Investing in rental properties is a great way to preserve wealth and generate multiple streams of passive income. People who are in the rental property business are quite secured with their investment as property investment such as land naturally appreciates in value over time. Similarly, the steady nature of rental property investments make it more appealing to investors and venture capitalists.
However, there are also several things to consider before investing in rental properties. Potential rental property owners should first ask themselves the following simple yet critical questions.
Is the Rental Property Accessible to Tenants?
One of the major factors tenants will look into before settling in an apartment, unit or any other leasehold property is the accessibility of the location. People who are looking for a living apartment will scan the area and see to it that the apartment is located near such as schools, churches, marketplaces, department stores and similar establishments that can cater to their needs.
How Much Maintenance Will the Rental Property Require?
Maintenance cost on rental properties is another huge concern for owners of rental properties. A rental property requires regular maintenance and check up. Needless to say, as an establishment ages it somehow deteriorates and the effects of wear and tear will become visible.
Sooner or later, occupants will report something wrong about the rental property. It could be a leak in the water pipes, a broken window or worse rude neighbors.
How Much is the Return on Investment?
Of course, first and foremost thing that potential investors should look into is the possible return on investment. They should evaluate the prospects of cash flows and project the time tables in which these cash flows are expected to be realized. They should also weigh the cost and the benefit of such rental property investment.
Law Suits, Taxes, Legal Constraints – Am I Ready?
Investing in rental properties is not just about buying a land, constructing a property, renovating it, looking for tenants and sitting back, relaxing and waiting for the big fat paycheck each month – it’s an illusion. Investing in rental properties is very complicated; there could be law suits from evicted tenants, property taxes that increase year after year and other legal constraints that will definitely hinder a smooth ride.
Hence, it’s a matter of being prepared for whatever may happen. Now, take a deep breath and then ask yourself, “am I really ready for this?”