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The DIY Landlord Book

Agent
4.7 stars
244 Reviews

Markets served


Powell, WY
Casper, WY
Cody, WY

More ways to connect


About us


The DIY Landlord includes an educational book and landlord forms package. More resources are in the works!

Author Description
Nathan Gesner is a seasoned property manager with over 15 years of experience managing a diverse portfolio that includes residential rentals, self-storage units, and short-term rentals. Known for his contributions to property management discussions on platforms like BiggerPockets, Nathan uses his extensive background to teach landlords how to manage their investments well, protecting their property, income, time, and sanity.

Book Summary
The DIY Landlord is a comprehensive guide for rental property owners, especially those looking to manage their investments without hiring a property manager. The author covers the critical aspects of self-management, from setting up lease agreements and screening tenants to dealing with maintenance, evictions, and property inspections. He emphasizes the importance of detailed documentation, clear communication, and consistent enforcement of lease terms to minimize tenant disputes and protect rental income.

The author presents real-life scenarios and strategies for navigating common challenges, like tenant screenings, handling security deposits, and managing tenant expectations. He also provides guidance on local landlord-tenant laws and explains how to avoid common pitfalls that can result in significant financial losses. The book encourages landlords to remain proactive, stay organized, and continually educate themselves on real estate laws and property management practices.

Key Quotes
1.	On Managing Well: "A well-managed investment will rent faster, make more money, have less turnover, and eventually sell for a higher price."
2.	On Landlord Boundaries: "Set boundaries with your tenants, or they will call you at 9 p.m. on a Saturday asking permission to plant tulips when their question could easily wait until the next business day."
3.	On Consistency: "If you make exceptions to your rules, the tenant may see you as weak and try to take advantage of you."
4.	On Proactive Learning: "If you wait until a problem arises before you learn how to manage it, you will always be behind."

Specialties


Commercial

Multi-Family (5+ units)
Office/Retail
Mobile Home Parks
Self-Storage

Residential

Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family Rental
Primary Residence
Multi-Family (2-4 units)
Fix & flip
Land
Short-term rental
New Construction

Reviews (244)


