Is this normal - huge repairs

[Jessica Long]

Hello all!

We are small time landlords in the DMV area. We decided to turn our home into a rental because we pay very little on it and it seemed like a good investment to keep. We renovated it -mostly cosmetic but also a new roof etc…

Within the first month we had to replace the entire sewage system (out of pocket since it wasn’t covered) and basically lost our first year’s income. 

It’s an older home (‘73) but has not given us any chronic problems in the 11 years we’ve lived there.

Is this just beginners bad luck or typical of owning a rental and just “part of the business?” 

Not looking for a pick-me-up just honestly want to know if this just happens sometimes and we shouldn’t get spooked or is it time to consider an exit strategy. I know it’s not all rainbows and sunshine in this business but wondering how common this is?