Be sure you know what you’re getting into when you invest in rental real estate. Ask yourself :
- Where will you get the down payment for the property ?
- Can you handle periods of vacancy, i.e. no income ?
- What about unexpected repairs and other expenses ?
- Do you need property to rent immediately or do you have time and money for a “fixer-upper” ?
- Do you have time and expertise to make renovations and repairs ?
- What type of property do you want: single family, apartment, duplex, condominium, or vacation property ?

Thinking it through ahead of time assures that you won’t get caught making a rash decision you will regret later.