Actually, the resulting higher cash flow is an illusion. 

I must admit I had the illusion that Real Estate would be much more glamours and easy.

Scenario #1 above:  0 down payment; Negative CF of $265/M & $3,180/yrStart out of pocket:  $0Cash Flow/year:  ($3,180) ...meaning you fall behind an additional $3,180 every year for 30 years, +$4800/yr after thatBreak Even Point:  40 years; 7 months (your great-grandkids will be thrilled)Scenario #2:  $30k DP; the illusion of $36/Yr PCFCash Flow/yr:  $36 every year for 30 years, then +$4800/yr after thatBreak even point:  6 yearsScenario #3:  $100,000 DP; the bigger illusion of $4800/Yr PCFCash Flow/yr: $4800 every yearBreak even point: 20 years; 10 monthsLosses due to lost opportunity returns;  Assumed 5% simple interest per year until break even pointScenario #1:  NoneScenario #2:  $1500/year x 6(yrs) = $9,000Scenario #3:  $5,000/year x 21 (yrs) = over $100,000

Hoping an owner-financing interest rate will be lower than the bank is...well...likely an illusion.

Maybe your under the illusion that they are getting 1 million dollar signing bonuses or something.. 

I was under the illusion that you could just buy a property and make cash from it worry free. 

But if you don't want to use one, continue reading.Using Listing Spark, their business model is obviously to have your property listed for longer and not try and sell your place, with the illusion that they are. 

People want the illusion that properties don't have problems.

Reality is merely an illusion although it is a very persistent one."  

I always cover all my windows with inexpensive window treatments for privacy and give the illusion of someone living there.