Martin the property management argument isn't really an argument if you look at the bigger picture that most investors don't want to manage their properties anyways because they are spending most of the time on their main job.

You have to be an active manager and many current owners are not wanting a second job and are selling.

The potential liability from having someone do a job they are not licensed to do far outweighs the cost-benefit.

Enforcement comes after the job is done.. you screw it up your going to get fined..

@Damon AlbersSounds like these properties are in a class c area and your manager is not doing a good job vetting themBut this is not out of ordinary for c class rentals which is why people look at cash flow and be like wow but one $5000 bill can wipe out 4-6 months of rental income and properties never make money and rarely appreciateThis is why we do not do lower class rentals as stated cash flow vs reality are typically not close

If it's way out of whack with the market average, dig deeper.Debt Service Coverage Ratio: Key for nderstanding if the property's cash flow will cover financing comfortably.Historical Vacancy Trends: Especially in areas like Chicago, where local job markets fluctuate, knowing vacancy trends can help you anticipate rough patches.Rent Growth vs.

Ben Russell has done an excellent job of covering differences in the lease.

Otherwise, you can never attain financial freedom because rents will not outpace inflation.How long your rental income lasts depends on job growth in the investment city.Non-government jobs are inherently temporary.

Long term, the Austin market will do just fine with strong population and job growth.

I continued paying what I had paid before, with the additional money purely going to principal.The recast to a lower amount was purely to reduce my committed monthly payment to a point that I could get my property to cash flow if I had to move out (job loss, etc).