They said become a property investor it will be fun. *SOMETIMES*

[Federico Gutierrez]

Bought this property a few months back. Got it at a good price in a B area, Parma OH and put some additional capital to fix it up. Just general updating and making it more homey. (I still ask myself why though, tenants just trash your property, they don't care they move onto the next and repeat, that's their BRRR method, BREAK, RENT, REMOVE, REPEAT)

These tenants lived in the home for two months, then they decided to get a divorce. NOT my problem but I felt the effects, they didn't pay me rent. They just stalled to save up for the next deposit and moved out in the middle of the night leaving me with trash, furniture and repairs. Deposit won't cover it all. I've filed for eviction but took back the property, boarded up the broker windows, changed the locks and started cleaning out and getting ready for turn over. I bet the next landlord won't even check their rental history.

This is just a picture of all their stuff I cleared out after they left me in the house. Find it funnier that behind the garage they had a whole bunch of older windows that had been taken out from some unknown property and stored at my property? The guy was a GC/Handyman.

Point of all this? Well investing ain't all fabulous times of sipping drinks on a beach front while your tenants pay you rent. It's sometimes a war out here in Cleveland, OH. I find it amazing when BP members say I'll just self manage it from afar.

[Joe Splitrock]

@Federico Gutierrez I have had multiple divorces in properties and you are correct, it is not possible to predict. But as landlord you get stuck in the middle. I talk with them immediately about plans for the house. Is one of them staying and if so how will they manage the payment. If they can't manage the payment, I would let them out of the lease. It is better to get them and their junk out. 

Overall the best part of being a landlord is:

1. The thrill of buying new properties, making offers, getting good deals. Love that part.

2. When you go by a few months with no problems. Money is coming in and life is good.

I am in total agreement with you that problems are just a matter of time. The best screening will not prevent every problem.

@Lionel Li it is very common for people to go through bankruptcy during divorce. People who had otherwise a good history, run into major issues when getting divorced. It is an emotional and financial hardship. You are trying to use logic by saying good tenants wouldn't risk tainting their credit. The problem is logic goes out the door when people get divorced. It gets ugly.