Just, again like Bob said read the lease, BUT ALSO you can start enforcing the rules more strictly... the old owner probably didn't do that.

They are so focused on upselling youYou know the routine — you’re invited to a free seminar to learn about a new method of real estate investing, and the presenter or guru teases you with tidbits but offers nothing substantial.

Being a former California GC, I think the problem could be one of two things. 1) Texas does not have as strict of licensing requirements as Cali does.

If your goal is to retire in the next 5 years strictly off of rental property income, then banking on appreciation is clearly not the case. 

Those waiting for a recession will be waiting for a LONG time...it isn't happening this economic cycle, the stubbornly high inflation rates indicate that.A few points above to reiterate: (1) real estate is LOCAL, while there may be some worrying trends nationally, the Harford County market is strong and will stay that way IMO, (2) timing the market is generally a fools errand if you have a long term outlook (if you're looking at short term investments then timing factors in more), (3) if you're looking for a place to live (not strictly an investment) then there are a lot of other important factors to consider.Bottom line is that if you have the means, and if you intend to own the place for 5 or more years, I personally wouldn't hesitate to jump in.

It's a loophole, and it will eventually close, everywhere.Any property I buy going forward that I plan to hold long term I will only buy in areas that are already extremely strictly regulated for STRs. 

We pay $110 per month for routine maintenance. 

If you have a loan, you may wish to look into due-on-transfer clauses, as well as whether turning it into a rental requires you to refinance to a non-owner-occupied loan/rate.If you're going the umbrella insurance route, perhaps see if it will cover you for several things including just the routine slip and fall (like mold or earthquake).

For example:General-Filters (furnace, air conditioning, oven exhaust, refrigerator, and water)-Stove burner when the “eye” needs simple replacement-Batteries and remotes that service the premises-Fan and light pull strings-Smoke and carbon alarms testing and batteries-Ensuring appliances are properly plugged in, hooked up, and used-Removing dirt, debris, and lint in and from connection pipes (e.g. clothes dryer)-Tighten loose screws on all home functions (e.g. doors, hinges, handles, socket -Balancing off-balance appliances-Cable, internet, and phone jacks-Fire extinguishers-Systems operation (e.g. security, irrigation, HVAC)HVAC-Monthly A/C filter and drain line maintenance Electrical-Reset “tripped” GFI breakers-Light bulbs (throughout and at the end of the tenancy)-Blown fuses-Reset breakers in the outside and inside breaker boxes-Socket and plug outlet coversPlumbing-Unclog drains or toilets-Caulking around tubs and showers as needed-Gas pilot lighting-Leaky faucets and shower heads-Toilet flappers, handles, seats and seat lids, tank lid, and flush kit-Sink and tub stoppers-If septic tank present, use RID-X as directed on consumer box-Proper cleaning of garbage disposal-Loose faucets and sprayer heads and hoses-Faucet filters (i.e. aerator)-Open exterior plumbing clean out when necessary (e.g. sewage backup)Exterior-Routine lawn (and pool) maintenance-Adjusting sprinkler heads as necessary-On the last month of tenancy, tenant must perform required lawn maintenance no sooner than 2 days prior to vacate dateThere’s a lot to consider as a landlord.

If you, (or anyone) would ever want me to model out a 1,3,5 year scenario with multiple options, that's a routine part of our planning process.