While recently catching up with a friend, the conversation turned to investment properties.

It occurred to me how our topics of discussion had broadened when compared to many years previously, especially before children came into the picture: from Metallica and Iron Maiden, or the fate of our beloved Manly Sea Eagles (another potential reason to dislike me). To our respective property portfolios - a term which I've always thought sounds rather pretentious, so I won't use it again here.

But I never intended to be a property investor - it's just what ended up happening.

I lived at home until I was 26, much to the derision of mates and co-workers.

I was on a modest salary at the time, but saved what I could over a period of several years. I was fortunate that mum and dad helped get me started too, especially with basic household items: it was a source of great personal pride when I paid them back for those.

I bought a townhouse that was within my means. It was the second place I inspected and it just fit the bill.

I was single and it was a functional decision - I needed a place of my own. But there was no thought given to it being a long-term investment.

I didn't really understand the machinations of the property market at the time. If you'd asked me how negative gearing worked, for example, I don't think I'd have come up with the correct answer. But I was pleased to be out on my own at last.

Fast-forward nearly a decade, and that townhouse wasn't suitable. My partner and I needed a larger place, and bought one - a right move reinforced by my partner falling pregnant with our first child within months of us moving.

We decided to retain the townhouse as an investment, which has been a predominantly successful move.

I don't raise rents on a regular basis, and if the real estate reports any repairs or maintenance, I try to help quickly.

There was a tenant who experienced some personal issues that affected his ability to earn an income, and who eventually packed up and left with several weeks' rent owing. We had tried to work out a solution via the real estate, to no avail. But that's about it as far as it goes regarding any difficulties.

Like all home owners, the ongoing interest rate rises have been challenging, especially with two mortgages in place, but I certainly don't expect anyone to feel bad for me! That's just the risk and reality.

Revealing that you're a property investor can be problematic in social settings, not to mention on social media. So much so that I'll rarely mention it, even when the topic of real estate is raised.

There are plenty of reasons why renters despise investors, justifiably so in many cases. Numerous investors out there are opportunistic and will raise rents considerably on a regular basis just because they can, but without really needing to do so from a financial perspective.

Others can be difficult to communicate with, won't negotiate, or threaten eviction for the slightest of reasons. It gives A Current Affair story fodder when a break is needed from reporting on dodgy tradies and corrupt businesspeople, but those mistreated renters deserve better.

Friends have shared some rental horror stories, too.

There was even a time early in my tenure as a property news reporter whereby I didn't have the confidence to pitch stories related to investors, after being told by a colleague, "investors are the lucky few, and everyone else hates them".

I recognise that many feel this way - and it's even more relatable now, in a time where the cost of living has exploded and the rental crisis is ongoing.

Why am I writing this, then? When I half-jokingly pitched the idea of a piece with a loose theme of "not all landlords are assholes", my editor laughed and insisted I had to do it because there would be an audience who'd want to read it. That's one reason!

Another is to provide some context.

According to ATO income data, just over 70 per cent of those nationally that own a rental property have the one investment property. Such as yours truly.

New research has also challenged the misconception that all landlords are "greedy" and try to take advantage of their tenants.

The research, commissioned by Aus Property Professionals, says that three out of four Australians indicated that they have never had a bad experience with a landlord or rental provider.

However, there were some notable demographic differences. Younger Australians, aged 18-29, were more likely to report negative experiences, with 30 per cent indicating they have had a bad experience with a rental provider in the past. This is compared to 17 per cent of those aged 55 and over.

"Contrary to popular belief, the majority of landlords are not big corporations or wealthy investors," Lloyd Edge, property investment expert and director of Aus Property Professionals said.

"They are most of the time just ordinary people, usually mum and dad investors, who are trying to build a better future for themselves and their families. Many of these landlords are conscientious and caring, and they want to do the right thing by their tenants."

Another reason for writing this is wanting to be a point of difference from the litany of opinion pieces, often written by and aimed at an older audience while not so subtly trolling younger readers. The ones with outdated references to the likes of smashed avocado, slamming "wokeness", and detailing how the author bought a home decades ago when interest rates were so much higher, etc.

For younger generations struggling to pay rising rents as they also try and save for a home deposit, while the dream of owning their own home feels increasingly out of reach, this sentiment is about as welcome as a shovel to the face.

Also frustrating are the pieces written about or by investors who have acquired a dozen or more properties before the age of 30. They explain how they supposedly achieved all this from a minimal initial outlay, and how "you can do it too".

I'm nearly 40. I'm not a Boomer, and I don't own a plethora of properties. This certainly isn't a "woe is me" tale, because I recognise why many readers will always despise investors (several have commented on previous stories I've written, saying property investment should be illegal).

I'm anticipating copping plenty of flak for writing this.

I suppose I just wanted to write something from the perspective of a younger - and initially accidental - investor, and detail why from my experience not all landlords/investors are greedy, mean-spirited, or looking to take advantage of everyone in sight.

See realestateview.com.au for more property news and views.

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