Is there something cheaper then spending $2k+ a year on a PM?
Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes
Is there something cheaper then spending $2k+ a year on a PM?
Most Popular Reply
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
6moQuote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
The question is, WHY are you at a "breaking point" with one unit? What is the actual condition of the property...post some pics or link to listing? You mention basic questions, showings, and follow up on maintenance, but those should not be taking any significant time if the unit was properly prepared for rental and the tenant was properly screened and signed to a solid Rental Agreement. Are you familiar with your local Landlord Tenant Laws? Do you know YOUR responsibilities?
52 Replies
- Have you been self managing up to this point?
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Tim Kirk:
Have you been self managing up to this point?Yup so far, first tenant was great for first year, but then they went through some ****, really messed up the place, and ever since I had ****** tenants, and the market softenend, so finding tenants hasn't been as easy
@Sanket Mittal are you planning to grow and acquire more properties?
- Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 606 votes6mo
Sanket, while I am not aware of any software that can fully replace the human side of property management, if you are local, you can self-manage and have a reliable handyman on call for repairs and routine inspections. Once you have a solid tenant in place and a handyman for repairs, self managing is doable, especially with only one unit.
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Janice Carter:
Sanket, while I am not aware of any software that can fully replace the human side of property management, if you are local, you can self-manage and have a reliable handyman on call for repairs and routine inspections. Once you have a solid tenant in place and a handyman for repairs, self managing is doable, especially with only one unit.
Thats fair, do you at that point, connect the tenant with the handyman directly so you dont have to constantly play middleman?
- Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes6mo
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
The question is, WHY are you at a "breaking point" with one unit? What is the actual condition of the property...post some pics or link to listing? You mention basic questions, showings, and follow up on maintenance, but those should not be taking any significant time if the unit was properly prepared for rental and the tenant was properly screened and signed to a solid Rental Agreement. Are you familiar with your local Landlord Tenant Laws? Do you know YOUR responsibilities?- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6moProperty is great, went through a whole clean, fresh coat of paint, new floors, tenants properly screened, checked past two landloards references.... employment checks.
Quote from @Richard F.:
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
The question is, WHY are you at a "breaking point" with one unit? What is the actual condition of the property...post some pics or link to listing? You mention basic questions, showings, and follow up on maintenance, but those should not be taking any significant time if the unit was properly prepared for rental and the tenant was properly screened and signed to a solid Rental Agreement. Are you familiar with your local Landlord Tenant Laws? Do you know YOUR responsibilities?
But then life takes them by suprise, and evreything you knew about them out the window. Heard these type of horror stories from so many tenants - Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Richard F.:
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
The question is, WHY are you at a "breaking point" with one unit? What is the actual condition of the property...post some pics or link to listing? You mention basic questions, showings, and follow up on maintenance, but those should not be taking any significant time if the unit was properly prepared for rental and the tenant was properly screened and signed to a solid Rental Agreement. Are you familiar with your local Landlord Tenant Laws? Do you know YOUR responsibilities?All those things were in place, and this was a new build so no maintenance issues. Either first tenant were great for a year went through the divorce and the house ended up as collatorral, by the time I got them out there was $10k of damages, and then second tenants moved in and out in 2 weeks, without giving me a chance to do another round of cleaning as they had asked.
The third tenant is been a saving grace, restored my faith as a landlord but unfortunately she has to leave at the end of the month. Now I am exploring options, that don't require me to pay a PM 10-13% every month
- 6moKenneth GarrettPro MemberInvestor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
I’ve been self managing a number of units for the past 15 years. To be honest, the amount of time it takes to manage is very small.
The key is an updated unit to reduce maintenance calls and good tenant screening. The biggest time sucker is when you have to replace a tenant. Hopefully that only happens every few years. This is why your market is important. Being in a market with a good tenant pool definitely helps. Being in a class C market is definitely going to be more challenging than a type B market. I tend to invest in type C+/B areas. This makes a big difference.
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Kenneth Garrett:
I’ve been self managing a number of units for the past 15 years. To be honest, the amount of time it takes to manage is very small.
The key is an updated unit to reduce maintenance calls and good tenant screening. The biggest time sucker is when you have to replace a tenant. Hopefully that only happens every few years. This is why your market is important. Being in a market with a good tenant pool definitely helps. Being in a class C market is definitely going to be more challenging than a type B market. I tend to invest in type C+/B areas. This makes a big difference.
