Photos you can use: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q32Vyu7yWsz0v7iJ6JSvTmDtU6cOL0wQ?usp=sharing My name is Trevor Rice I own a company called Home Pros at www.selltohomepros.com (would love a backlink!) we are a "we buy houses" company. We essentially buy distressed houses and either wholesale them off to investors or buy them myself. I bought my first rental 2022. I bought it intentionally as a rental property, but initially I was under contract for 65,000 to try and sell it off as a wholesale property for 75,000 to make a $10,000 assignment fee from a end buyer. Well I was cranking the numbers and it needed maybe $4000 worth of work including a appliance set, and some doors and a broken window. Basically turnkey ready to rent! It was worth about 195,000 once the property was fixed up. We call that 195,000 number a ARV (after repair value) that a appraiser would appraise it at. Well one of my lender collogues that brought me investors told me "why don't you just buy it, hell ill give you the 69,000 for the purchase and rehab" and I was shocked and I did research. The property would rent for $1500 a month, and a bank can cash out refinance and pay off my collogue and I can get in a long term loan. I cash out refinanced it for 95,000, paid the $69,000 back to my colleague, put $20,000 in my pocket tax free after closing costs. It was appraised at 195000 and so I walked into equity and I am cash flowing $400 a month on a 4.5% rate. I did 27 other units in 11 months and got addicted! What surprised me on this whole process was once you do one it snowballs and money gets easier to get and buying power gets easier. And I realized the money is not in the cashflow but in the cash out refinances. Because its tax free money! My best advice tips for others is have reserves, its not all sunshine and rainbows, you need to have money in savings. Also, remember. People lie, no matter if its property managers, tenants, bankers. You need to do due diligence no matter what anyone says, do not take anyone's due diligence as your own. Pay the extra money for licensed, good contractors you will save mountains of headaches and lost sleep. Lastly, for taxes and insurance get a umbrella policy and challenge your taxes and do cost segregation studies! This will save your but from paying uncle sam.
I've been a landlord since 2010. My first rental was my personal home that I ended up keeping so I could move closer to Downtown Austin. When I had my daughter, we purchased another rental so that could be her college fund. Being a landlord in a city I live in has not been overly time consuming. I'm a realtor and my husband is in commercial real estate and construction so we have a rolodex of contacts that do help us manage issues as they arise. THe biggest hiccup is vacancy and turning it over. We've been strategic that rentals we own have leased relatively quickly. We recently closed on our 3rd rental on 12/31, and this time we are doing renovations to improve it and make it more attractive. My advice for those entering this space, it's not that hard to self manage, however you need to be patient, strategic on where and what type of rental you are looking to add to your portfolio. I personally like single story homes as I think it's a wider pool of tenants that find them attractive. Small updates go a long way with tenants.. With this most recent rental, we have included our girls to be apart of the process so we can teach them the importance of financial health and have them understand why we make these decisions. I have tons of fun pictures to include., you can email me: cynthia.mattiza@KuperSir.com and i can elaborate more or send over. @cynthiamattizarealtor, or you can connect with me via linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-mattiza-34224413/
I rented out my most recent rental property in 2021 during the thick of the COVID Pandemic. It's a two-(2) unit residential property in South Jersey. This was an intentional purchase, as I wanted both passive income and the benefit of rapid appreciation taking place in the market. This would be a long-term hold, which I anticipated replicating through a cash-out refinance. While I had owned rental property previously, returning to the market in 2021 was a reminder of how hands-on the landlord role can be. One surprise was how much tenants look to you for guidance and decision-making, particularly around expectations, boundaries, and communication. I've learned that some tenants require more hand holding than others so, consistency early on really matters. Tenants will often test you to see what they can get away with. So, while it's OK to be friendly, it's super important in the beginning to set the tone, establish clear expectations and maintain professional boundaries. My advice to anyone who is thinking of becoming a landlord is to establish good processes and put everything in writing. And, don't skip the tenant screening and background checks. At a minimum, this due diligence will give you some peace of mind and legal protections. Good decision-making at the beginning and enforcing the provisions of your lease is the best way to ensure a stable, well-functioning rental relationship. As a landlord, I get the best of both worlds. I get to provide a home for someone while also benefiting from a long-term investment. I currently own two properties in the Northeast: my primary residence and the two-(2) unit rental. Submitted by Jacqueline Mitchell, Founder & Creative Director @ Four Square Staging email: foursquarestaging@gmail.com NOTE: Photo of property and a selfie is available and can be sent separately with your email address. I did not see a file upload button prior to clicking "Submit".
