Before you run out and buy the closest multifamily property near your local college or university, consider the unique challenges landlords face when renting off-campus student housing.

Actively communicate with residents throughout their tenancy, and set expectations from the outset. Who’s responsible for what maintenance and repairs? Who pays which bills? Managers should keep lines of communication open – especially if there’s any sign of property damage or if they start to have concerns about a resident’s activity.

Taxes are complicated. One of the reasons so many people enjoy investing in real estate is because of its tax advantages. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your CPA to understand how to take advantage of these tax “loopholes” – that, as we’ve seen here today, aren’t really “loopholes” after all!

So, why does all of this matter for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors? We aren’t just throwing data at you for the sake of wading through data! Instead, we hope you’ll use this data to capitalize on shifting demographic needs and changes. If you’re located in a market that’s expected to experience an uptick in renters aged 55+, consider making property improvements tailored to these residents.

At the end of the day – DON’T STRESS OUT. Remember that there will always be competition for renters and embrace the challenge! Housing is something people will always need. Now it’s up to you to position yours as the housing they want.

An experienced property manager will be well-versed in these regulations and can help keep you protected. Laws regarding marijuana use and discrimination can be a lot for new landlords or homeowners’ associations to wrap their heads around, particularly as the regulatory environment continues to change.

As you can see, there are many ways for landlords and property managers to integrate amenities into smaller apartments communities. Best yet, these don’t require spending a fortune. The majority of these amenities are low-cost additions that will add value to a property and help lure (and keep) residents who may have otherwise moved to a larger apartment community for the amenities they tend to offer.

Data collection may seem burdensome, but it’s highly essential to the success of your real estate portfolio. Collect data, benchmark your performance against both previous years AND your competitors, and then adjust as needed to improve the value of your portfolio.

However, what if you could depreciate components of your rental property faster? What if you could amortize some pieces of property in as little as five years, saving thousands of dollars a year in the process?

Several third-party “turnkey” providers have sprung up recently to meet increased demand. However, is this a wise investment strategy, or is it all just a cleverly marketed gimmick?

An appraisal is an act or process of developing an opinion of value. The valuation process is a systematic procedure that an independent appraiser follows to answer a client’s question about real property value (usually, market value). A real estate appraisal is also commonly referred to as a “property valuation.”

Here’s What the Research Says out of MIT’s Center for Real Estate Development.

What most people don’t realize is that this isn’t an either-or dilemma. You can use both your 401k and individual retirement account (IRA) to invest in real estate.

Alternative markets are where real estate investments require less upfront capital while still generating strong returns.

Property owners often overlook many of the tax deductions available to them. Most are so laser-focused on the mortgage interest deduction and depreciation that they miss other write-offs in the process. This year, make it a priority to maximize your investment’s full potential by taking as many deductions as possible.

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For example, in 1987, there was no computerized Multiple Listing System (MLS). Couples would actually come into the office to get pre-qualified for a loan, and then they would look in a picture book, several inches thick, that got dropped off at the office every two weeks.