How do you self manage when traveling?

Question

I recently acquired 3 additional duplexes and currently am self managing those along with one other duplex I have had for 7 or 8 months now.  I have other properties that are not self managed but these properties are near me and so I figured I could save a little cash by managing them myself.

I travel somewhat regularly and I wonder how people who self manage handle the times when they are not around.  Any thoughts or descriptions about how you handle this would be great.  I'd really like to keep managing these properties since it creates significant extra income for me but I also want to be able to unplug occasionally.  I recall hearing that on show 35 that Paula just hires a temporary property manager to handle it.  Has anyone else had good luck with that?

Thanks in advance for your replies

Bettina F. · Answer

Our strategy:

1)  We have a separate cellphone for our LLC.

2)  We query our tenants in the late spring about any small maintenance issues they may have in order to schedule a Handyman Day.  We have our handyman spend a day at the building fixing small things.  This is so you know you are leaving your building in good shape.

3) Schedule your vacations mid-month, so rent collections and the issuing of any POQ is complete.

4) Hand the LLC phone and keys over to the trusted handyman.  He has our private cell numbers in case something comes up.  (it doesn't)

5) Bonus the handyman generously for babysitting while you are gone. Collect the keys and LLC phone.

Jay Helms · Answer

I enjoy the proactive nature of question. How long do your travel's typically last @Jeffrey Holst? We don't self manage any more but when we did, we just tightened up our rolodex of trades and made sure our handyman was going to be in town (or find one that was going to be) while we were gone.  Bear in mind these were typically short trips and by that I mean overnight to 3 weeks.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

I wouldn't bother with a separate phone. Just get a google voice number and you can set it up to ring / text into multiple numbers. When you are out of town, you can have it ring your handyman too. You will see all the text messages including how your handy man responds. Game changer for managing your tenant calls...

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@Jeffrey Holst what do you need to manage? I mean specifically what situations require you to physically be there?

Collect rent electronically, so you don't need to be there.

Have a go-to plumber, HVAC, handyman and electrician. Give the tenant their phone numbers and instructions to contact you first, but if they can't reach you in an emergency, they can call the service directly. Have it setup with each vendor that your tenants can order repair service. Worst thing that may happen is an unnecessary call or two, but for the cost avoidance of not hiring a PM, it is worth it.

If you have an eviction or vacancy, you will need feet on the street to deal with it. Everything else can be handled remotely.

My advice is operate your business remotely when you are in town. Even if you are one block away, do everything over the phone. Then when you leave the country, it is no different.

Thomas S. · Answer

I trade off with other landlords that I know or have one of my kids take over. I remain reachable (phone or email) at all times just in case.

Reality is that if you self manage you are on call 24/7/365. I limit my away vacation time to maximum 1 week stretches a couple of times a year.

Jeffrey Holst · Answer

Good tip, didnt know you could forward to multiple phones.  I like that, I already use google voice.

Jeffrey Holst · Answer

This is why I love BP,  @Joe Splitrock I think you are right,  I spend too much time being physically available.  I will definitely work on that part of the deal.  @Bettina F. I really like the separate phone for the LLC makes great sense, i might just do that going forward.  Thank you both.

Jeffrey Holst · Answer

@Chase Gochnauer It might in general, but in this case my other properties are out of state so current management wouldnt be equipped to manage these.  I do have a local manager I could use but as I said I prefer to continue managing these myself if possible.

Chase Gochnauer · Answer

I don't know your PM setup but usually PM rates will go down the more units you throw their way. So maybe giving them the additional 8 will lower your rates overall.

How do you self manage when traveling?

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