Thanks all for your thoughts. This is exactly why I like posting on the internet — folks have no qualms about telling it like it is and exploring worst case scenarios, which is important to hear.
Flu, I totally get what you are saying and luckily we’ve considered all those factors. To clarify, I don’t expect 100 percent occupancy, I just said that to give some frame of reference to the cash flow numbers. I expect negative cash flow the first few years. I’m not thrilled about becoming a landlord and that’s weighed on our decision to keep the condo. The thing is, where would we invest that capital if we sold? We ran the numbers and, assuming 2 percent annual appreciation on the condo and averaged cash flow of only $100 a month, we’re still way better off compared to having it in the stock market at a 5 percent annual return.
I do like diversified investments though … If folks can suggest a better place to park the cash I’d love to hear it.
