Scaling Residential Rental Portfolio

General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Scaling Residential Rental Portfolio

Emily Koelsch
Rental Property Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 43 votes

I've been a long-term buy-and-hold investor who self-manages for about 11 years. We've scaled slowly - now up to 3 single-family homes and a duplex. We're getting a good cash flow and now have good property management systems in place. We're interested in trying to scale a bit more and considering multi-family properties or short-term rentals. Any suggestions when it comes to trying to scale in the current market (we're in the Memphis area) or branching out into new property types? 

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Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
11mo

Go with what you know!

STRs are a totally different market that you will have to learn.

[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9460 Reviews
WebsiteView Page
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  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    11mo

    Go with what you know!

    STRs are a totally different market that you will have to learn.

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9460 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    3Reply
  • Emily Koelsch
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 43 votes
    11mo

    Makes a lot of sense. Good advice. Thanks!

    1Reply
  • Kyle HendricksPro Member
    Lender · Member since 2021 · 170 posts · 74 votes
    11mo

    Love this and congratulations! I agree with the go with what you know. If you want some of the benefits of STR with more of a LTR workload you can try Mid Term Rentals. I do this with a duplex currently. I have it furnished nice but only rent on 3 month plus leases. My average lease time is around 8 months and I have had zero vacancy in the last few years. Often to travel nurses and professionals. (You would be surprised for the need for this). Then I do the other unit long term.

    To scale I would look at 2-4 unit properties. You still get residential financing and grow quicker than single family. 

    I am always happy to chat as well. I would with investors all over the country. :)

    [email protected]253-355-0247
    1Reply
  • Emily Koelsch
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 43 votes
    11mo

    Mid-term rentals are a great suggestion. I know we have a lot of travel nurses in the Memphis area. And, love the idea of pairing it with a long-term rental. A duplex with one side of each sounds like a good mix. Thanks!

    1Reply
  • Kyle HendricksPro Member
    Lender · Member since 2021 · 170 posts · 74 votes
    11mo

    Of course, let me know if I can ever be of any help!

    [email protected]253-355-0247
    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 957 votes
    11mo

    @Emily Koelsch

    Hey Emily, congrats on scaling your portfolio so far, that’s a solid foundation. When thinking about branching into multi-family or short-term rentals, I’d focus on markets with strong cash flow, consistent tenant demand, and opportunities for appreciation. In the Midwest, you can often find undervalued multi-family properties with solid rents and room for long-term growth. Having reliable property management in place is key, and starting with smaller multi-family units can help you get comfortable before scaling further. It’s all about balancing cash flow, appreciation, and manageable operations.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
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