Just because you're making a W2, another job, or even self employment or other business and you can have the property break even doesnt meant you should.You invested your money in a property it should generate a return that is sufficient for your metrics and stand on its own.This is the philosophy I adhere to.Even if I dont live on or use the income from the property I'd want my money to have a min hurdle rate or min rate of return.My mind set is that all your money or capital has a cost through opportunities it could otherwise be invested in if it was invested in the property in question.Taking 0% return or break even is akin to saying "im willing to buy bad deals and have my money make low or no money and I dont respect my money."

Those are widely different investments requiring a different set of management skills, operational philosophy, and risk assessment.

I have since changed my philosophy and I am closing on another duplex and SFH this month.  

My philosophy is if you say you won't add value because it's "just a rental" that's the type of renter you'll get.

My investors agree with my experience and philosophy.

Our philosophy is to not "look bbn like a renta".

My philosophy is that the two most important components to a successful STR are comfort and cleanliness.

They do not meet any of the rules 1%, 2%, or 50% but they done well for us due to Self Management- No management feesNo Vacancy'sLow Expenses Rent/Market AppreciateTenant is paying down your mortgageIn addition to pure rentals, we buy personals turned rentals when we leave an area because my husband has a transient job (military)lower downpayments (VA- 0%, Convention 5%)Lower interest rateOn my website I talk more about our model, plan and business philosophy.

Calling every mortgage broker and pitting them against each other is also not a good philosophy.

@James Wise I like that business philosophy!