Hmm, yup, I have been struggling because for the past year, I have gone through multiple tenants. Is there something that has been a trusted rule of thumb when evaluating good tenants? Or characteristics you see all great tenants have?
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Quote from @Kenneth Garrett:
I’ve been self managing a number of units for the past 15 years. To be honest, the amount of time it takes to manage is very small.
The key is an updated unit to reduce maintenance calls and good tenant screening. The biggest time sucker is when you have to replace a tenant. Hopefully that only happens every few years. This is why your market is important. Being in a market with a good tenant pool definitely helps. Being in a class C market is definitely going to be more challenging than a type B market. I tend to invest in type C+/B areas. This makes a big difference.
Hmm, yup, I have been struggling because for the past year, I have gone through multiple tenants. Is there something that has been a trusted rule of thumb when evaluating good tenants? Or characteristics you see all great tenants have?
My market has a housing shortage so I can be picky about the tenants I select.
One of my criteria is no more than 2 residences in previous 5 years (waived for military). This shows that the prospective tenant has a track record of staying at a residence for reasonable length of time. I do not want a tenant that moves every year even if they pay on time and takes care of the unit. The vacancy alone is going to be equivalent to a near 10% rent reduction.
Good credit, good/great LL references, no evictions or bankruptcies, income 3x rent, non smoking/vaping, no felony convictions (Trump could not rent my units). Basically be as picky as your market will permit on your tenant selection.
Good luck
- New to Real Estate · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Quote from @Kenneth Garrett:
I’ve been self managing a number of units for the past 15 years. To be honest, the amount of time it takes to manage is very small.
The key is an updated unit to reduce maintenance calls and good tenant screening. The biggest time sucker is when you have to replace a tenant. Hopefully that only happens every few years. This is why your market is important. Being in a market with a good tenant pool definitely helps. Being in a class C market is definitely going to be more challenging than a type B market. I tend to invest in type C+/B areas. This makes a big difference.
Hmm, yup, I have been struggling because for the past year, I have gone through multiple tenants. Is there something that has been a trusted rule of thumb when evaluating good tenants? Or characteristics you see all great tenants have?
Great tenenats usually have great jobs, like working in a hospital, for a bus company, a government job, they don’t carry a whole lot of debt. I would suggest looking at their net income instead of their gross. Tenants can only spend and manage what they actually bring home.
- 6moKenneth GarrettPro MemberInvestor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
I don’t think there is a one basic thing. When I evaluate potential tenants, I look at the following:
Income 3x the rent
Longevity at employment - this verifies stability
Credit score - proves how they pay their bills, but it’s not the only indicator
No eviction history
Positive recommendation of past landlords not just the last one
Expense ratio to income not to exceed 45% of Income including rent - I try to use similar criteria a lender would use
Background check
I use a scoring model so each tenant gets scored with the same criteria and I can prove why I chose one tenant over another to avoid discriminatory accusations
These points are important, but tenant pool is just as important. Avoid C, C- and D areas. The tenant pool Is not the best quality in my experience.
- 6moTheresa HarrisPro MemberMember since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
You can manage it yourself. If the property is in BC, the government has a template for lease agreements that you have to use-you can add to it.
If the last few tenants haven't been great, ask yourself what you can do differently when screening tenants-advertize in a different location, ask different questions, etc. When talking to people, don't believe anything they say and avoid those that are constantly saying how great they are.
In addition to what Kenneth mentioned, I'd also look at how long they stayed in their previous locations-are they the type that moved around a lot or did they stay in one place for a long time (which Dan mentioned)?
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Theresa Harris:
You can manage it yourself. If the property is in BC, the government has a template for lease agreements that you have to use-you can add to it.
If the last few tenants haven't been great, ask yourself what you can do differently when screening tenants-advertize in a different location, ask different questions, etc. When talking to people, don't believe anything they say and avoid those that are constantly saying how great they are.
In addition to what Kenneth mentioned, I'd also look at how long they stayed in their previous locations-are they the type that moved around a lot or did they stay in one place for a long time (which Dan mentioned)?
I appreciate the insight, for context the current tenant is great, but shes month to month and has to move out. I also feel that having a PM makes tenants act different. They tend not to walk all over you.
- 6moTheresa HarrisPro MemberMember since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Quote from @Theresa Harris:
You can manage it yourself. If the property is in BC, the government has a template for lease agreements that you have to use-you can add to it.
If the last few tenants haven't been great, ask yourself what you can do differently when screening tenants-advertize in a different location, ask different questions, etc. When talking to people, don't believe anything they say and avoid those that are constantly saying how great they are.
