We speak to current and potential buy to let landlords all the time, and one of the things they always tell us is how daunting things were for them in the beginning.

So it seemed nice to come across this post on the Telegraph detailing 10 tips for buy to let success - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/investmentinproperty/6672288/10-tips-for-buy-to-let-success.html

We’re not going to rehash it here, so a quick summary for you:

1 You are in the business to make money, not to help people
2 Buy two or three-bedroom houses – and never flats
3 Buy new or nearly new
4 Choose your tenants carefully
5 Leverage your money
6 Magnolia wins every time
7 Avoid ex-council houses or bungalows
8 Buy close to home
9 No smokers or mechanics – but dog owners welcome
10 Enjoy the experience of being a landlord

Now, with the exception of number 10, we’re not sure we agree and here’s why: (more…)