Managing my properties from abroad

[Jason Tham]

Hi forum,

I own about 8 units right now, and looking to up that to around 12 units by the end of the year.  I don't like being a landlord all that much, and I also don't like paying property management companies 5-10% of revenues just to collect a check every month.  

I'm seeking automation to some level; I'd like to be the manager of my property, yet extricate myself from really having to do any work at all.  

Does anyone have a good example of how they became a hands-off manager without entrusting a full-service property management shop?  Were there significant economies of scale that you realized?

Things I can think of:

- Online rent collection (auto bank transfers or credit cards)

- Hiring a Virtual Assistant to act as a 'round-the-clock' call center to manage maintenance calls and scheduling showings

- Having a good Rolodex of handymen

- Hiring someone hourly to show the apartment

Thanks for your ideas!

Jason