New PMIC to the business

New PMIC to the business

Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 7 votes

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to introduce myself as a newly licensed Property Manager (PMIC). I successfully completed all required coursework and passed my exams this past August 2025, and I’m now in the early stages of building my property management business.

At this time, my focus is exclusively on third-party property management — helping owners manage their existing rental properties. I’m not actively seeking investment properties for myself right now; my priority is delivering outstanding service to clients while I continue to learn and grow in the industry.

I would greatly appreciate any tips, lessons learned, or “new-manager mistakes to avoid” from seasoned property managers and investors in the group. In particular, I’m interested in advice on:

  • 1.Best practices for onboarding new owners and setting clear expectations from day one.
  • 2.Effective systems or software recommendations for a solo/startup operation (leasing, maintenance coordination, rent collection, accounting, etc.)
  • 3.Strategies for finding and retaining great contractors/vendors.
  • 4.Common pitfalls new PMs face in the first 6–12 months.
  • 5.Pricing your management services competitively while still being profitable.
  • 6. Any must-read books, courses, or podcasts you wish you’d known about when you started.

I’m committed to providing white-glove service and building a reputation for integrity and responsiveness. Long-term, I definitely aspire to own a portfolio of my own rental properties, but for now I’m 100% focused on mastering the management side of the business and adding real value for owners.

Thank you in advance for any wisdom, resources, or encouragement you’re willing to share, I’m all ears and ready to learn!

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  • Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 7 votes
    9mo

    @Ashton Smith Welcome! I'm going through the same right now and just getting going (in NY). On software, I'm using Buildium since it seems like it offers everything I'm looking for at this stage and priced relatively cheaply. But it'll depend on how much money you want to spend on that kind of stuff. Wishing you the best of luck!

  • Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 7 votes
    9mo

    @Christopher Tinelli At this time we're torn between Buildium and Doorloop. I've noticed that there are a lot of Appfolio and Buidium user on here. But we're still just getting started and have to narrow down all the options. Thank you!! 

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

    Don't take on EVERY owner just for growth!

    Some owners want to treat you like a personal assistant, others are so cheap you could do a repair for just the cost of materials (no labor charge) and they still wouldn't be happy.

    Log EVERYTHING in writing! Owners & tenants always seem to have "memory problems" when it comes to accountability. So, email after a phone call to confirm the conversation.

    Really think through your setups and procedures. Fixing mistakes later is a pain.

    You can DM us if you'd like more...

  • Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 7 votes
    9mo

    @Drew Sygit Thank you so much! I am just starting out so I will definitely take you up on that offer. 

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