Buying rental property can be one of the best investments for creating long-term financial security.  Do it right and you can get a strong return on your investment, tax breaks, and equity gains.
 
Like any investment learning the process and researching the pros and cons and your goals and risk appetite for owning a rental property will be key to your success.  Whether you are planning to buy a condo, single residence, vacation rental, or multi-unit residential property, or some other type of property you need to spend a little time educating yourself on what makes a good purchase
 

Is it a Good Time for You to Buy?

 
Is it a good time for you to buy an investment property?  Do you have the time to allocate to the buying and education process?  In addition, assess your current financial situation to make sure that now makes sense. 

Here are some things to consider:

- Can you purchase an investment property and still cover your existing financial obligations?
- How is your credit score?  To get the best mortgage interest rates you will need a strong credit score.
- Do you have enough money saved up for the downpayment – you will need a minimum of 20% of the purchase price.
- Don’t forget about the closing costs can be up to 1.5% of the purchase price.
- In addition, don’t forget to also have some extra cash if the property needs any repairs, painting, or clean up.

 If you already own real estate you could possibly use the equity in your current property to finance the purchase of your investment property (this is what I like best about real estate investing – using bank money to make money).

Location, Location, Location

 
Selecting a good location to purchase your investment property is your first step.  A location where the population is growing and there are plans for revitalization represents a great potential for investment.  A strong job market will likely spur demand for housing and will result in increased rental income. 
 
A location where the population is growing and there are major improvements projects underway or planned in the future would make the location more appealing and attractive to renters as well.
 

 What Type of Property to Buy?

 
 
Most first-time real estate investors start with single-family homes or condos however there are other properties that are likely to generate more cash flow (money left over after expenses have been paid).  Multiplex units will most likely generate more cash flow but will be a little more complicated to manage.  Student rentals also tend to generate more cash flow and so do the cottage properties but require more hands-on involvement than a condo or single-family home.  
 
There are many real estate investment strategies to consider to get more insight into different strategies, visit my blog on Top Ontario Real Estate Investment Strategies.
 
In addition, bigger is not always better because bigger means more taxes and more space to maintain so the larger rental income does not always cover the additional expenses. 
 

Do the Numbers Make Sense?

 
 

  
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