If you are buying a second home as an investment or rental property, it is a good idea to look at the potential income you might earn from these properties and the potential costs of owning, maintaining, and managing them. Think about working with a real estate professional who can help you estimate these benefits and costs and working with a financial professional who can help you understand how buying a second home fits into your overall finances. Lenders often have different requirements for approving mortgages for second homes that are used as rental or investment properties.