The only time I'd say it's an okay idea is if either: The area you're investing in is expecting so much appreciation that you will easily profit off that (watch out for mortgage interest though...the appreciation needs to be higher than what you pay in that and expenses to make it profitable)You have some specific reason for wanting to do it- family ties, future home, major long-term hold, etc.Maybe I'm forgetting another one, but those two are all I have for now...

It's very simple, here is the header for one sheet:# Of RentalsAddressDate BoughtYear Roof was put onCost of PropertyValue of Property 2017Value of Property 2021TaxInsuranceMortgageMaint/HOAAC FiltersRent Per MonthThen I have another sheet to keep track of any expenses for the year:# Of RentalsAddressCityJanFebMarAprMayEverything is very organized on these two sheets for the CPA every January.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

The major negative experiences for me had to do with ship times (their updates are on the slower side) or what happens if product is damaged or arrives late. 

Maybe a major news outlet would be interested in covering your story. 

And you can do it with little cash, 5% down conventional is better than 3.5% FHA.House hacking also gives you a chance to cut your teeth in all major skills: analyzing deals, buying process, financing, working with contractors, advertising for rent, background checks, property management.

I tend to agree with Jay Hinrichs that forcing bankruptcy by many lawsuits will not be beneficial for the majority.

It was a rental for us about 1-2 yrs after a major remodel.

It could include selling well below market value, giving a majority interest to your partner (like 51%).

@Deirdre Lizio like any business, you will encounter customers that:1) Appreciate great service and are willing to pay for it2) Appreciate great service, but are price sensitive3) Only care about the lowest price, yet unrealistically expect great service4) Multiple variations of the above...Unfortunately, the majority of us default to #3:(