an ideal arrangement that makes it possible for you to enjoy the tax breaks while watching your assets value continue to appreciate.

Of course these ideas are very appealing, and these are the first things that people think about whenever owning rental property is the topic of conversation. Certainly these advantages can be part of the overall package, but they don’t quite paint the complete picture. As with most things, owning rental property includes both positive and negative elements. Before you convince yourself that this venture is an easy way to earn big bucks you should make sure that you look at everything that is involved.

There are some amazing investment property benefits that property owners can realize, but there are risks and hard work involved as well. You need to make sure that you consider the hurdles and potential roadblocks. Check out the information on this page and discover if owning rental property can be your key to financial success.

Get Set, Get Going

The first thing on your agenda should be an assessment of the situation. Look at the benefits and drawbacks associated with owning rental property. Think about what your own expectations involving this venture really are and determine if they are realistic. Ask yourself those hard questions concerning your levels of preparation and commitment. You need to find out if you really have what it takes to handle the work and stress that is part of the package when you become a building owner.

Long Term or Short Term

What are your plans? Do you want to buy a house for the purpose of flipping real estate for a profit? Do you like the idea of investing in an asset that you can enjoy as a vacation home and rent out during the times when you are not using it? Do you intend to offer the property as a full time rental until a future date, and then convert it to your own primary residence? Do you need a good real estate investing strategy to help you replace your pension or Social Security?

Location of Rental Property really is Everything

Many people are attracted by the idea of buying a vacation home in a prime location such as the beach, or near a golf course. This type of purchase can generate high rental income during peak seasons and you also will benefit from the increase in property vale that will occur over time. Beware of negative cash flow during the off-season. Although many individuals select a property in one of these choice sites, there are some even better money making opportunities waiting for those who select rental property investments in other locations. Look for a potential rental unit that is close to a university, a body of water, or major shopping districts.

Commitment Reality

To enjoy a lucrative return on your investment property you should be prepared for a rental property commitment of at least 5 years. If you have your heart set on some big gains in a very short period of time you might want to consider another option. Some people do manage to earn a considerable profit from owning rental property for less than 5 years, but they are in the minority.

Check the Rental Market

Today the US home rental market is solid and there are no pressing reasons why this should suddenly go off-track. Even the US Federal Reserve believes that owning single family rentals is a growing sector of the economy and the main hope for recovery of the real estate market. People need a roof over their heads, and with foreclosures at a record pace the rental market is gaining ground. There are always going to be tenants who are searching for rentals. If you have a rental property in a good location you will have no shortage of eager tenants waiting to move in.

Landlord Responsibilities

On Call

As a landlord you are responsible for handling maintenance and repairs. Owning a rental property means that you must be on call for emergencies and some tenants may overuse this privilege. There is a difference between being called about a flooded basement and being called because the front porch light is not working. You need to be prepared to deal with the stress and time that will be involved concerning these types of issues. To reduce the typical headaches of being a landlord follow our rent to own strategy.

Personal Service or Professional Property Management ?

You could be the 24/7 landlord and handyman if you wish. This would certainly help keep your expenditures as low as possible when it comes to rental maintenance. If you are not a home repair guru you can act as the intermediate, and hire painters, plumbers and electricians when they are needed. Another choice is for you to engage the services of a professional property management company. They would then handle tenant problems and oversee any of the care and upkeep that the rental property requires. Learn how to be a landlord.

Finding Rental Property that is for Sale

If you have crunched some numbers, looked at the options and seriously studied all that is involved in owning rental property you are ready to go and search for one to buy. Take the time to thoroughly investigate your options and research any property that you find interesting. Keep an open mind as you conduct your rental search. The better decisions you make now the more rewarding your investment will be in the future. You need to find motivated sellers.

You can ask local Real Estate Agents & Realtors if they know of any property that might be available. Working with a professional who is employed in the real estate industry can be very helpful. You can also check classified lists and foreclosures that are advertised in your local newspapers. The county tax offices are another goldmine of opportunity that can help you find the owners of different real estate parcels. Using the internet gives you a way to look at a wider variety of potential investment opportunities. Going online might be one of the best choices for people who are interested in owning rental property. Learn about buying foreclosures.

Right Deal, Right Price

You must be careful about the price that you pay for rental property. This is when someone with real estate knowledge can be your best friend. You need to find out what the value of the property is and then consider how you can boost its value higher for the least amount of investment dollars. Buying a house that is in poor condition and is also in an undesirable location may not be a good deal even if the cost is within your budget.

You want to get the right price because it will save you more money when you finance the property. You will also want to do the right type of upgrades and improvements so that you can recoup these investment dollars and even earn some additional profits. Your annual income generated by the rental property should cover the mortgage payment and expenses.

Consider the Tax Advantages

Owning a rental property provides you with some tax advantages including depreciation and the deduction of many losses and expenses that may be involved.

Financing Options

Financing investment property can be more expensive and often requires higher down payments. Vacant properties are financed without the advantage of having rental income used as a factor. You might want to consider owner financing or a company that specializes in rental investments. Apartments, duplexes and other multi-family properties are usually given lower financing rates and better terms.

Is it Right for You?

The final decision about owning rental property rests in your hands. Talk it over with your family and financial experts. You are going to have to acquaint yourself with tenant issues including their rights and obligations. Be prepared to do a lot of work and put in some long hours. Owning rental property can be the best choice you ever make but only if you understand all of the issues that must be addressed before you take the plunge.