First property and first eviction

[Vysakh Sivarajan]

Hello BP members,

I bought my first investment property in 2018 and started renting out to my first tenant ( Yayyy, was so excited ) last year. I moved to buying another rental unit this year too. Although the tenant was late a few times, I thought if they are not giving me a big headache, it should be fine. Even waived-off the late fee couple of times ( Newbie mistake ? ). They failed to pay the rent this month due on the first and started ignoring my mails, texts and calls. Knocked on the door after seeing their car in the parking lot without any response. Tried again another day. Today I walked around the building only to find the tenant on the balcony. He had to open the door for me and we talked. The tenant and his girlfriend had a breakup and he does not have the money to pay. Both of them are on the lease and only he is living in the unit now. 

Even though he told me that he can make the rent next week, I am filing my first eviction notice. I feel sorry for them but I want to pay my bills too. Kind of having mixed feelings about the whole rental investment and wondering if I started off on the wrong feet.  I don't want to quit but would love to hear from other investors who had similar experience.