Hidden CostsWhile hidden costs are very common and should almost be expected in real estate investing to some extent, they aren't always realized until its a financial problem. The purchase price of the home is just the start, additional costs can include maintenance and repairs, property taxes, and homeowners association fees. The annual fees may not come as a surprise, but special assessment fees and even tenant fines can become a problem. Decreased profitability, caused by vacancy loss or a tenant payment in default, doesn't necessarily add fees, but can create a problem with operational costs. Management ComplexityManagement is not always passive. Although the actual act of investing …