I would like to echo the sentiment of others that house hacking is an excellent way to get started.

I can understand your sentiments @Lloyd Stanton, but at the same time, given the statistics on certain types of criminals recommitting acts, it's troubling and seems risky to me and to the other tenants that I rent to.  

If they can't generate any income without a lot more from you I agree with the sentiments to get rid of the properties and clean up your personal debt before taking on more real estate.  

I disagree with @Greg R. sentiment, as long as you buy right with fixed debt, who care's what interest rates are?

I do understand the sentiment that some of you want to get paid or at the very least own what you write.

I agree with most of the sentiment on here.

I agree with the sentiment that the rent needs to be lowered.The #1 killer in rentals is vacancy.

Quote from @Chad McMahan: Quote from @Matthew McKee: I'm not giving any legal advice but in the words of Timothy Ferriss "Better to ask forgiveness than beg for approval" -Four Hour WorkweekJust quoting a book but in case the beginning of a one sentence sentiment was skimmed over The Four Hour Work Week also has speed reading techniques.Stay Classy BP Yikes!

What are your sentiments towards renting either as a renter or as a landlord?

Public REITs trade on the stock market so market sentiment can get overly optimistic or overly pessimistic and trade at different price than the underlying value.