Self Managing STR at a distance

[Simone Koga]

I'm in escrow on a property in Maui that we'll be using as a vacation rental.  We were originally planning on going with a property manager at 20% just because of the ease.  The more and more I think about it however, I would really like to try and self manage at a distance (Bay Area).    I'm putting together a list of roles I would need filled, cleaners, on-island contact, handyperson, etc. but I want to be as thorough as possible.

Anyone finding success managing a STR from afar? Wha are your tips/tricks, must-haves and nuggets of wisdom?

[Paul Sandhu]

@Luke Carl is the resident expert on this subject.  

I self manage 22 STRs, with the furthest being about 6 minutes (3 miles) from my house.

If I had some tips to give someone managing a STR from afar, I would say change the agitator dogs in your washing machine ($3). Replace the flapper ($2) and possibly the fill valve ($15) in your toilet. Replace any outdoor lights with 12 year LED lights. Clean the strainer in all your faucets ($0). Flush your hot water tank ($0). Replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors and remotes. Buy a 2nd modem and leave it as a backup. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Replace any metal p-traps with PVC p-traps ($4). Keep 2 plungers in the house, along with Liquid Fire or other acid drain opener. If you provide a grill, make it a propane grill and keep a spare tank at the house.