Lately I've been contemplating purchasing a home to use as a rental. My SO bought the house we live in now, and we all love it here. Yet I don't have any property in my name anymore, and I feel like I'm "missing out" on benefits of real estate.

I've been browsing the home sale listings, and there is a lot more in my price range now. I still haven't decided to do this. For one thing, taking on a mortgage that we don't need automatically increases my vulnerability. One more thing that will keep me shackled to a job. At this point I could actually work just part time, but if I took on a mortgage I would need the security of a full time job in case of vacancies, non-paying tenants, etc.

The other thing keeping me from taking this plunge into rental property ownership is the extra stress. I have always been a "worrier". I'm already worrying if I could find a tenant, if the neighborhood will keep it's value, etc. and I haven't even made up my mind. I have the feeling that making the home purchase will not be worth the sleepless nights and headaches that I bring to myself.

I think what I am going to do is continue to save that extra money each month, continue to invest in my retirement funds, etc. so that I feel that my money is still working for me. In a few years, when we relocate due to SO's job, we will turn our current home into a rental. That really makes the most sense.

I need to practice patience. My kids don't need a mom who is always thinking and worrying about a rental property, they deserve a mom who is living in the current moment and really there for them. I must admit that I have issues with anxiety and I need to start making decisions that are better for my health, including not getting myself overwhelmed with expensive responsibilities.