Out-of-state landlord: best method to handle maintenance requests?

Question

I currently own a SFR in Houston which is managed by a property management company. But I recently purchased a triplex in Tucson, Arizona, which I plan to manage from out-of-state. I currently live in the Los Angeles metro area. I'm already using RentRedi to screen tenants, receive rent, deliver messages, but I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on either a software or virtual assistant type platform that helps them automate maintenance requests...

Kevin Sobilo · Answer

@Kelsey Vander Meulen, my advice is when you are small act like you are small and as you grow you can keep looking forward and evolve.

There are advantages to being small. I would try to understand and take advantage of those while you are small.

With 3 units being self managed its hardly worth automating something what may only happen ever couple months or so.

Morgan Tondre · Answer

Sent you a PM, Phil!

Theresa Harris · Answer

You shouldn't have that many maintenance requests that you need an app or software. Have a good group of people on the ground who you can call to fix things when something comes up. Normally the only time you get a number of repairs is during turnover.

John Vietmeyer · Answer

Without a PM you can afford to pay top dollar for service professionals as needed. Electrician, plumber, etc. appliances are usually easier to replace. Have contractors coordinate directly with tenant on repairs and do a few trips a year to catch all the loose ends.

Kelsey Vander Meulen · Answer

I figure if I want to scale my portfolio I should spend at least some time property managing. Also, I have a ton of family in Tucson, and I visit at least a few times a year. So it's really easy to delegate tasks to my family members or even perform tasks myself in-person.

I don't have any family in Houston unfortunately.

Phil Mai · Answer

Hi @Kelsey, I'm a local real estate agent in Houston and an investor myself. I'd be happy to see how I can help out!

- Phil

Kelsey Vander Meulen · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I guess it's such a small number of units that there likely isn't much to automate.

Drew Sygit · Answer

@Kelsey Vander Meulen why not hire a PMC to manage two of the units and you DIY manage the 3rd?

You can then compare what you're doing to the PMC and even use the PMC as an emergency backup as needed.

Matt Greer · Answer

In my experience hiring a property manager is worth it for exactly this reason. I understand wanting to save money on the monthly fees, but when it comes to maintaining an investment that can very easily be devalued by deferred or poor maintenance it's worth it.

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

Self-managing from out of state is not easy and you will need a really good team in place. Even though I have done it AND own a property management company I would hire a PM the next time I do it.

Out-of-state landlord: best method to handle maintenance requests?

Out-of-state landlord: best method to handle maintenance requests?

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