It gets accounted for if you calculate your ROI/IRR, but I would consider "cash flow" being the actual money deposited into your bank account.2.

And the customer service answer my questions with things like screenshots and videos for my account.

Personally I think the returns for stocks vs real estate are in line with the risks and involvement associated with each.

Don't forget to account for the points and refinance fees you will pay for the new loan as well.

It is MUCH easier to invest in real estate with a w2 job  Thanks for the reply Carlos, a career change is totally possible for me but would likely involve about 1/3 to 1/2 the pay I’m getting now so I question is it even worth it or go all in on something I can actually make money at.

When COVID hit, everyone was working from home and because in many condo communities, water is included, and most HOAs didn't account for the extra usage.

Quote from Account Closed: I totally get your struggle.

This is not to say an experienced sponsor has bad deals, they will, but an investor typically will not only get 100% wiped out but if the company also took bonus depreciation the LP's will also have to pay that money back to the IRS, so its a double whammy (not an accountant but one may be able to chime in more on this).If you are a LP and invested in a syndication that has bridge debt, I strongly recommend you watch it very closely.

Of note, housing costs [shelter] accounted for over two thirds of the monthly increase.

I will share my "Most Expensive Lesson" in the comments.To kick things off, here are ten examples of expensive lessons or mistakes in real estate investing:Underestimated Repairs: The classic pitfall where the cost of repairs and renovations far exceeds initial estimates, impacting the overall budget and profitability.Tax Liens: Failing to account for or being unaware of existing tax liens on a property can result in unexpected financial burdens.Contractor Liens: Not settling payments or disputes with contractors can lead to liens against your property, complicating sales or refinancing.HOA Fines: Overlooking or violating Homeowners Association (HOA) rules can lead to significant fines and headaches.Bad Loan Products: Opting for loan products without fully understanding their terms can lead to unfavorable financial conditions, such as higher interest rates or unfavorable repayment terms.Ignoring Zoning Laws: Investing in a property without a clear understanding of local zoning laws may restrict its use, affecting your investment strategy.Overpaying for a Property: Lack of research or getting caught in a bidding war can result in paying much more than the property's worth.Neglecting Due Diligence: Skipping thorough inspections and background checks can uncover unpleasant surprises after the purchase is finalized.Poor Tenant Screening: Failing to properly screen tenants can lead to unpaid rent, property damage, and costly evictions.Underestimating Market Risk: Not considering market fluctuations can lead to investments that don't pay off as expected, especially in volatile or declining markets.We've all been there in one way or another, facing setbacks that seemed daunting at the time.