Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

But anything can happen in the stock market and most of it is beyond our control.  

Former Real Estate Agent who still has the bug but looking to have more control of deals and of course make more money.

This has risks in controlling the amounts you abate translating directly into the amounts they capitalize in repairs.  

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

Not to say that people aren't somewhat responsible but there are some factors out of people's control.

There are plenty of folks who stay away from condos because of the lack of direct control due to the HOA but if it's a larger complex with stable management and a businesslike approach to capex and maintenance I think you could do fine.

Year to year you can't control the rising expense of a flood insurance.

When the son gets to the point he "controls/owns" the property, he can refinance. 

And, I controlled my business, didn't have to do anything I didn't like.