I see a high percentage of RE investors - usually folks who buy a house or three, or a duplex or such, for long term rental purposes, who are living in fantasy land and sort of hand waive taxes, repair bills, delinquent tenants, and the amount of time to devote to all of these. Let alone the frictional costs of buying and selling properties because of the entry feel to be on the MLS.

It can work out pretty well. In the early 70s dad bought a couple of duplex units, and made a few bucks with those. He bought two 4-unit apartments in the 80s and did a little better. He sold out when he retired in the late 90s. But boy did he ever spend a lot of weekends at them, painting and fixing and such. As did I - free labor!

If folks want RE exposure with about 1% of the time sink as actually owning and being a landlord, just go buy a REIT.

Berkshire Hathaway FAQ

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