The Rental Roof Blog
Only the good stuff. Never fluff.
2024 Annual Portfolio Checkup
My full annual portfolio report for 2024. This was one of the most challenging & expensive years I’ve had with my Memphis rental portfolio — find out why, and what adjustments I’m making going forward.
The True Cost of Maintaining Rental Properties
We know we need to budget for maintenance & repair costs. But do those budgets actually hold up in reality? What is the TRUE cost of maintaining rental properties? A deep dive into my portfolio’s data provides answers and insights.
Buy vs Rent: The Overwhelming Financial Case for Renting in Expensive Markets
A lot of factors go into the decision to buy vs. rent. But the cold, hard math of this age-old real estate question reveals a surprising truth: you'd probably be better off renting.
Cash Flow vs Appreciation: Which is More Important for Real Estate Investors?
I focus primarily on cash flow with my properties. But appreciation in home prices is also critical to long-term wealth building with real estate. So which is more important, and which should you focus on as an investor?
2023 Annual Portfolio Checkup
The full report on my portfolio’s performance in 2023 — the good, the bad, and the ugly! Includes all the numbers and lessons learned.
2022 Annual Portfolio Checkup
The full report on my portfolio’s performance in 2022, including all the numbers and lessons learned.
Inflation and Mortgage Rates Are Way Up. Should I Still Buy Rental Properties?
High inflation and rising mortgage rates have changed the landscape for rental property investors. But you can still navigate the current climate and make money — here’s how.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy Rental Properties? That’s the Wrong Question.
Are you waiting to buy rental properties because of recent rapid increase in home prices, or higher interest rates? You shouldn’t be. In fact, you shouldn’t be thinking about market timing at all.
2021 Annual Portfolio Checkup
A look back at my portfolio in 2021, including all the numbers and lessons learned.
Completing My First BRRRR Property
I took out a mortgage on Property #18 earlier this year, effectively completing my first BRRRR. Here’s how it turned out in the end, including all the numbers.
The Powerful Tax Advantages of Rental Properties
The tax code favors you in numerous ways when you own rental properties — so much so that I paid $0 in taxes on my rental income last year. Find out how I did it.
No, This is Not Another Housing Bubble
Home prices are rising, inventory is low, and many houses are receiving multiple offers above asking price within 24 hours of being listed. This must be another housing bubble, right? Not so fast.
How to Perform an Annual Checkup on Your Rental Properties — and My 2020 Checkup Results
You can learn a lot by looking back at your rental properties’ performance at the end of the year. Here’s how to do it — along with my full results from 2020.
Stocks vs. Rental Properties: Which is a Better Investment?
It turns out that rental properties are the better investment in the long run — and I can prove it with numbers.
How to Finance Your Rental Property Purchases
A detailed comparison of the various ways to finance your rental portfolio, and how to avoid the risks of over-leveraging.
Occupied or Vacant: Which is Better for Rental Properties?
Buying a rental property with a tenant already in place means immediate cash flow. Vacant properties give you the peace of mind of screening and placing your own tenant. There are risks to consider either way.
What the FIRE Movement Gets Wrong About Rental Properties
The FIRE movement has been getting a lot of attention lately. But one of its central tenets is misleading and due for a careful re-examination.
How to Estimate Rental Property Expenses
What expenses will your rental property incur? Will it generate cash flow? The second part of my step-by-step guide to financially evaluate any property using the RIA Rental Property Analyzer.
How to Estimate Rental Property Income
What will your target property rent for? Will it generate cash flow? Use this step-by-step guide to financially evaluate any property using the RIA Rental Property Analyzer.
The Magic of Mortgages: How Leverage Can Supercharge Rental Property Returns
You wouldn’t think it, but leveraging mortgage debt can actually INCREASE your cash returns. And that’s not all…
