Proceeds when sold would be split in the same ratio.The math for them was:Rent for the next 5 years: $228,000Equity gained: $0Mortgage payments for 5 years: $219,000Equity gained: $185,000^assuming a modest 3% annual appreciation Getting started will take you further than waiting for the *ideal* property.

Catherine id highly recommend spending a full day or two consuming youtube videos that specifically go into detail about this process, theres so much to teach and writing this whole thing out would literally be a whole book.

I've also thought about direct contact, such as door to door or cold calling, but door to door is very time consuming and doesn't have the promise of meeting the actual owner of the property, and I still haven't figured out how to get phone lists of potential leads.

While DSTs do appreciate over time, returns might be more modest compared to active property ownership.

As you said, they show up, answer questions about the local market, provide useful data when needed, and just are a general value add to the forums.I think it's fair for consumers to take what an agent says about the market with a grain of salt, but over time, their reputation for giving good info without the smarm wins.

Also hearing better than market results from those who are self managing as consumers continue to buck excessive fees by seeking to book direct.  

Although time consuming, I'm guessing that evaluating their condition periodically would help with the end of lease turnover cycle? 

Dont tell your HML that you plan to occupy the property as HMLs cannot be done on occupied properties due to all the consumer protection laws in place. 

The Census came out and reported the first (modest) uptick in population in 2023 for the first time in nearly 70 years.

Quote from @Jamie O'Connell: Yes, attorneys can be expensive and time-consuming.