It all started when I was summoned for jury duty. As I sat in the courtroom, the similarities between serving on a jury and owning a residential investment property began to unfold. I mean, at first glance, they couldn’t seem more different – one’s a civic duty, and the other’s a business endeavor. But look closer, and you’ll be laughing at how much they actually have in common.
Selection Process: Picky, Picky, Picky
• Jury Duty: “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” Jury selection is like a bad date where everyone’s digging into your personal life, and you’re secretly hoping not to be the chosen one.
• Investment Property: Looking for tenants? It’s almost like a reverse jury selection where YOU are the one asking questions, digging into histories, and praying you’ll find the “chosen one” who won’t destroy your property.
The Commitment: Time is Money
• Jury Duty: You’re in it for the long haul, and forget about your usual hourly rate – you’re working for the high payment of civic pride! (Oh, and a small daily stipend that won’t even cover lunch).
• Investment Property: Time-consuming? Check. A surprising amount of paperwork? Check. The potential for headaches? Triple check! But at least the rent checks help soften the blow.
Drama and Surprises: Grab Your Popcorn
• Jury Duty: Every trial has twists and turns, unexpected witnesses, and mysterious evidence. It’s like a real-life soap opera – but without the commercial breaks.
• Investment Property: Surprise plumbing issues at 2 am? A tenant’s pet alligator named “Fluffy?” The drama never ends, and it’s all part of the thrill of property ownership.
The Verdict: Rewarding, in the Its Own Way
• Jury Duty: When it’s all said and done, you’ve participated in justice and can pat yourself on the back for fulfilling your civic duty.
• Investment Property: You’ve survived the alligator incident, fixed the plumbing, and now your property is appreciating. It’s not quite ‘justice served,’ but it’s rewarding nonetheless.
Conclusion
While jury duty and owning a residential investment property might seem worlds apart, they are siblings in the realm of commitment, drama, and personal growth. Both are full of surprises, can be painstaking at times, and offer unique rewards.
So the next time you find yourself cursing your summons for jury duty, remember: it’s just preparing you for the ups and downs of owning a residential investment property. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even develop a fondness for alligators named Fluffy.
