In my book, The DIY Landlord, I share practical tips for how real estate investors can manage their rental properties better. However, no book can answer every question or address every problem. This is especially true today when the laws are constantly changing across the country. That’s where knowing how to research issues online becomes one of your greatest assets. It’s not just about finding answers—it’s about finding the right answers for your situation.
Why Research Matters in Real Estate
Take landlord-tenant laws as an example. Some states are landlord-friendly, allowing evictions in as little as 30 days. Others are tenant-friendly, where evictions can take a year or more while you bleed cash. Imagine investing in a state with strict tenant protections without realizing it. You could end up in a nightmare scenario with a tenant who refuses to pay rent, and the law seems to side with them. Researching these laws before buying a property can save you from costly mistakes.
Search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo are your first line of defense. But it’s not enough to type in a question and click the first link. You need to know how to evaluate the quality of the results.
Getting the Most Out of Search Engines
When you’re faced with a question like “How do I evict a tenant in [CITY NAME]?” the results can be overwhelming. Here’s how to dig through them effectively:
Refine Your Search Terms. Start by narrowing it down. If “how to evict a tenant” gives you generic advice, add specifics like your city or state. Experiment with phrases like “eviction process in [CITY]” or “local landlord-tenant eviction laws in [STATE].”
Beware of Ads: The top results are often paid advertisements, which are not the most reliable answers. Scroll past these to get organic results.
Check Multiple Sources. Even if the first page looks promising, don’t stop there. Read through several articles or guides to see which sources align and provide consistent, detailed advice.
Consider the Source
Not everything on the internet is trustworthy. Stick with reputable websites, such as:
Government websites: They create and enforce the laws, making them the most reliable source.
Attorney blogs: Legal professionals often write detailed guides on landlord-tenant issues.
Housing programs: HUD and other housing organizations provide helpful, unbiased information.
Property management blogs: Vendors and experienced property managers often share practical, real-world advice.
Stay Current
What worked ten years ago might land you in hot water today. As you research, always check the publication date of your sources. Ideally, you want articles or guides written within the last 12 months.
Research Is a Skill—Learn It
The ability to research problems online is a survival skill in the ever-changing world of real estate. Whether you’re navigating local eviction laws, analyzing rental markets, or troubleshooting a tenant issue, the answers are out there. The better you are at finding them, the better prepared you’ll be to handle anything that comes your way.
So fire up your search engine, vet your sources, and equip yourself with knowledge. In this business, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about knowing where to find what you need.
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