Real Estate Basics

[BarkingMad]

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wouldn't it make sense to buy outright and not pay interest?

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No. The simple answer is "leverage".

Say you have $100,000 to invest, and pay cash for a $100,000 dollar duplex. Assume that in your first year of ownership, your duplex appreciates 4% in value. Well, congrats, you just made $4000, a 4% ROI (Return on Investment) on your large investment. Not exactly a banner year.

Now assume that you split your money into 5 $20,000 down payments, which you use to buy 5 duplexes, which all appreciate 4% during the first year you own them.

I'll let you do the math.