Business Page
The DIY Landlord Book
Agent
4.7 stars
222 Reviews
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 (222)
4.7 stars
222 Reviews
4.7 stars
220 Reviews
5.0 stars
2 Reviews
5.0 stars
6 days 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.
5.0 stars
a week 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.
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Confused
Marlon was an absolute joy to talk to, and he was incredibly helpful with all the questions I had. 10/10 on customer service!!! If I were his boss I would give him a pay raise!
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Andrew Carroll
Marlon was very helpful and understanding and he was very professional especially when the place i wanted got rented . He gave me similar options and helped me to find another place . I can't say enough good things about him .
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Y J
Marlon was fantastic! Not only was he helpful and polite, but he was also quick to get back to me. He made the whole process smooth and easy, and I couldn’t have asked for better service. Definitely deserves 5 stars
1.0 star
a month ago
Reviewed by
PANDA24NN PANDABROS
I was approved for a rental but ultimately withdrew after reviewing the move-in terms. I was required to provide over $4,000 upfront, including a large non-refundable deposit and three months of rent in advance, despite being employed and actively seeking stable housing after relocating.
Additionally, rent could begin prior to physical occupancy, and the unit could be rented without an in-person inspection. These terms placed all financial risk on the tenant with no corresponding protections.
While the company appears legitimate, the requirements felt excessive and unrealistic for someone new to the area. Renters should read all terms very carefully and be prepared for significant upfront costs.
5.0 stars
Edited 2 weeks 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.
5.0 stars
2 months ago
Reviewed by
Nicole Musto
Called first and spoke with Kristi, who was more than happy to help me with every question I had. Called the next day and spoke with Marlon; he was incredibly polite and helpful and was able to assist me quickly with my scheduling and questions. Very pleased with the service I received! Thank you!
5.0 stars
over 1 year 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.
5.0 stars
over 1 year 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!
5.0 stars
over 1 year 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.
5.0 stars
over 1 year 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!
5.0 stars
6 days 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.
5.0 stars
a week 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.
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Confused
Marlon was an absolute joy to talk to, and he was incredibly helpful with all the questions I had. 10/10 on customer service!!! If I were his boss I would give him a pay raise!
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Andrew Carroll
Marlon was very helpful and understanding and he was very professional especially when the place i wanted got rented . He gave me similar options and helped me to find another place . I can't say enough good things about him .
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Y J
Marlon was fantastic! Not only was he helpful and polite, but he was also quick to get back to me. He made the whole process smooth and easy, and I couldn’t have asked for better service. Definitely deserves 5 stars
1.0 star
a month ago
Reviewed by
PANDA24NN PANDABROS
I was approved for a rental but ultimately withdrew after reviewing the move-in terms. I was required to provide over $4,000 upfront, including a large non-refundable deposit and three months of rent in advance, despite being employed and actively seeking stable housing after relocating.
Additionally, rent could begin prior to physical occupancy, and the unit could be rented without an in-person inspection. These terms placed all financial risk on the tenant with no corresponding protections.
While the company appears legitimate, the requirements felt excessive and unrealistic for someone new to the area. Renters should read all terms very carefully and be prepared for significant upfront costs.
5.0 stars
Edited 2 weeks 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.
5.0 stars
2 months ago
Reviewed by
Nicole Musto
Called first and spoke with Kristi, who was more than happy to help me with every question I had. Called the next day and spoke with Marlon; he was incredibly polite and helpful and was able to assist me quickly with my scheduling and questions. Very pleased with the service I received! Thank you!
