Why do people sell properties that are making profit?

[Prachi Pant]

I am a first time investor looking to invest in duplexes and triplexes. I found some properties listed which are already leased out and are generating positive cash flow to the current owner. In such a situation, why would the owner want to sell a property? Is it primarily because the owner might be in need of immediate cash? Is there anything I need to watch out for?

[Richard C.]

Why do people leave jobs where they are making a salary?

This is work.  Don't let anyone tell you it is not.  Anyone telling you that being a landlord is "passive income" is doing this at a large scale, or is lying to you to get you to buy something, or is over-paying for management and probably has never calculated their actual rate of return.

Buying a first-time investor with one property is WORK.

Sometimes, people decide that the money isn't worth the work, and sell.  Just like they sometimes leave a job when then decide that the money isn't worth the work.

Usually, someone else is willing to take that job, because the money is worth it to THEM.

So it is with rentals.