For whatever reason our pipes would get clogged, probably the tenants flushing things down they toilet that they shouldn't.

You would be surprised what comes your way:  "my kid flushed something down the toilet" (that's on them)/"I have no idea how the door came off the hinges" (that's on them) / "The sink is clogged" (they used it, they clogged it - you know the drill by now). 

When you flush that all out with the rents you collect, loan paydown, and appreciation (3% is really conservative too for 1m house neighborhoods) you should be better off than renting. 

I tried to introduce myself to her, and her daughter started talking to me; and then she wordlessly grabbed her daughter and grandchildren, ushered them into the house, and shut the door on me.The second time I met her, and the first time I spoke to her, she accused me of racism three times.Periodically ever since then, like about once to twice a week, she'll send longs strings of text messages screaming at me about eternal lists of things she wants fixed, done or is upset about.Just earlier this week, she sent me another mashup of complaints at 11:09PM in which she went on and on about how cold it was in her apartment (it was warm and comfortable when I visited to do repairs last weekend) and water leaking in the basement, and in the middle squashed in 4 words stating "toilet isn't flushing properly"Well, I work a day job and was under a deadline (as I frequently am).

My plumber just called an informed me that the toilet drain issue was caused by too much tissue being flushed at one time.

First, go to that room that has all the porcelain furniture, and flush the 50% rule...and focus on what you.Second, focus on what your financial needs dictate in a property profile, then...Third, go find a market (micro market actually) that has/will supply properties with that profile.

If your tenants can't flush, they'll still try and you'll get the call to clean up the mess (ask me how I know that).Old buildings are always suspect for mold, asbestos and lead.

It's easy to be an investor in high times when money is flush.

Some of the best customers to have are newlywed couples flush with cash looking for their first home.

Another thing that helped IMO was completing flushing the Minnesota Guys bad energy down the drain and getting their downtown buildings into the hands of developers who would do something with them.