Is it realistic that a property owner would profit $200/mo?

[Jazmine S.]

Generally through not only research but also live forums such as BiggerPockets I've noticed that everyone seems to agree that the first few years of real estate investing typically do not produce much cash flow, and that you may only profit $150-$200/month per property (if anything).

I have a couple of questions.

1) Is this truly realistic, or is it possible to make more during your first year if you make the right choices? Also looking for help with regards to what specifically to take into account when it comes to monthly expenses. I pulled up a random property to use as an example.

$53,000 property: http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Fort-Lauderda...

Mortgage calculator: https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/?homePr...

So let's say I only put down the 10%. So based on the above calculator they are saying the payment to the lender in addition to taxes for the month would equate to approximately $266, plus an additional $67 for insurance, bringing us to $333. Since Zillow bases their insurance rates on homeowner's insurance, let's bump this up to $350. The estimated rent for those units in that area is said to be $1,200. Me being a local, I'd say that's high for this type of unit so let's say the rent is $1,000.

At this time we are at a $650 profit. (And potential for an $850 profit depending on the rent).

So, I'm thinking that either 1) people are saying that it takes time to make money investing due to maintenance and repairs and they are looking at how much they made versus expenses in the entire YEAR, and estimating how much they typically made per month after all is said and done... Or 2) There really are other additional expenses occurring each month that I am overlooking. Property management in my area is typically about $100.

2) Second question. Almost done I promise. ;) Since maintenance, repairs, turnover, taxes, insurance etc. are all constant factors that don't diminish... Where does the idea that you make more as the years pass come from? This has puzzled me lately the more that I think about it. Maybe it's making the assumption that you would be acquiring additional properties during that time frame?

I could not be more grateful for all of your help. :]