https://www.yahoo.com/news/say...The crux of it for those who don't want to read the article: the guy's paying $450 a month in a rent control unit in NYC for 20+ years, while market rate around him is $3k/month.

Essentially you are not dividing the lot, but rather creating an HOA layer that controls both units so you can sell them separately with the common HOA.

That way you control the property, get the tax deductions and in turn the seller get's his price, and payment structure.  

I could control the lights outside for the seating area and the fans which kept mosquitoes away.

The biggest benefits to RE are leverage and control. 

Not being in control of the land brings all sorts of potential headaches… lot rent increases outside of your control; what if the seller decides to sell the land?  

So far I have had to replace a broken bed, bathroom paper roll, fix a tub sink twice, and I added a heating control system to the pool. 

Im a very hands on person, type A, and can be a control freak at times.

It was much more about the control of how agents are treated and eliminating the aforementioned "big company BS".The most difficult thing I've found is recruiting, even though I offer a 75% commission split, $1M E&O, CRM, agent websites, etc.It turns out that most agents are happy where they are, and I suspect that a lot of their personal identity and branding is tied up with whatever company they're working for. 

The real question should be - do you want control over your investments or do you want to put your faith and confidence into another person/company?