I disagree. I paid $1000 a month to live in someones basement for three years, I gave my landlord 6 post dated checks at a time and left the suite in immaculate condition. I paid $36,000 of my landlords mortgage, I'd say thats a worthwhile investment.

Its just a matter of finding the right tenants. If you require two references, a credit check, proof of employment and only rent to students then I doubt you'll ever get burned.

People get in trouble because of the idea of setting it and forgetting it and greed.

They rent it out, and never check on shit. Then get surprised when their place is trashed.

Two-Greed. They can't have the place empty for a period of time because they can't cover the mortgage if neccesary, so they get desparate and rent it to anyone. That's when you have that feeling that the person isn't so good but risk it and get burned.

You need to stay on top of your game.