I talk with clients who want to invest in real estate. Some might be starting as a part-time landlord doing much of the maintenance and work. For others, it's a significant investment, and they are running a large operation with employees and many tenants. I advise all of them how important it is to do a good job of managing finances.

Lately I have been talking with my clients about the value of having multiple streams of income. It's a way to protect yourself from the financial damage of job loss. As a small business owner you can't be fired or retired from your source of income. Moreover, adding additional income to your budget is an effective way to boost your wealth building and security in uncertain times.  

Some of my clients have been successful in real estate investing. As landlords and property owners they are using assets to build wealth. Do I think real estate investing is a sound way to make money? Yes, for those who understand the fundamental factors of economics and risk, real estate can be a solid investment.

The clients that I see who are investing in real estate - landlords, property owners, and investors - are building future wealth with assets. Your real estate is a business for tax purposes and may allow you to take advantage of a lot of the tax deductions available to businesses. Investing in real estate is a solid way to build wealth as long as you have a clear business plan and an efficient tax strategy. 

If you are investing in rental properties, then you’ll become well-acquainted with the Schedule E tax form. The Schedule E is where you’ll report all of your expenses and income for the year, and take advantage of any deductions you may want to claim.

As the end of 2018 quickly approaches, real estate investors and landlords are reviewing records in preparation for filing tax returns. The tax reform bill, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted sweeping changes to the Internal Revenue Code that will apply to 2018 returns. Real estate investors and landlords stand to benefit from many of the new law’s provisions. It is important that year-end planning address these changes.

Investing in rental properties can help you reach your financial goals. But, being a good landlord takes practice, and no matter how much you read, there really isn’t a substitute for experience. That’s why many successful real estate investors and landlords depend on their property management companies. They say that a competent property manager can add significant value to the investment. Here are some of the benefits of skilled property management services:

Think you want to invest in rental properties? Are you considering buying residential property for rentals? Experts advise people who invest in real estate for building future wealth to make a long term commitment. Here’s how: 

As a real estate investor, accounting is part of your daily life. You have to monitor the cash flow in, and make sure you’re managing your outflow in a profitable manner. For many investors, a paper accounting system is the one they know and use. However, if paper is holding you back, do what other successful landlords have done and make the switch to an accounting software program. 

For the most part, it’s a great time to be an investor: interest rates are low, and home values are climbing in most areas. In fact, metro areas like DC are growing rapidly, which means there’s a good chance you’ll get high returns from your investment.