Thinking about investing in real estate? Rental properties can generate income and build wealth through appreciation. Even in a down real estate market, rental properties can provide some income stability. After all, everyone needs a place to live. But if you’re just starting out as a real estate investor, you’ve got some research and planning to do. Here’s what to know before getting into the rental market.

Be Prepared

Purchasing rental property takes capital. The down payment may be higher than on a primary residence, and the mortgage costs could be greater, too. Do the math to calculate whether any property you’re considering will generate more income than you have debt payments and, if so, whether the return on your investment is worthwhile. If you’re about to send kids to college, still paying down your own student loans, or caring for aging parents, you might not be in a good place financially to purchase a rental property.

Know Yourself

Buying rental property means becoming a landlord. Are you ready for that? If you don’t see yourself fixing leaky sinks or dealing with pest complaints, maybe investing in rental property isn’t the best idea for you. If you have the means and you’re willing to accept the reduction in your income in exchange for fewer headaches, you can hire a property management company to handle everything from collecting rent to repairs, landscaping, and pest control. Relying on full service property management solutions will guarantee you good, qualified tenants. You don’t have to worry about having a rental property when you have someone experienced and skilled to rely on.

When searching for a property management company, always do thorough research to find the right fit for your situation. So when you finally pick a reputable one like We Love Rentals, for instance, you feel safe in the knowledge that you did everything possible to put yourself on even footing when starting out.

Start Small

Single-family homes are simpler and easier to manage than multifamily apartment buildings. Upkeep is on a smaller scale, and fewer tenants means less wear on the property. Avoid a home needing major repairs that will drain your cash reserves; instead, look in a good neighborhood for a lower-priced home that just needs a little TLC. Once you’ve got some experience as a landlord, you can think about expanding your real estate business.

Consider Ready to Rent

You might find a property that comes complete with tenants and a property management company already in place. Find out what you can about the history of the property, landlord-tenant relations, and the historical vacancy rate.

Walk and Talk

Knock on a few doors and ask around about the property you’re considering. What do the neighbors say? Have they had problems with tenants or the owner? Check out the neighborhood at different times of the day, evening, and weekend. Are the property and the surrounding area attractive to prospective tenants?

Know the Rules

Is the property rent-controlled? Find out how much you can charge for rent and if the income generated exceeds the cost of upkeep, taxes, management, and insurance.

Taking on a rental property is a big financial and personal decision. Avoid pitfalls by seeking advice from experts in real estate management and real estate law before you become a landlord. They’ll help with additional information about what to know before getting into the rental market. Once you’ve made the decision to enter the rental market, you’ll have lots of new challenges, such as marketing your property, finding and screening tenants, creating a website that builds your brand, and networking to help build your real estate business.