Is income real estate a no brainer?  As I have previously shown the risk is that the income may not materialize.  Can you get a tenant before you go broke?  It depends on your tolerance for risk.  Yes, if you can afford to carry the load until a good tenant comes along it may be a good deal.  A rental can be problems if not managed properly.  Tenants can ruin you if not watched closely.  the real question is if you are the kind of person that makes a good land lord.  So be aware that nothing is a slam dunk when it comes to income property.