In addition to what Kenneth mentioned, I'd also look at how long they stayed in their previous locations-are they the type that moved around a lot or did they stay in one place for a long time (which Dan mentioned)?
I appreciate the insight, for context the current tenant is great, but shes month to month and has to move out. I also feel that having a PM makes tenants act different. They tend not to walk all over you.
My experience is the opposite-with a PM they figure it isn't a real person that owns it and the tenants make a lot more requests.
- 6moDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
You're having to evict tenants and deal with their excuses about paying late - and you think software can solve those problems?
How much would you pay to make those problems go away?
Logical Property Management4.9460 Reviews - Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes6mo
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
Man, get out!! You have not seen anything yet!! I implore you to sell and get out as long as you can, you clearly don't have the heart for the biz!
What happens when your tenant stops paying rent, refuses entry and communication while it looks like they have started subleasing to a bunch of other people who are not even on your lease. And then you have a typo in your eviction paperwork leading them to stay another 2 months on top of the 4 you are already behind, just to find out that they damaged every single surface in the house and had the bathroom leaking for weeks..
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
Man, get out!! You have not seen anything yet!! I implore you to sell and get out as long as you can, you clearly don't have the heart for the biz!
What happens when your tenant stops paying rent, refuses entry and communication while it looks like they have started subleasing to a bunch of other people who are not even on your lease. And then you have a typo in your eviction paperwork leading them to stay another 2 months on top of the 4 you are already behind, just to find out that they damaged every single surface in the house and had the bathroom leaking for weeks..
****, thats awful I know I have grown a lot from the experience, sorry to hear about your situation.
- Real Estate Broker · NY · Member since 2020 · 70 posts · 27 votes6mo
@Sanket Mittal
I use Doorloop. Look into it you might like that one. I manage four properties using that and it’s easy to navigate tenants pay on the app, money goes into the account and if there’s any request for repairs that requested through the portal, I make the call, I get it done and that’s it and it keeps track of everything so that when you file your taxes, everything is right there 
- Real Estate Broker · NY · Member since 2020 · 70 posts · 27 votes6mo
@Marcus Auerbach
Gotta have tough skin because the challenge is coming!
- Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes6mo
Quote from @LaTonya Clark:
@Marcus Auerbach
Gotta have tough skin because the challenge is coming!
yeah and if someone can't manage one, how are you they going to manage 10 or 20?
- Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2018 · 19 posts · 3 votes6mo
With only one unit you should be able to do that easily- what is messing with you is probably something that you are unfamiliar with, once you get comfortable you will be fine.
- Contractor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2019 · 14 posts · 13 votes6mo
You’re actually thinking about this the right way. For a single unit, paying $2K+ a year usually isn’t about the work—it’s about convenience—and most of that “convenience” can be automated now.
What you described (coordination, basic questions, showings, maintenance follow-ups) is exactly what landlord software is designed to handle.
A simple setup can take a lot off your plate:
- Rent collection with automatic reminders (no chasing payments)
- Tenants submitting maintenance requests through a portal instead of texting/calling
- Centralized messaging so everything is documented
- Online applications, screening, and lease signing
- Basic task tracking so nothing slips through
For your situation (1 unit, cost-sensitive), I’d look into:
-
RentRedi → very straightforward, flat monthly cost, built for hands-off management
👉 https://rentredi.com/ -
TenantCloud → has a free tier and flexible upgrades if you want to keep costs minimal
👉 https://www.tenantcloud.com/get-started/?utm_source=google&a...
Both are designed specifically for landlords who don’t want to pay for full property management but still want structure and automation.
Realistically, tools like this will handle 80–90% of what a property manager does for a single unit. The only things left are edge cases like emergencies or difficult tenant situations.
If your goal is to cut costs and reduce the day-to-day mental load, this is probably the cleanest move before considering a full manager.
Hope that gives you a clear direction.
Quote from @Dawon Irvin:
You’re actually thinking about this the right way. For a single unit, paying $2K+ a year usually isn’t about the work—it’s about convenience—and most of that “convenience” can be automated now.
What you described (coordination, basic questions, showings, maintenance follow-ups) is exactly what landlord software is designed to handle.
