An investor using real estate to retire early says his rents fell in 2026, but he still increased his profit by focusing on 3 expenses.

Brannon Potts, an investor using a 'build-to-rent' strategy, noted that while rents have softened in North Texas due to new supply, he has increased his overall profit by cutting expenses. To improve his bottom line, he focused on reducing costs by refinancing mortgages when rates dipped and learning how to challenge property tax assessments for lower valuations.