Rental real estate is a solid way to make money. I'm particularly fond of residential properties, because people have to live somewhere. But it's not for the faint of heart.

I've seen it more than once: the first mortgage payment is due and the contractor isn't done with the renovations yet, or three tenants are moving out in the same month, or the partner (the one with the money) is walking away and leaving you to handle it all. It's very scary, and this is when the worst mistakes a landlord can make will happen.

When you're up all night trying to figure out how your dreams became a big financial burden is not the time to be making decisions that could affect your livelihood and quality of life. Real estate is an investment, and treating it like a business is the only option. If you're in a bad situation, you might rush the contractor and force him to cut corners that will bite you in the ass later. You might decide on a marginal prospect and get a tenant that pays for one month but lives in your investment for seven more as you try to get her out. You may consider selling the building in a down market to get out from under, and take a tremendous loss that will set you back for years!

If this sounds like a place you