I invest in rental properties personally and for my clients. If your true goal is to own multiple properties, you need to consider starting with a multifamily rental property and resist using a portion of your funds for a separate primary residence.

Focus

Initially, focus on four unit rental apartments. These properties should qualify for residential financing, which allows for a lower down payment (i.e. the possibility of greater leverage with more borrowed money) and a lower interest rate on your note than commercial loans (typically for properties with five or more units). Remember, the amount of leverage that a property can support depends upon the amount and reliability of the cash flow to pay the loan. The greater the number of units, the more reliable the cash flow. With fewer than four units, vacancies and/or maintenance issues can more quickly limit the properties ability to pay the loan. Also, it is best if the property is a single building (i.e. more units per structure).

For your primary residence, one option is to live in one of the rental units, though it is not necessarily the best approach. A rental property should be an investment based upon the ability to realize cash flow. Don’t limit yourself to a property that suits your personal living preferences. You can rent elsewhere, knowing that you have real estate among your assets. Additionally, living off-site allows you to maintain a more professional management relationship with your tenants.

Consider a professional property manager, particularly for tenant relations, in your cash flow calculations. An experienced manager will collect rents, but more importantly provides better tenants, higher rents, efficient removal of problem tenants and handling of nuisance calls. You can choose to focus on maintenance and repair issues – whether you outsource or do it yourself.