You also have to look at your own War chest of money and make sure you can roll with the worst of the punches that could happen.

They can’t tell you the rate the dividend is until it’s declared (they’re not guaranteed- although Mass Mutual has consistently paid one since the Civil War). 

Also, as I am in CA, it would be impractical to be "boots on the ground" for an extended length of time to visit properties and  attend numerous auctions in person.

I'm one year into being a landlord, and I loved it for about the first six months--in spite of numerous challenges.

One of my favorite quotes is from a Civil War General (Stonewall Jackson)    "Never take counsel of your fears".... 

It became a bidding war between these two buyers where the last buyer won the contract at $210,000.

To keep up with relevant advances, I read numerous publications each week.

For numerous reasons we decided to sell, and received at offer from the Church that was one of the occupants, for a price equal to appraised value.  

The other 1% are constantly reviewed by licensed Realtors, large wholesalers spending $20,000 monthly for marketing, numerous platforms and services selling leads, fix n flippers, syndicators, investment funds,  and “opportunistic” buyers such as myself with millions of dollars in cash to close any discounted deal in less than 48 hours, if need be.  

." - Obi-Wan KenobiAm I quoting Star Wars on a real estate forum?