Buying residential income property (apartment buildings and complexes) is always a good idea for investment purposes, even though that part of the real estate industry is also feeling the strain of the mortgage mess, but right now may be the right time.
Like home values, apartments buildings have taken a substantial drop in price in many areas of the country, and by all accounts, prices may continue to fall.
With all the people losing their homes through foreclosure, there are going to be many people who make fairly good incomes who are going to need a place to rent. Although their credit may be hurt, they can make good tenants if they are allowed to rent.
Many have filed bankruptcy, thereby wiping out most of their unpaid debt, giving them a new lease on their buying power, and making it possible for them to start all over again financially. Many of these people will become good tenants who can pay their rents. Even so, they should still be screened thoroughly.
There has always been risks involved in buying rental properties and there will continue to be. But there are good reasons to take that risk, mainly because rental income will help pay the monthly note on the property.
You will still have to be careful, though, and buy rental property that you can afford. Make sure you don't get caught in the same situation that many people experienced during the recent mortgage meltdown and real estate bust by buying over inflated property.
Buying an overpriced rental property can be a mistake, too, and unless you make a down payment that makes your mortgage payment low enough to be covered by the rental income, you will have a negative cash flow. That means that you will have to make a portion of the payment with money out of your pockets, which is okay if you can afford it.
Real estate professionals have come up with formulas to calculate all the financial risks and gains for investors who want to purchase residential income property, but the best advice is to take your time and do your homework.
Make sure you are getting a property that you can afford and make sure you can make the monthly payment if one, or more, of your tenants don't pay their rent. If you invest wisely, you will be okay and your rental property will pay good dividends in the future.