Should you treat an investment property like a hobby or a business? Here’s the answer to that question – and a bunch of other great tips for new real estate investors:

Real estate investors use a variety of mathematical tools to analyze the performance of their investment properties. Here are some of the most handy:

Renting out your investment property to a family member could be a great solution … or a real nightmare. Here’s why renting to someone in your family may not be such a great idea:

Where did you eat your last restaurant meal? Chances are, it was at a QSR. Quick serve restaurants play an important role in today’s commercial real estate industry, boosting traffic to retail developments. How do these eating establishments, known for fast, affordable, take-out ready food, work their magic?

A newly released Gallup poll offers some insight into the power of QSRs. For starters, quick-service restaurants play a major role in most Americans’ lives. Eight out of 10 Americans say they eat at a QSR at least monthly. Think that’s surprising? Nearly half say they eat at a QSR at least weekly! And they aren’t just going through the drive-thru. Traffic patterns vary depending on many different factors, of course, but many QSR patrons don’t just eat and run. They often take care of shopping errands in the same center where they grab a quick meal.

One fact about QSRs that may surprise you: The presence of a quick serve restaurant can benefit even a center with higher-end tenants. Research shows that QSRs are frequented by diners of all incomes, including the wealthy. In fact, wealthier Americans — those earning $75,000 a year or more — are more likely to eat at a QSR at least weekly than are lower-income groups!