Hi All, I am relatively new to the site. 

I hope we all get to financial freedom, and this site will definitely help with those aspirations.

I’ve been making offers on duplexes that are around 200k, but keep losing out to cash buyers.

Is it a carriage house as opposed to a garage, and/or is there enough room to incorporate another structure on site, namely, a 3-4 car 'modern' monstrosity?

Do I lose a lot of money or what happens?

The owner thinking they are saving money is likely losing money as they get a lower quality tenant and all the issues that go with them.Sorry for rant, it's early on a Saturday and I need more coffee!!!

The landlord lose in most cases.During the last vacancy, my wife and I were both sick, the wife was hospitalized for pesticide poisoning doing work at the rental, so we lost six months rent @ $2,500/month.

@Heather OlsonThis is where self-managed DIY landlords shine and any property manager except a well-paid and highly-competent team can lose you serious money.

I know what real estate is otherwise I wouldn't be on this site, I'm happily with someone and we plan to get married, I just wanted to give a bit of relief in such a professional  environment but I'll think twice next time.

If the economy worsens and people lose their jobs -> more tenants for me.