Short-term rental rules can make or break a real estate investment before the first guest ever books. In 2026, investors considering an Airbnb, Vrbo or vacation-rental strategy need to check far more than expected nightly rates. Local governments, homeowners associations, condo boards and national or regional regulators can affect whether a property may be rented, … Read more
Rental yield is one of the simplest ways real estate investors measure whether an income property is worth a closer look. At its most basic, rental yield compares the annual rent a property produces with the property’s price or value. It can help investors compare rental homes, duplexes, small multifamily properties and larger income-producing assets. … Read more
A 1031 exchange can help real estate investors defer taxes when selling one investment property and buying another, but the rules are strict. The IRS says like-kind exchanges allow taxpayers to exchange real property used for business or held as an investment for other business or investment property of the same type or “like-kind.” Generally, … Read more
Cap rates are one of the most common ways real estate investors compare income-producing properties. A cap rate, short for capitalization rate, measures the relationship between a property’s income and its value or purchase price. It can help investors compare apartment buildings, retail centers, office properties, industrial buildings and other income-producing real estate. But cap … Read more
Distressed property investing can look attractive when foreclosure activity rises, but a lower price does not automatically mean a better deal. A distressed property may be in pre-foreclosure, short sale, foreclosure auction, bank-owned REO status or another form of financial or physical distress. Each stage carries different risks. Investors may face title problems, repair surprises, … Read more