End of my landlordship

Today marks the end of my endeavor of being a landlord as I sold the last piece of my investment properties.

I got into this in early 2008. Nice timing! But I picked Dallas as the spot. The rent-to-price ratio have been high. On paper, things should work out in terms of cash flow.

But it wasn't nearly as profitably as expected. The maintenance costs ate up all potential profits and then some.

Plus, you get to deal with all sorts of tenant issues, weather issues, insurance issues, repair this and repair that, ...... and, the tedious tax reporting issues... I have to say I hated it.

The only upside, I guess, is I get to learn more about property markets, and why I should stay away from ever engaging directly in this business. Way too much hassle for my time.

There are better ways, more liquid ways, such as investing in home builders and related housing businesses, REITS, and home furnishing businesses...

It took me a couple of years to realize it's not my cup of tea. It took me another five years or so to get rid of the investment properties.

Bye bye. Thank you very much. I don't want to be a freaking landlord!