I absolutely agree with the author of article. I also rented out my apartment and in terms of cost I got exactly the figure the author talks about. Of course, it's great luck to find renters who won't turn your place into ruins, but that doesn't mean you have to take just anyone who can pay the rent. Personally, I had bad experience in the beginning, I was one of the "lucky few" who had to spend money on rebuilding, I went to estimating construction costs, if anyone needs it. Renting is definitely a good passive income option, but not trouble-free.