I rented out my first property in 2022. I bought it in Brisbane as an intentional rental, not a place I'd ever live in. I treated it like a business from day one: hunted for something slightly boring, below what I thought the "Instagram buyers" would chase, and I walked away from anything that didn't stack up on rent, interest, rates, and maintenance. The spreadsheet made the call more than my emotions did. Right now I own one rental in Brisbane's middle-ring suburbs. I'd rather have one well-run place than three that keep me up at night, so I'm focused on getting this one stable before I think about a second. I look more at yield, vacancy rate, and tenant quality than the total number of properties. What surprised me most was how people-heavy it is. The property itself is the easy bit. The property manager, the tenant, and the tradies you rely on make or break the experience. When those relationships are clear and fair, most issues stay small. When they're not, tiny problems turn into drama. The other surprise was how messy cash flow is in real life. On paper the numbers looked neat. In practice you get insurance jumps, surprise body corp costs, urgent repairs, and random little fees. They don't kill the deal, but they do squeeze the buffer. My advice: overestimate costs, underestimate rent, and see if you'd still buy it. Assume it'll sit empty now and then. Keep a cash buffer that covers a few months of repayments plus one big repair. And before you start, write down your own rules: the type of tenant you'll accept, what you'll fix right away, and what you won't bend on. When emotions run high, those rules stop you from making dumb, rushed choices. You can reach me at: Josiah Roche Fractional CMO, Silver Atlas www.silveratlas.org
I first jumped into landlording in 2022 after intentionally buying a fixer-upper in my hometown of Myrtle Beach as a rental--having seen firsthand how tough selling can be for folks in a bind. Right now, I own three single-family rentals across the Grand Strand. What surprised me most was how much impact simple, honest communication has with tenants--one late-night plumbing leak turned into a real relationship builder because I showed up to help myself. My best advice: be accessible and human, not just "the landlord." Repairs are part of the deal, but earning trust is the investment that truly pays off. Reach me via my LinkedIn if you'd like photos or a story from the field!
I became a landlord in 2022 when I inherited my grandmother's home in a transitioning neighborhood--instead of selling immediately, I decided to rent it out while the area was still appreciating. Now I own three properties across North Carolina, and the biggest shock was discovering how much tenant screening matters; my corporate credit analysis background helped me spot red flags others miss, but I still learned the hard way when my first tenant had pristine credit but turned out to be incredibly destructive. My advice is to trust your gut during walkthrough meetings and always verify employment directly with employers--a polished application doesn't tell the whole story about someone's character.
I entered the rental market in 2023 by purchasing a distressed duplex near Grand Rapids that other investors overlooked due to its condition. What truly surprised me was how my football coaching experience translated perfectly to property management - building trust, setting clear expectations, and showing up when promised creates a team dynamic with tenants. Now with four properties across Michigan, I've found that success isn't just about the buildings but about bringing the same community-minded approach I use on the field to my rental business. My advice? Don't just analyze the numbers - invest time in understanding the neighborhood dynamics and local market trends that spreadsheets can't capture.
I started my landlord journey in early 2022, deliberately purchasing a dated duplex near Augusta as my first investment property--I renovated it top to bottom with hotel-inspired touches we knew travelers would appreciate. Currently I oversee five short-term rentals straddling the Savannah River in Georgia and South Carolina markets, all within a 30-minute radius to Augusta National. What caught me off guard was how real restaurant industry lessons applied directly--like when unexpected guest feedback led me to add coffee station upgrades to avoid 3AM requests, proving that anticipating needs creates loyalty. My core advice? Approach rentals like hospitality: under-promise, over-deliver, and equip spaces with conveniences guests didn't know they needed--that proactive mindset nets rave reviews and repeat bookings. You can find photos of my signature loft conversion with art deco accents and rose gold fixtures on Instagram @MartinLegacyHoldings.
I became a landlord in 2022 after intentionally purchasing a distressed single-family home in Pender County while working as a Trust Officer - I saw potential where others didn't and renovated it into a quality rental before fully committing to real estate full-time in 2023. Today, I own three properties across Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties here in coastal North Carolina, and I'd be thrilled to share photos showing how we transformed one bathroom with nautical tile work that tenants love. What truly caught me off guard was how my finance background didn't prepare me for the emotional intelligence required - like when a tenant's medical emergency taught me that offering flexible payment plans builds loyalty far more than strict contracts ever could. My advice? Partner with local tradespeople before you need them; having my plumber's cell saved after a midnight pipe burst saved thousands and kept good tenants from leaving.
