Owning rental property can be a great long-term wealth-building tool that is available even to individuals of very modest means. Plus, it doesn't take a degree in rocket science to get started on the road to landlordship. But even though most people have the ability to do it, it doesn't mean they should do it. Being a property investor is hard work. It's time consuming, stressful and it can be financially ruinous. Here are some traits and reasons that individuals should not invest in real estate and become a landlord.