A simple setup can take a lot off your plate:
- Rent collection with automatic reminders (no chasing payments)
- Tenants submitting maintenance requests through a portal instead of texting/calling
- Centralized messaging so everything is documented
- Online applications, screening, and lease signing
- Basic task tracking so nothing slips through
For your situation (1 unit, cost-sensitive), I’d look into:
-
RentRedi → very straightforward, flat monthly cost, built for hands-off management
👉 https://rentredi.com/ -
TenantCloud → has a free tier and flexible upgrades if you want to keep costs minimal
👉 https://www.tenantcloud.com/get-started/?utm_source=google&a...
Both are designed specifically for landlords who don’t want to pay for full property management but still want structure and automation.
Realistically, tools like this will handle 80–90% of what a property manager does for a single unit. The only things left are edge cases like emergencies or difficult tenant situations.
If your goal is to cut costs and reduce the day-to-day mental load, this is probably the cleanest move before considering a full manager.
Hope that gives you a clear direction.
>RentRedi → very straightforward, flat monthly cost, built for hands-off management
👉 https://rentredi.com/I believe RentRedi for free is still a BP Pro benefit. We use it on our LTR rentals. The wife has by far the most experience with it. She set it up and there were a few issues that the customer service helped her through. The customer service was helpful.
I only interface to RentRedi for maintenance reports but it is the front end only. I immediately take the request and move it to Asana. We have half dozen handy people that have direct access to asana. If I want a particular person to address it, I assign a name. I put my name down more than anyone else’s as some things should be evaluated for a specialized contractor. If no name is associated with the task, it is implied that any of the handy people can take on the job. I place a priority in the task name. I want high priority tasks to be completed before starting new lower priority tasks. When the task is complete in Asana, I copy notes (performing some editing), etc to RentRedi and close the task. The tenant sees the task has been completed and what was done to complete the task. We have the policy that handy people get paid when task is complete but this part of our process is not perfected. Ideally this would ensure the tasks are statuses and marked complete as soon as the task has status change or is complete. It works well but there is room for improvement: 1) verify tasks are complete when hours are submitted. 2) not cherry picking tasks at same priority such that a medium priority task that no one wants to work is left languishing unworked.Good luck
- 6moPeter MckernanBusiness MemberResidential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
I don't know Canada and the laws there, but you can manage yourself in the states with relative ease.. The challenge is the tenants that know more laws than you and not knowing contracts are the biggest issues.
The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews - 6moRob HowardPro MemberKnoxville TN, USA · Member since 2023 · 62 posts · 42 votesI use Guesty for Hosts for my STRs. I think it’s $400/year for several automations. I have always self-operated my LTR, at the most - 10 hours/mo for the 18 that I had at one point. What are you doing that’s taking so much of your bandwidth?
- Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes6mo
Is the area rough? If you are going through multiple tenants it can be you have a bad PM who doesn't screen or the area does not attract quality tenants. Maybe reach out to other PMs and get their thoughts. If the property is in a rough area or one that'll continue to have these problems self managing won't relieve that.
- Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 73 posts · 43 votes6mo
That sounds really frustrating, especially for just one unit. I can understand why full property management wouldn’t feel worth it at that price.
Just curious, what type of rental are you operating (long-term, mid-term, or short-term)? And how much time are you realistically able to put into managing it yourself?
There are definitely tools like Buildium or TenantCloud that can help with things like rent collection, maintenance tracking, and basic communication. That said, most of them still need someone to stay on top of responses, follow-ups, and coordination. That’s usually where it starts to feel like a lot over time.Some landlords end up combining software with a bit of support for the day-to-day tasks instead of going for full management, which can be a lot more flexible and cost-effective.
- Real Estate Consultant · USA · Member since 2025 · 36 posts · 16 votes6mo
The software recommendations here are solid for the coordination side, but based on what you're describing, the real drain seems to be tenant turnover, not the day-to-day admin. Tools like RentRedi or TenantCloud handle rent collection, maintenance requests, and communication well. But if you're cycling through tenants every few months, that's where the time and money actually go. The operators I work with who get the most relief aren't necessarily the ones with the best software. They're the ones who got clear on what tasks they can delegate and built a simple system around that before anything else.
- Specialist · Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes6mo
I DM you for a suggestion of alternatives.
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
I have 4 rental properties amd self manage. The key is to be organized with leases and tenant / contractor contact info and expemses.
There are AI based maintenance tools out there that handle troubleshooting and coordination of contractors. I have used them with varying success, and they seem to get better as the AI market matures..
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6moCan you please share your stack?
Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
I have 4 rental properties amd self manage. The key is to be organized with leases and tenant / contractor contact info and expemses.
