Make the math of rental real estate add up for you

Source: Florida Today — 

Q: What do you think about owning single family home rental real estate vs. investing in the stock market?

A: I have seen several families do well with rental real estate, but only by owning several properties over many years (if not decades). As rents increase, positive cash flow often occurs while the mortgage is being paid off by tenants. But the math is tough, especially in the beginning years.