Welcome to another episode of Rookie Reply. Today's show is packed with lessons from surprise tax hikes

that can eat into your cash flow to short-term rental refund disputes and also some title mix-ups

that could cause serious headaches during a sale.

We're covering three Rookie Invest investor scenarios that all highlight one thing.

Real estate is a long game.

And it pays to know what you're getting into before you close that deal.

Like, if you've ever second-guess your numbers, your title structure, or how to handle

guests demanding refunds, you'll want to stick around.

This is the Real Estate Rookie Podcast, and I'm Ashley Care.

And I'm Tony J. Robinson.

And with that, let's get into today's first question.

So the first question today comes from the Bigger Pockets forums.

It says, I bought an investment home in Goose Creek, South Carolina in April of

2024. After analyzing all the numbers, it looked like I would make about 400 bucks per month

in cash flow, which I did for about a year until April 2025. Then my home was re-evaluated by the

county and assessed at $226,000, which previously, guys, it was at $13,600.

My taxes jumped from $900 a year to $3,495 per year. That's a crazy increase.

My new mortgage payment increased by $300 per month, leaving me with only $100 per month in cash flow,

and that's before CAPEX or vacancies.

I can't increase the rent since the tenant just signed at least through next July.

Should I sell now or what's the best way to calculate if I'll take a loss?

First, I've got to say that's a massive jump.

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