Starting a Rental Agency

[Andrew Urban]

Hello,
I hope this is in the right forum. I looking to start a rental agency in my state or RI. I know that you need a Realtor license and starting and LLC would be a good start. My big question is how to go about obtaining properties to rent? In the past is has been word of mouth and a little luck with people contacting me for something else. I have contacted a few landlords from craigslist, but most of them are upset that I'm calling to offer my services and not calling to rent their place.
What are you suggestions to obtain properties for renting? Thanks for the info.
Andrew

[Deborah Mettler]

I've been considering starting a property management company as well, but not sure if I want to have all the expenditurers that goes along with this type of business.

First I think you're going to need a brick & mortar presence, or rent some office space.

If I were going to go ahead with this plan, I would contact realtors (that don't provide property mgmt. services) to build a good relationship with.

I'd attend local reia group meetings for networking. If you join, you'll be listed as a vendor with your contact info and services you provide.

Instead of contacting Landlords, run an ad on Craigslist about your company..a link to your website would be beneficial.
If you don't have a website, you should have one listing your services and lists of properties for rent with photos.

Run ads in your local newspapers.

Of course get listed in the telephone directory.

Join your chamber of commerce and you'll be listed as a local business on their website.

Put out Flyers, hand out business cards. Tell family and friends.

Put a magnetic sign on your car or vinyl letters on the windows.

Network, Network, Network!. Will be slow to start but should build up a nice biz for yourself. Good Luck