Thinking of Quiting

[Mohsin Mazhar]

Hi everyone,

Looking for some advise.

I am thinking of selling my 2 rental properties and quit real estate investing (at least in current format). Due to stress of ownership.

I have 2 properties managed by a property manager. The PM is genuinely a good guy, responsive, good at resolving tenant issues. Provides good support, doesn't usually bother me unless it comes to expenses large expenses or rent adjustment.

The reason I am thinking of getting out of being a real estate investor is due to the stress and constant little expenses that are adding up. Recently there was a major plumbing problem at 1 of the single family homes and the tenants were not able to use the bathroom. Unfortunately the issue was so sever that it required for the tenants to move our for the repairs to be completed. I as the owner needed to approve for this to happen so the PM reached out to me for approval. I was genuinely stress out by this. Feeling bad for the renters who are unable to use the bathroom, fearing possible litigation (even if there is no reason to be sued, just an irrational fear)

The other issue is recurrent expenses although I have allocated 20% of rental income for both properties for repairs and maintenance. I have easily spent over that for both properties. Plumbers are crazy expensive, increasing city taxes, thinking if another issue is going to come up and I wont be getting the full rent to cover the mortgage. Using my personal finance to pay for repairs and numerous other small things that in isolation are not a big deal but they just keep adding up and create anxiety for me.

I am thinking being a real estate investor (for single family homes) is not right for me. I am debating if I should sell my 2 houses and just move the move into syndications or stock market. I am looking at my vanguard account and my portfolio is up 30% YTD with zero stress. RE for me is not my primary source of income I have regular job that pays well.

What are your guys thoughts. Is this something you have experienced as well, how did you deal with it? Does it get better or worse? How do you deal with the stress of ownership.