There are AI based maintenance tools out there that handle troubleshooting and coordination of contractors. I have used them with varying success, and they seem to get better as the AI market matures..
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Can you please share your stack?Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
I have 4 rental properties amd self manage. The key is to be organized with leases and tenant / contractor contact info and expemses.
There are AI based maintenance tools out there that handle troubleshooting and coordination of contractors. I have used them with varying success, and they seem to get better as the AI market matures..
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Can you please share your stack?Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
I have 4 rental properties amd self manage. The key is to be organized with leases and tenant / contractor contact info and expemses.
There are AI based maintenance tools out there that handle troubleshooting and coordination of contractors. I have used them with varying success, and they seem to get better as the AI market matures..
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Can you please share your stack?Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
I have 4 rental properties amd self manage. The key is to be organized with leases and tenant / contractor contact info and expemses.
There are AI based maintenance tools out there that handle troubleshooting and coordination of contractors. I have used them with varying success, and they seem to get better as the AI market matures..
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
Can you please share your stack?Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
I have 4 rental properties amd self manage. The key is to be organized with leases and tenant / contractor contact info and expemses.
There are AI based maintenance tools out there that handle troubleshooting and coordination of contractors. I have used them with varying success, and they seem to get better as the AI market matures..
- Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 577 posts · 343 votes6mo
I get where you’re coming from — for a single unit, $2k/year can feel like you’re paying for coordination more than actual management.
There are definitely software options that can handle a lot of the “middle layer” now — rent collection, tenant screening, lease signing, and even maintenance tracking can all be automated in one place.
The tradeoff is you’re still the one making judgment calls when something goes sideways. The software removes friction, but it doesn’t replace decision-making.
For one unit, a lot of owners land somewhere in the middle — use software for the repeatable stuff, and only bring in a manager when the situation actually requires it.
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Jim Johnson:
I get where you’re coming from — for a single unit, $2k/year can feel like you’re paying for coordination more than actual management.
There are definitely software options that can handle a lot of the “middle layer” now — rent collection, tenant screening, lease signing, and even maintenance tracking can all be automated in one place.
The tradeoff is you’re still the one making judgment calls when something goes sideways. The software removes friction, but it doesn’t replace decision-making.
For one unit, a lot of owners land somewhere in the middle — use software for the repeatable stuff, and only bring in a manager when the situation actually requires it.
The software peice I am struggling with currently is all the messaging back and forth, and the calendar scheduling.
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
Sorry, but what is a “stack”? Still learning the BP lingo!
- 6moColleen F.Pro MemberInvestor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Sanket Mittal What is breaking you ? turnover? If so what you really need is a tenant who comes and stays, that is screening. And not just numbers but looking for people who want to stay tenants. And systems on which you already have a lot of good ideas here.
- 6moStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Operating software like RentRedi or similar platforms for $150 a year can streamline rent collection and tenant communication, but it doesn’t replace physical oversight. You still need to walk units, verify conditions, manage contractors, respond to issues in real time, and ensure there are no premises liability risks. Those responsibilities can’t be handled from behind a computer.
From what I’ve seen, the biggest operational problems tend to come from owners who overestimate what can be managed remotely. Technology is a tool, not a substitute for being present.
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 5 votes6mo
My stack is: Leasing agent to rent the property and lease agreement. For the AI based maintenance I use Vulkify. It communicates with the tenant so I dont have to; takes maintenance messages, troubleshoots and coordinates contractors. Hope that helps.
Good luck!- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Adam Enterkin:
My stack is: Leasing agent to rent the property and lease agreement. For the AI based maintenance I use Vulkify. It communicates with the tenant so I dont have to; takes maintenance messages, troubleshoots and coordinates contractors. Hope that helps.
Good luck!Thanks will check out Vulkify
- Member since 2025 · 6 posts · 0 votes6moWhat issues are you having that require a PM for one unit?
Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
- Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 6 votes6mo
Quote from @Brian Campbell:
What issues are you having that require a PM for one unit?Quote from @Sanket Mittal:
I’m reaching a breaking point with my property. With the current market pressure and taxes going up, I was looking into a property manager, but I just can't justify shelling out $2,000+ a year.
For a one unit management it’s basically feels like basic coordination, answering basic questions, coordinating the occasional showing, and following up on maintenance.
Are there any alternatives? there must be some software out there that can automate this middleman coordination piece even?
Currently coordinating showings, staying on top of messages from rentfaster, fb, and doing the tenant screening at scale
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.