Interviewing My Landlord

 A little bit into my freshman year of college, I was presented with an amazing opportunity. There was a vacancy in a rental property that my friend's dad owned. Our friend came to my boyfriend and me and asked if we would all want to live there while we spent our two years of community college at home. We would get a whole house for a very unbelievably affordable price. So, we had to hop on the opportunity. It ended up being perfect and we made so many great memories. We have since moved out and I thought it would be fun to give my previous landlord a call. I wanted to interview him for his insights on real estate and share what he thinks about investing in rental properties. Our conversation touched on several key aspects of managing rental properties, from the challenges of finding good tenants to the rewards of long-term wealth building. One of the biggest takeaways from the interview was the importance of tenant relationships. Finding reliable, responsible tenants can make or break your experience as a property owner. “It’s not just about filling the vacancy,” he said, “it’s about finding someone who will respect the property and stay long-term.” We also had a fascinating conversation about the financial implications of property ownership. My ex-landlord emphasized that there isn't initially anything passive about renting out houses, despite the fact that many individuals invest in them in the hopes of making passive income. “The upfront costs, maintenance, and managing repairs can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared,” he explained. In the end, renting properties can be stressful but it can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor for those who are willing to put in the effort.