Yes, rental real estate property is really debt.  If you doubt me just stop paying the mortgage and see what happens.

Many people bought rental property as an investment in the last run up of the housing market and today they are now the proud owners of an investment property that is worth less than they paid for it.

Don’t get me wrong, I love real estate as an investment…when you can afford to pay cash for it. Otherwise stay away from real estate.

I know too many people who bought a rental property knowing that they would not be able to cover the mortgage payment with the rental income.

Yes, there are some possible tax deduction opportunities, but in the end it’s just not worth the risk in my opinion.  There is just too many opportunities for financial stress; from gaps between tenants, to costly repairs or declining real estate values.

If you really want to own investment real estate consider forming a legal entity and investing with a group of people who can all invest together.