Many of us had portfolios during the GFC and had no issues (stable or increasing rent and only minor (short-term) declines in value).

Neighborhoods in OKC offer a range of opportunities from stable B areas to value-add C+ spots.

Your borrower now owns the property subject to your loan and is to retire your loan per the terms of the note.  

Hi Nadia, here's a few things to consider:Credit Score: Set a minimum, like 600-650.Income: Require 3x the rent in monthly income.Employment: Verify stable employment.Rental History: Check for positive rental references.Background Check: Make sure they don't have any criminal history.Security Deposit: Typically 1-2 months' rent.Pet Policy: Decide if you'll allow pets and set fees if needed.

Retirement planning is a journey filled with valuable lessons, and as a real estate investor, I’ve learned some crucial insights that I wish I had grasped earlier.

Examples of liquid assets that can be used for a contingency fund include:Cash in a bank or savings accountStock or bond investmentsCash value of an insurance depositMoney in a 401K, IRA, or other retirement savings accountCertificates of depositLet’s say your monthly payment for a mortgage is $1,500.

The closer you are to the retirement, the more you should focus on rental properties.

The no state income tax in Nevada appeals to me vs. high state income tax in California for retirement or semi-retirement.

@Samantha Zanotelli- depending on the price and loan amt needed - there are lenders / programs that allow 10% for a jumbo loan scenario ...the payment reserves  requirement will likely be 12-24 months of payments  and you are able to use part of any retirement account balance to meet this requirement 

This is by design because I realized I was very far behind on my retirement savings and had to take drastic measures or I was going to end up working until I die.