I jumped into being a landlord in 2021 by taking on the management of several mobile homes my company acquired, intentionally creating affordable housing options in overlooked markets. Today, we manage numerous renovated manufactured homes across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. What surprised me most was how much joy I found in providing quality, safe homes for families who often struggle to find them; seeing the relief on their faces is incredibly rewarding. My advice is to approach landlording with a solution-oriented mindset, always looking for win-win scenarios that benefit both you and your tenants--it builds strong communities and sustainable businesses.
I became a landlord in mid-2023 when I purchased a single-family home in Medina, Ohio, with the intention of owning and managing rentals in my own backyard. Right now, I own two properties across the Cleveland-Akron area, both rented to local families who appreciate homes with thoughtful updates. What surprised me most was how different managing my own property felt compared to advising clients--when it's your name on the lease, every decision has weight. My advice: know your local market like the back of your hand, prioritize solid communication with tenants, and always think long-term over quick wins. That mindset has kept my investments stable and the tenants happy.
I became a landlord in 2021 by converting a duplex I purchased with the intention of renting it out. With an MBA from The Ohio State University, I applied a strategic mindset to acquiring and managing residential assets within the Miami Valley. My biggest surprise as a landlord wasn't a particular financial challenge, but the sheer volume of unpredictable daily issues, requiring constant problem-solving and immediate decision-making--very similar to combat deployments. My advice to new landlords is to build a robust network of reliable contractors and be prepared to manage their expectations, budgets, and timelines with military-grade precision; this is your operational backbone.
My journey into the rental market began in late 2022. Rather than an intentional investment purchase, I became a landlord by converting my primary residence. After relocating, I recognised the strong demand and opted to leverage the property's equity and rental potential instead of selling, allowing me to retain an asset and generate income. Currently, I own one rental property in a vibrant suburban market just outside London, UK. This area benefits from excellent transport links and a growing professional population. I am ready to provide high-quality photos of the property and a professional headshot for your feature. Surprises and Advice for Aspiring Landlords What truly surprised me wasn't just the financial aspect, but the profound human element involved. Managing tenant expectations and navigating maintenance taught me that being a landlord extends beyond collecting rent; it's about fostering a respectful, professional relationship. The initial perception of "passive income" quickly gave way to an appreciation for active management and communication. For others considering the rental market, my most critical advice is twofold: Thorough Tenant Screening is Paramount: Invest significant time in background checks, references, and interviews. A good tenant relationship is the foundation of a successful rental. Master Local Regulations: Understand your local landlord-tenant laws. From deposit protection to eviction processes, compliance is non-negotiable and protects both parties. I'm eager to elaborate further on my experiences and contribute to The Playbook.
I bought my first rental in late 2021, intentionally seeking out a property in my hometown of Port Orchard because I saw how creative investment options could open doors for both me and local families. Today, I own three single-family homes in Kitsap County and personally oversee renovations and repairs thanks to my background in construction. What surprised me most was how much direct, transparent communication--like walking tenants through small repairs or setting clear expectations upfront--helped build a foundation of trust. For anyone just starting, my advice is simple: don't shy away from the 'hands-on' side of landlording. Whether you're fixing a leaky faucet or solving a bigger issue, showing up and solving problems quickly goes further than any background check.
I purchased my first rental property in 2021 during the height of the pandemic housing rush, converting a vacation cabin I owned in the Poconos into a long-term rental when I saw the migration from cities. Currently, I own four properties across Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets, focusing on areas with strong rental demand and reasonable property taxes. What shocked me was how relationship-based successful landlording is - I wasn't prepared for the emotional investment needed when tenants face hardships. My advice? Don't just run the numbers - build systems for maintenance requests, tenant communications, and regular property check-ins from day one. The landlords who struggle are those who treat it purely as a passive investment when it's actually a people business with real estate attached.
I became a landlord in 2022 when I intentionally bought my first property--a distressed single-family home in North St. Louis that I rehabbed specifically for rental income. Today I own six properties across the St. Louis metro area, and what truly caught me off guard was how much tenant quality impacts your day-to-day stress--I quickly learned that thorough screening and setting firm but fair expectations from day one saves you countless headaches down the road. My advice is simple: don't chase high rent at the expense of solid tenants, and always keep a larger emergency fund than you think you need because properties will surprise you with expenses at the worst possible times.