What is a Mechanic’s Lien and How Does it Impact Landlords?

A Mechanic’s lien legally guarantees that contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers get paid for their work. These liens can arise from any property improvement and cause major headaches if you don’t discharge them properly. An unresolved mechanic’s lien can prevent an owner from refinancing or selling his property and may even lead to foreclosure. What is … Read More

3 Low-Risk Investment Strategies

Every investment involves risk. However, low-risk investments allow the chance of a return with little risk of losing your initial investment. While potential profits are comparatively low, low-risk investments often require minimal financial outlay and usually perform as predicted. What strategies are considered low-risk in real estate investing? Here are three ideas to consider: Buy, … Read More

How Does Inflation Impact the Rental Market?

Inflation is the rate at which the cost of goods and services increases over a year. This rate—swayed by increased money supplies, interest rates, rising wages, spending fluctuations, and tax deductions—reduces a dollar’s purchasing power. And the lower a dollar’s purchasing power becomes, the higher the costs of goods and services will be. Inflation rates … Read More

5 Sources of Rental Property Deals

Purchasing property below market value is a popular way for investors to generate excellent returns. Unfortunately, finding such discounted properties has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to rising housing demand and increased prices. However, deals can still be found by investors who exercise patience and diligence to acquire the right property at the … Read More

How (and Why) to Invest in a Joint Venture

A real estate joint venture is a business arrangement in which two or more parties pool their resources to invest in a property and divide the responsibilities and profit, hopefully illustrating the adage, “Two heads are better than one.” Joint ventures have become an increasingly popular approach for taking advantage of profitable real estate opportunities … Read More

What are Gen Z Renters Looking For?

Generation Z is the latest generation to begin striking out on their own and forming new households. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Gen Z as those born between 1997 and 2013, meaning its oldest members are turning 27 this year. As more of this diverse, well-educated, and technologically savvy generation enters the housing market, what … Read More

Book Review – Real Estate Investing Gone Bad

Most real estate investing books extol passive income and other advantages of owning an investment property. But as any experienced landlord knows, real estate investing doesn’t always mean successful deals and passive monthly rent collection. Sometimes, units stay vacant for months, maintenance costs soar higher than profits, or tenants must be evicted through an expensive … Read More

How Should Landlords Calculate Travel Expenses?

From giving tours to prospective tenants to maintenance work to performing inspections, many aspects of a landlord’s job often need to be conducted on the premises. Fortunately, the IRS allows landlords to deduct the expenses of traveling to and from their rental units and other business-related activities. But since travel expenses are one of the … Read More

7 Ways to Increase Cash Flow from a Rental Property

Owning rental property can be a great way to reach your financial goals. With a positive cash flow, a landlord can build equity, earn profits, and expand their portfolio. But higher-than-expected vacancies, operating costs, or repair needs can quickly turn what should be a lucrative asset into a financial drain instead. What should a landlord … Read More

Setting Occupancy Limits for Rental Units

More residents in a rental unit can mean increases in noise, amenity usage, and wear and tear. Overcrowding of a living space might even result in damage, safety hazards, or filth that attracts undesirable pests. For landlords looking to avoid such problems, setting occupancy limits for their rental property seems to be an easy solution.   … Read More