General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is Buying a House Still the Best Way to Build Wealth? [View all]whatthehey
(3,660 posts)Who do you think is paying for that expenditure in rental housing, and the landlord's profit as well?
As in most states, non-homesteaded houses where I am pay higher property taxes too. That cost is also passed on to renters. While I personally own too few and charge too little to be rich out of rental property investments, they are investments and I do make a profit. It's only invisible to renters because it's not discretely identified as portion X of the rent.
I rent out quite reasonable small 2/1 houses in a very low cost area. A 100% mortgage for one would cost about $270 PITI at today's prevailing fixed rate. Rents are at $500, and I have them snapped up within hours when one tenant leaves. Sure it costs me money to keep them up, but not that much. Trust me you as a renter ARE spending that $$$.
I've met a few landlords. Most are more grasping than I am, but even at the most benign end, I've not met one who willingly loses money except perhaps to family, so renters ultimately cover all costs and profit too.