There comes a time when every homeowner considers being a landlord - that is, renting out their home rather than selling it. Maybe you are moving but want to keep your home and rent it out. Maybe you are buying a new house, don't need the equity from your first home, and are considering renting it out. Or maybe circumstances (marriage, inheritance, etc.) have left you with an extra house and you think renting it out would be wise.

While the rewards of having a rental house can be a financial nest egg in the long run, it can also be a real headache. Are you local and able to take care of problems, collect the rent, etc.? Can you rent the house for what it costs? Can you afford to go a few months with an empty rental? Are you handy enough to make repairs yourself?

There are a host of things to consider other than the potential riches you may gain from owning a rental property. Check out the articles in this section to learn more about the considerations.