Property Management Company or Not on Amelia Island

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Property Management Company or Not on Amelia Island

Joseph Longo
Member since 2025 · 6 posts · 5 votes

Hi,

I'm considering a purchase of a 1br/1ba condo on Amelia Island (Long distance rental). The unit is currently managed by Vacasa. Their 20% management fee is off-putting. This would be my first STR, so I don't have experience finding the right boots on the ground to support the rental (e.g. cleaning, maintenance, re-stocking, etc.) Any advice on how to source those types of professionals? I'd love to not use a PMC if I don't need to.

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Collin HaysBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Joseph Longo:

Hi,

I'm considering a purchase of a 1br/1ba condo on Amelia Island (Long distance rental). The unit is currently managed by Vacasa. Their 20% management fee is off-putting. This would be my first STR, so I don't have experience finding the right boots on the ground to support the rental (e.g. cleaning, maintenance, re-stocking, etc.) Any advice on how to source those types of professionals? I'd love to not use a PMC if I don't need to.


 With Vacasa, you are paying 20 percent for not much. Vacasa is more of a marketing company, not so much actual property management. There isn't sufficient margin in this business for a national company such as Vacasa to deliver on what they promise. 

[email protected]806-672-7102
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  • Bryant Xavier
    Realtor · College Station, TX · Member since 2020 · 121 posts · 58 votes
    1y

    Joseph,

    If you want to self-manage and avoid the 20%+ management fee, the key is building a strong local team. Here’s how you can find reliable vendors on Amelia Island:

    1. Cleaning Crew – Look for local STR-focused cleaners on Facebook groups, Thumbtack, or Turno (formerly TurnoverBnB). Having a backup cleaner is crucial.

    2. Maintenance & Handyman Services – Ask for recommendations in local real estate or STR groups. TaskRabbit and Angie’s List can help, but ideally, you’ll want someone reliable on call.

    3. Restocking & Guest Support – If you don’t want to handle this remotely, consider a co-host or local assistant. Some cleaners may offer restocking as an add-on.

    4. Automated Systems – Use smart locks, noise monitors, and messaging automation to minimize hands-on involvement.

    5. Local Networking – Connecting with other self-managing hosts in the area can lead to referrals and insider tips.

    Self-managing can save money, but it requires effort upfront to find the right team. If that sounds overwhelming, a smaller, local property manager with lower fees than Vacasa might be a good middle ground. Let me know if you have any questions!

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  • Joseph Longo
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 6 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Thank you for your feedback, Bryant! Guest support is something I don't mind handling remotely. It's the hands on tasks that I would obviously need assistance with, but finding reliable boots on the ground is my task at the moment. The turno recommendation was great, thank you.

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    1y

    Vacasa probably doesn't have boots on the ground their either. They are also not highly regarded as a good PM company.

    Just find your own boots on the ground and you can easily self manage from a distance.

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  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Joseph Longo:

    Hi,

    I'm considering a purchase of a 1br/1ba condo on Amelia Island (Long distance rental). The unit is currently managed by Vacasa. Their 20% management fee is off-putting. This would be my first STR, so I don't have experience finding the right boots on the ground to support the rental (e.g. cleaning, maintenance, re-stocking, etc.) Any advice on how to source those types of professionals? I'd love to not use a PMC if I don't need to.


     With Vacasa, you are paying 20 percent for not much. Vacasa is more of a marketing company, not so much actual property management. There isn't sufficient margin in this business for a national company such as Vacasa to deliver on what they promise. 

    [email protected]806-672-7102
    SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    I have seen (in other FL markets) companies that offer boots on the ground services, i.e. cleaning and maintenance, restocking, check ups, etc for flat and ala cart pricing.  Not sure if there is one on Amelia Island or not, but worth a look.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y

    Hey @Joseph Longo. So Vacasa doesn't give you much for the 20% so getting off that service is a good idea.

    @Bryant Xavier covered things pretty well. Turno should get you a good cleaner. Your cleaner will be the boots on the ground and can handle restocking for you. Make sure you let them know that is an expectation.

    Find out if the condo association has a handyman that either works for the condos or is available for owners as needed.

    Are you planning on ever going down to the condo? Is it furnished?

    I would highly recommend going over there in person if you can.

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  • Josh SedivyBusiness Member
    St. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
    1y

    I agree with @Bryant Xavier and @Michael Baum building a strong local team is essential for successful self-management, and your cleaner will be your key point of contact.

    It’s also worth looking into co-hosting services, as you may be able to negotiate a lower rate for specific tasks instead of full management.

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  • Joseph Longo
    OP
    Member since 2025 · 6 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    I really appreciate the feedback everyone, thank you. I have some more research to do, but thank you for confirming my assumptions about Vacasa.

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