[michaelscott]

Yes, and you are exposed to myriads of risks that tenant isn't either - property market crash, tons of possible environmental disasters, issues with plumbings, fires, damage done to property, gradual degradation of, well everything.

A property investment, like any investment asset, is a bundle of risks as well as rewards. Yes, you as the owner take on the risk of things like market crashes, insurance and repairs but you also own an expensive asset which you can sell at any time (a renter cannot). You need to deal with the risks and rewards of a property like you would any other asset.

[r_smart]

Right, and you price the rent based on that risk profile. A price that is absolutely going to be higher than the mortgage, unless as another commenter pointed out, there are incentives & tax breaks that cover the cost you would otherwise bear.

[michaelscott]

The risk profile is carried by the asset owner, not the person making use of the asset. I buy equities, fixed income assets and bonds based on my risk profile, not someone else's.

[r_smart]

Riiiigggghhhhtttt....and at a selling price determined how?