re: Rental properties. How to start

When you are analyzing a deal, always put in the 10% for property management. I started with your mindset. I was going to buy property and manage it myself. That's great if you can. But if you have several and a W2 it gets hard. I use innago to help with that.

Once I got two properties I noticed repairs and rehab were eating away at my evenings and weekends, even if I am hiring someone to do the work it takes up your time. Its comforting knowing that I am covering my time in rent income (that 10%) and not just fixing stuff for free to save money.

Also consider a vacancy factor. I have never had to carry a mortgage for more than a month but still account for that.

My biggest advice is read some books, listen to podcast, and keep an eye on the market you want to invest in for the next several months. Also tell people you are investing in real estate. You will be surprised how some random person will remember and bring something to the table. And find a good CPA to help with depreciation, expenses, cost segregation.