Unfortunately, I see a growing trend of a lot of service members renting their homes at break even rates or at losses.

For example, in my first year of business, VRBO and Booking.com were very heavy, last year Airbnb was heavier. 

The last few months have been at Milagro's on Classen.

I just had tenants move out of my investment property (duplex) without paying for the last month's rent, and the damage they inflicted onto the property exceeds their security deposit amount.

The most recent pay stub from my fiancé's previous job, which he left in June 2024 (he started a new job in August 2024 and provided the last two months of income).2.

I think our best client in the last 4 years we probably made them $750,000.Then I get the call from the one property owner trying to nickel and dime me that we will charge $190 for his townhome and he can get someone else to do it for $125.

They are the last person who should know you are taking over a loan subject to, make sure you let the sellers know and are crystal clear.

I recognize there are other ways I could invest this cash (including another property) but I am being mindful of levering myself out too much in the current environment where job losses are more common in my industry (tech).

I have spent the last few years reading many books on real estate, taking real estate courses, researching, saving as much as I could, investing (to increase my purchase power) and finally feel I can begin my real estate journey this year. 

Lastly, in this example, if you are only able to collect rents but have no equity on the property - that is worse for the investor than owning the property.