Blog
Insights for smarter investing
Property analysis tips, tax strategies, and lessons from 30+ years of real estate investing.
It's Cheaper to Rent Than Buy in All 50 Big Metros. That's the Whole Story for Landlords.
Renting a starter home costs $858 a month less than buying it, in every one of the 50 largest US metros. Here's what that means if you own rentals.
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How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent? Notice Periods and Caps in Every State
Rent increases usually fail on notice, not amount. The written notice every state requires, the five places with a cap, and who limits how often.
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Foreclosures Are Rising. I Bought Two in 2008 — and This Is Not 2008.
Foreclosure filings are up — and still running at about one sixth of the 2008 peak. The real numbers, the history, and where the opportunity is.
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How to Write a Lease Agreement: A Practical Guide for New Landlords
What belongs in a residential lease, how fixed-term, month-to-month and room rentals differ, and the state rules that decide whether your clauses hold up.
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Asset Protection for Landlords: How I Structure My Rentals in LLCs After Being Sued Three Times
Sued three times as a landlord — one case cost $250k. Here's how I hold my rentals in LLCs under a Wyoming holding company to protect personal assets.
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Why Denver's Housing Market Stalled in 2026 — a Local Landlord's Read
Denver home sales fell ~17% while listings sit and sellers pull out. A local landlord on the rate lock-in, migration slowdown, and delistings behind the stall.
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What Is the Best Way to Collect Rent From Tenants? A 30-Year Landlord's Answer
I've collected rent every way there is — checks, Zelle, bank transfers, a property manager. Here's the best way to collect rent from tenants, and why.
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The Best Property Management Software for Landlords: A 30-Year Investor's Honest Guide
After 30 years as a landlord across two countries, here's how to choose property management software that puts you in control — and the traps to avoid.
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Home Sales Are Cratering — Why That's Good News for Landlords
August existing-home sales hit their second-worst level since 1999 — while rents keep climbing. Here's what that divergence means for rental investors.
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How to Bill Tenants for Utilities (RUBS) Without Overpaying Tax
RUBS recovers shared utility costs, but the reimbursement is taxable income. Here's how billing from the expense keeps your income and deductions matched.
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Security Deposit Return Deadlines: How Long Landlords Have in Every State
Miss your state's deposit return deadline and you can forfeit every deduction — or owe the tenant double or triple the deposit. Here's the deadline in all 50 states, what the itemized statement must include, and how to never miss the window.
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Late Fees for Rent: What Landlords Can Legally Charge (State-by-State Guide)
How much can you charge when rent is late? Late fee caps, mandatory grace periods, and lease requirements vary widely by state. Here's what landlords need to know in 2026.
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Why Landlords Fire Property Managers (I've Done It More Than Twice)
I've fired more property managers than I'd like to admit — for not showing my property, not chasing rent, and refusing to handle maintenance. The data says my experience is the norm. Here's what I do instead.
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The Mortgage Industry Is in Trouble — What It Means for Real Estate Investors
Mega-mergers, mass layoffs, and rates stuck near 7%. The mortgage industry is consolidating fast. Here's what's happening, why it matters for rental property investors, and how to use this moment to your advantage.
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Sun Belt vs. Midwest: Where Smart Investors Are Buying in 2026
Sun Belt markets that boomed during the pandemic are now posting double-digit price drops. Meanwhile, the Midwest is seeing its strongest rent growth in decades. Here's where the data says to invest.
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How to Qualify for Real Estate Professional Status (REP) in 2026
A step-by-step guide to meeting the IRS requirements for REP status in 2026 — including the 750-hour test, material participation, qualifying activities, and how to build an audit-proof time log.
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Schedule E Deductions for Rental Property: The Complete Guide
Every deduction you can claim on IRS Schedule E for rental property income. From depreciation to repairs, here's how to reduce your taxable rental income legally.
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How to Do a Rental Property Analysis
A step-by-step guide to analyzing any rental property deal. Learn which metrics matter, how to run the numbers, and how to avoid the most common mistakes investors make.
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How to Calculate Cash on Cash Return
Cash on cash return is the single best metric for comparing rental property investments. Learn the formula, see real examples, and understand what a good CoC return looks like in 2026.
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2026 vs 2008: Is a Market Crash Coming?
With rising rates, affordability at historic lows, and investor anxiety building — is 2026 the next 2008? We break down the parallels, the differences, and what smart investors should do right now.
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Understanding Cap Rates for Investors
Cap rate is one of the most important metrics in rental property analysis. Learn how to calculate it, what a good cap rate looks like, and when to use it.
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LTR vs STR: Which Strategy Wins?
Long-term and short-term rentals each have distinct advantages. Here's how to decide which strategy fits your goals, market, and risk tolerance.
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REP Status: Unlock Massive Tax Benefits
REP status lets you deduct rental losses against ordinary income — potentially saving tens of thousands per year. Here's how to qualify and track your hours.
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