Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Living in perpetual angst

2 months ago, we started to look for an investment. Little did we know that we'd move to a new place and disrupt our lives so fundamentally. They say it's good to get out of your comfort zone and take risks. Okay, maybe, but it sure isn't feeling good.

It seems like we've been waiting perpetually for the other shoe to drop and we're in Imelda Marcos' closet during an earthquake.

I suppose with 7 (gasp) rental units, this would be expected, the constant running after the late paying renters and all their "concerns".

When I used to wait tables, I could leave work and completely forget about it. Now, I feel like this "business" we've embarked on takes up all my brain's real estate making me distracted at my job, unfocused at home, and banal on the blog.

Fried, burned out and broke. Plus it's Wednesday. Sigh.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are here for you, free Psychiatric care. Tell us your troubles and we will read and hopefully learn from your mistakes. Maybe even give you some advice you can use. Cuddle with Spouse this Winter and live and love. Hugs and Stuff.

Anonymous said...

I used to have a job that followed me 24/7. It sucked. I hope once you get over the initial hump of getting renters "settled", it will calm a bit and find its own routine that will be more comfortable for you and Spouse.

Jack said...

Hey,

you still feel this way?

I think you need a beer or three!

Did you try/start the Omega3 "Joy"

See a doctor, my pills would help you for a while.

Snooze said...

Perhaps when you've had a chance to collect rents for a bit you'll have enough to hire a property manager. That could take care of some of the stress.

Sunshine said...

Well, keep looking ahead - it WILL pay off one day. :)

Timmy said...

Happy Hump Day, Torn! Things can only get better! Friday is around the corner!!

((Hugs))

St. Dickeybird said...

It's tough now, but it still seems like a good investment in your future.
Besides, it'll give you a lot of blog-fodder.

Chunks said...

Chin up little buckeroo, eventually you will be able to roll around naked in all the dough you'll be pulling in.

Ahhhh let's all take a moment to picture that....

Anonymous said...

I agree with the comments above. Once your tenants get settled in and start paying on a regular basis, you should feel the stress let up. In fact, you may even feel bit like a jr. Trump.

BTW, I saw him this week on Larry King. I couldn't stop laughing at the stuff he says. Huge narcissist.

The Wisdom of Wislon said...

Atleast it's peak of the week!

poor you :>)

never banale

Anonymous said...

beer? nah... go for the sacred herb.

Low and I often talked about buying one of the big abandoned buildings and renting out apartments...

I'm taking your story as a cautionary tale

good luck.

Spider said...

It is the newness of it - once you get into the rhythm, and you get them paying on time... it will be a breeze... until then, breathe in serenity and out confusion...

Anonymous said...

I've always wondered what it would be like to be a landlord. It seems so easy: just manage a bunch of cash machines.

But talking to landlords like yourself, I've learned that's NOT the case.

GayProf said...

I agree with Spider -- Right now you are just swamped with getting everything organized and into a pattern. Within a month or so, I bet that you don't think any more about it than your last place.

In the meantime, hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Moving is disruptive enough without having to deal with tenants on top of everything. You're a brave, brave man. Don't worry, it will pay off. Your pockets will (eventually) thank you.

Doug said...

What everyone else said.

*hugs*

toobusyliving said...

How many units do you have to have to justify having a "property manager" type guy to make repairs and collect rent? I'm guessing it's not seven. :(

A Bear in the Woods said...

Bet you didn't realize you were becoming a social worker, did ya?
Sending special long deep hug to Canada for you.