4.7 stars
244 Reviews
4.7 stars
242 Reviews
5.0 stars
2 Reviews

reviewer image
1.0 star
|
Edited 2 months ago
Reviewed by Brandino Bandito
Absolute slumlords. I have been trying to get them to fix my storage unit door for a few months now and they refuse to do anything about it to the point where I can't closed the door anymore. Anything associated with these guys stay far away from they are just going to steal your money and not do a gosh darn thing about any maintenance.
reviewer image
4.0 stars
|
4 months ago
Reviewed by Dani Bennett
Overall American West has been great. Friendly staff. Prompt repairs. Just wish move in & out costs we're so high.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Krissy Rasmussen
Marlon has been amazing. He has answered all my questions and been very patient with me.I always love renting from American West but his has been the best communication and service I’ve had. Thanks Marlon!
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Mike LaFrentz
I've had an outstanding experience working with American West Realty, managing my rental property. Their communication is consistently clear, timely, and professional. They keep me informed and are always friendly. What really stands out is their company culture. It's obvious they take pride in their work and genuinely care about both the property owners and tenants. That level of professionalism and attention to detail gives me a lot of confidence that my investment is in good hands. If you're looking for a property management company that is responsive, organized, and easy to work with, I highly recommend American West Realty.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by issa mohamud
Natalia Cucalon Resident Services Coordinator she helped me with the application process and as well as moving to the new apartment in Cody, Wyoming. Miss Natalia Cucalon is very friendly and she also has a great customer service as well.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
Edited 7 months ago
Reviewed by Deborah Love
Natalie was very kind and patient, answering my questions and making me feel welcome. Thank you for the effort you give , I recommend you Natalie thanks
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by V G
Natalie was great! Answered all my questions, followed up with me and processed my application efficiently and in a very quick.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Aubrey Williams
Had a very positive experience all around. Marlon and Jose helped answer any and all questions I had. It was clean and ready to go prior to my arrival. Natalie made the process smooth and easy and the housewarming bag of some essentials was a nice touch.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Trish Tonn
Spoke with Marlon after trying to get some questions answered. He was incredibly helpful. He walked through to help with the questions I had and even gave me insight that I hadn’t thought of. Very polite, very professional.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
Edited 8 months ago
Reviewed by Sarah Turner
Great to rent from, good company. Everyone there is wonderful to work with! Nathalie was great when I had issues with the shower, fast response and very attentive. Highly recommend working with American West.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
over 2 years ago
Reviewed by Rob Cook
I have known, worked with and relied heavily upon Nathan and his team at American West Realty, for nearly a decade. I have him manage any and every one of my rentals within his service area, and essentially now, will not buy a property if he is not available to manage it for me! I think that says it all. We have done many deals together, with him as my agent, and many times as the seller's listing agent. Nathan has brought many great properties to my attention which I have bought and still hold as long term rentals under his management. The latest, which I am just completing the renovation of now in Oct 2019, made me a $300K profit in less than a year. Now, this 8-unit property is another of my long term holds managed by Nathan (1801 Central Ave in Cody WY). I rely heavily on Nathan's counsel, advice and deal-finding services, as well as his excellent property management. He has contributed significantly to my wealth, happiness and longevity in the rental real estate game here in Cody and Powell, WY.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
over 2 years ago
Reviewed by Will Fraser
Nathan, the captain of Am West Realty & Management, defined "give give give and know that you are more blessed to give than to received. He has constantly sharpened his axe and used that axe to bless his clients AND the BP community. Thanks to him I'm now even aware of another market to invest in and what makes that market a successful one!
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
over 2 years ago
Reviewed by Rob Cook
I have known, worked with and relied heavily upon Nathan and his team at American West Realty, for nearly a decade. I have him manage any and every one of my rentals within his service area, and essentially now, will not buy a property if he is not available to manage it for me! I think that says it all. We have done many deals together, with him as my agent, and many times as the seller's listing agent. Nathan has brought many great properties to my attention which I have bought and still hold as long term rentals under his management. The latest, which I am just completing the renovation of now in Oct 2019, made me a $300K profit in less than a year. Now, this 8-unit property is another of my long term holds managed by Nathan (1801 Central Ave in Cody WY). I rely heavily on Nathan's counsel, advice and deal-finding services, as well as his excellent property management. He has contributed significantly to my wealth, happiness and longevity in the rental real estate game here in Cody and Powell, WY.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
over 2 years ago
Reviewed by Will Fraser
Nathan, the captain of Am West Realty & Management, defined "give give give and know that you are more blessed to give than to received. He has constantly sharpened his axe and used that axe to bless his clients AND the BP community. Thanks to him I'm now even aware of another market to invest in and what makes that market a successful one!
reviewer image
1.0 star
|
Edited 2 months ago
Reviewed by Brandino Bandito
Absolute slumlords. I have been trying to get them to fix my storage unit door for a few months now and they refuse to do anything about it to the point where I can't closed the door anymore. Anything associated with these guys stay far away from they are just going to steal your money and not do a gosh darn thing about any maintenance.
reviewer image
4.0 stars
|
4 months ago
Reviewed by Dani Bennett
Overall American West has been great. Friendly staff. Prompt repairs. Just wish move in & out costs we're so high.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Krissy Rasmussen
Marlon has been amazing. He has answered all my questions and been very patient with me.I always love renting from American West but his has been the best communication and service I’ve had. Thanks Marlon!
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Mike LaFrentz
I've had an outstanding experience working with American West Realty, managing my rental property. Their communication is consistently clear, timely, and professional. They keep me informed and are always friendly. What really stands out is their company culture. It's obvious they take pride in their work and genuinely care about both the property owners and tenants. That level of professionalism and attention to detail gives me a lot of confidence that my investment is in good hands. If you're looking for a property management company that is responsive, organized, and easy to work with, I highly recommend American West Realty.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by issa mohamud
Natalia Cucalon Resident Services Coordinator she helped me with the application process and as well as moving to the new apartment in Cody, Wyoming. Miss Natalia Cucalon is very friendly and she also has a great customer service as well.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
Edited 7 months ago
Reviewed by Deborah Love
Natalie was very kind and patient, answering my questions and making me feel welcome. Thank you for the effort you give , I recommend you Natalie thanks
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by V G
Natalie was great! Answered all my questions, followed up with me and processed my application efficiently and in a very quick.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Aubrey Williams
Had a very positive experience all around. Marlon and Jose helped answer any and all questions I had. It was clean and ready to go prior to my arrival. Natalie made the process smooth and easy and the housewarming bag of some essentials was a nice touch.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
7 months ago
Reviewed by Trish Tonn
Spoke with Marlon after trying to get some questions answered. He was incredibly helpful. He walked through to help with the questions I had and even gave me insight that I hadn’t thought of. Very polite, very professional.
reviewer image
5.0 stars
|
Edited 8 months ago
Reviewed by Sarah Turner
Great to rent from, good company. Everyone there is wonderful to work with! Nathalie was great when I had issues with the shower, fast response and very attentive. Highly recommend working with American West.

Our Team


Nathan Gesner