Rental income is a valuable “insurance” for the “scenario” that we want to move out.  I said “want” not “need”.

Q: What’s the probability that we need to move after buying a home? This is like scenario planning. You may feel it’s unlikely, but statistically, many families do want to move.

I have a commitment-phobia. I feel many factors could prompt me to move home —

• school
• commute
• street cleanliness
• Chinese community
• walkable
• biggest risk — if I am out of U.S. then pTax needs rental income as offset!

I would feel very much relieved if my purchased home has good RD and lower tax.

Beware the risks of delinquent tenants!