It allows you to divest of unpredictability and most expenses by letting someone else own and maintain the asset.  

The principle reduction is easy to calculate but appreciation is unpredictable. 

Horses are highly unpredictable, and are exceptionally hard on their surroundings.

You want the property to make money without you having to contribute your own labor for free.Maintenance is often sporadic and unpredictable for any specific property.

But others are much more unpredictable.

The underground phase of a project has a certain element of risk and unpredictability.

Because of the unpredictability of ticket sales, they have to leave at least 2, sometimes as many as 4 or 5 flights as options to get to work on time. 

I've tried not to consider appreciation, since this is unpredictable, but perhaps I should try to estimate it and factor this in?

I know the inventory of non-producers factors into it, but it still can be totally unpredictable.

Sounds like the people in FLA had just about all they could do to evacuate, the storms route was changing and intensity was unpredictable for the most part as was constantly changing.We probably had more information from new reporters in MN than the people in FLA,, that were stuck on highways, in shelters, and scrambling for Gas for their cars..Most counties still without POWER,, Count your self lucky if your property had minor damage, and ask your PM what you can do to help..them..