I WOULD install again in my personal home as they are beautiful, affordable, add a natural element and the maintenance doesn’t bother us.

IRS has tables that will tell you the depreciation period for various elements.

You have to consider real estate as part of your portfolio, it will add an element of diversification to the stocks and bonds while at the same time has unique taxation situation that you could take advantage of.

Home Values: Milwaukee metro ranks #61 out of the top 100 most expensive metro areas with a median home price of just 193k.

In fact this market is ranked #2 nationwide for rental home investments.

If your decision making solely relates to cash flow in this high interest rate environment let alone any stage in a real estate cycle, you are too narrowly focused on one element of the deal.

@Michael Smythe this is what my bylaw reads: "No smoking shall be permitted in Common Elements within fifty (50) feet of any building.

I am more of a trendy person when it comes to design, but since you're in WY you could mix in some western elements.

Job SituationMetro Atlanta's unemployment rate (May 2015) is 5.9%, Ranking 44 of 48 for Large Metropolitan Areas.

Lumber is on a tear, copper is rising...these elements (and more!)