The Rental Roof Blog
Only the good stuff. Never fluff.
January RIA Roundup: 2024 Year in Review, Best Cash Flow Markets, & My 2024 Portfolio Results
A review of the key themes that drove the biggest news in 2024, in real estate and beyond. Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about debt.
2024 Year in Review, & 2025 Preview
A review of the six key themes that drove the biggest news in 2024, in real estate and beyond, plus a preview of 2025.
2024 Annual Portfolio Checkup
My full annual portfolio report for 2024. This was one of the most challenging & expensive years I’ve had with my Memphis rental portfolio — find out why, and what adjustments I’m making going forward.
Monthly Portfolio Report: December 2024
My last monthly report for 2024, including all the facts and figures for my portfolio. A challenging year comes to a close.
Nov/Dec RIA Roundup: Rental Property Maintenance Costs, Avoiding Estate Taxes, & Mocha Mousse
What is the TRUE cost of maintaining rental properties? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about health “care”.
The True Cost of Maintaining Rental Properties
We know we need to budget for maintenance & repair costs. But do those budgets actually hold up in reality? What is the TRUE cost of maintaining rental properties? A deep dive into my portfolio’s data provides answers and insights.
Monthly Portfolio Report: November 2024
The full report on my properties in November 2024. The annual picture is coming into focus, and it….could’ve been worse.
Monthly Portfolio Report: October 2024
Here’s how my Memphis rental properties performed in October, with all the facts and figures.
October RIA Roundup: How to Make Rentals Passive, Mr. Money Mustache on the Economy, & Voting
How passive are rental properties, really? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about the voting process.
Memphis Rental Property #7
Property #7 is one of the oldest homes in my portfolio, and also holds the distinction of being the cheapest home I’ve ever bought at just $45K. But other costs came later.
The ONE Key to Making Rental Properties a Passive Investment
Rental investors understand the power of cash flow. But to make that income stream truly PASSIVE, you must hire a professional property manager.
Monthly Portfolio Report: September 2024
Here’s how my Memphis portfolio performed in September, including all the facts and figures.
September RIA Roundup: Buying vs. Renting, Interest Rate Cuts, & The Common Good
Is buying or renting your primary residence the better financial choice? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about how business and government both have a role in promoting the common good.
Memphis Rental Property #6
Property #6 is a very large 4-bed, 2.5-bath home in the 38116 zip code that I purchased with a tenant in place.
Buy vs Rent: The Overwhelming Financial Case for Renting in Expensive Markets
A lot of factors go into the decision to buy vs. rent. But the cold, hard math of this age-old real estate question reveals a surprising truth: you'd probably be better off renting.
Monthly Portfolio Report: August 2024
Here are all the stats and stories from my Memphis rental portfolio in August 2024.
Section 8 “Gurus” Make Big Promises. Here’s Why You Should Be Skeptical.
A new crop of online gurus are touting Section 8 as the best strategy for rental property investors. A close look at the promises they’re making raises lots of red flags.
August RIA Roundup: Cash Flow vs Appreciation, $1M Starter Homes, & Playing the Long Game
Cash Flow vs Appreciation is one of the oldest debates in real estate. But which will actually make you more money? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about playing the long game, in investing and in life.
Cash Flow vs Appreciation: Which is More Important for Real Estate Investors?
I focus primarily on cash flow with my properties. But appreciation in home prices is also critical to long-term wealth building with real estate. So which is more important, and which should you focus on as an investor?
Memphis Rental Property #5
Property #5 is a semi-attached townhome with 3 beds and 2 full baths, purchased after a turnkey rehab.
