Looking for property management recommendations in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio
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Looking for property management recommendations in Columbus

Sean Haran
Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2023 · 22 posts · 53 votes

Hello! I have started to make offers on some deals in Columbus, hopefully should be able to close on one within the next 2-3 months if not sooner. I have spoken to a couple property managers so far, but really need to talk to a few more to feel confident in my choice. Any recommendations from out-of-state investors like myself would be highly highly appreciated. Any pointers on who to avoid would also be helpful ;) 

Obviously this is one of the pieces that can make or break the performance of a deal, so I’m trying to cover all my bases as much as possible

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Catherine Loh
Property Manager · Columbus, OH · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 13 votes
2y

Hi Sean. I just sent you a DM. RL Property Management Group has been in Columbus for over 11 years and knows what it takes to get your home rented quickly and for top rent!  Let's connect soon so I can learn more about you and your properties to make sure we're the best fit for you.  

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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y

    @Sean Haran

    I know this isn't an answer to your question but... have you been to Columbus?  If not - fly there and meet a bunch of PMs in person.

    1Reply
  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    @Sean Haran

    Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.

    Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder, etc.

    Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

    To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.

    Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.

    In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

    It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

    Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

    So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.

    EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean? What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.? You’d be shocked by how little actual screening many PMC’s do!

    This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

    The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

    A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings. Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

    We recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

    EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

    P.S. If you just hire the cheapest or first PMC you speak with and it turns into a bad experience, please don’t assume ALL PMC’s are bad and start trashing PMC’s in general. Take ownership of your mistake and learn to do the proper due diligence recommended above😊

    Logical Property Management4.9453 Reviews
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  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! I have started to make offers on some deals in Columbus, hopefully should be able to close on one within the next 2-3 months if not sooner. I have spoken to a couple property managers so far, but really need to talk to a few more to feel confident in my choice. Any recommendations from out-of-state investors like myself would be highly highly appreciated. Any pointers on who to avoid would also be helpful ;) 

    Obviously this is one of the pieces that can make or break the performance of a deal, so I’m trying to cover all my bases as much as possible


     I can send you some PM referrals in Columbus, Ohio

    [email protected]614-541-8475Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
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  • Brandon GoldsmithBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Depends on what part of the city the property is in. Different managers are better for certain neighborhoods @Sean Haran

    [email protected]614-963-3340
    1Reply
  • Matthew Choi
    Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 3 votes
    2y

    I'm an out-of-state investor with investments in Columbus. I've been working with IHREPM company, and I'm satisfied with their smooth management and reasonable fees.

    2Reply
  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    property management is a tough business. it's more about economies of scale. do they use software? do they take pictures? do they have a platform to let you know how your asset is performing? how big is their staff? how many units under management? how fast are they on evictions? 

    I used to do junk removal and demolition for these kinds of companies and saw all the worst case scenarios in columbus from tenants that can pay $800 per month. check the vetting requirements, raise the price to get into your unit. 900 per month is cheap in columbus if you are buying c class make sure to take a little more like 2 months rent so the people moving in aren't scraping by

    [email protected]786-494-6766
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  • Max InouyePro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Santa Monica, CA · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 15 votes
    2y

    Hi Sean - BiggerPockets has recently launched a Property Management Finder for exactly this! Please see below for link:

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/property-manag...

    BiggerPockets
    2Reply
  • Catherine Loh
    Property Manager · Columbus, OH · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    Hi Sean. I just sent you a DM. RL Property Management Group has been in Columbus for over 11 years and knows what it takes to get your home rented quickly and for top rent!  Let's connect soon so I can learn more about you and your properties to make sure we're the best fit for you.  

    4Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y

    Check out the Property Manager Finder. A company like RL Property Management Group is a good company to use as a standard. Do your research and find one that you are comfortable with.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
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  • Mark AinleyBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Roselle, IL (Chicago Suburb) · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    @Sean Haran I would talk with the team at RL Property Management.  They have become industry leaders in conversations happening around the country!

    Also keep in mind you want to have this new PM involved in your purchase process.  If anyone knows about the nitty gritty of each neighborhood and tenant base it would be the local PMs.  Last thing you want to do is show up at any PM with a property and they say "EEEE why did you buy there or why didnt you do blank".  Let them help you on your journey!

    [email protected]630-781-6744Podcast Guest on Show #72
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  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Catherine Loh:

    Hi Sean. I just sent you a DM. RL Property Management Group has been in Columbus for over 11 years and knows what it takes to get your home rented quickly and for top rent!  Let's connect soon so I can learn more about you and your properties to make sure we're the best fit for you.  


     can you post the zips you won't go in or that you do go in? I have a need for several clients for the nw builds we are doing. All downtown columbus adjacent zips so 43203, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43223, 43222. would love to talk economics with you and send our floor plans see what you think and style you'd rent 

    [email protected]786-494-6766
    Section 8 Launch52 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Ilima Smallwood
    Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 2 votes
    6mo
    I just tried to use the bigger pockets property manager. I do NOT want to give my phone number to a bunch of companies I have not yet been able to research so that I can get harassed without any upfront information about who is calling me. No thank you! 
    1Reply
    • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Ilima Smallwood:
      I just tried to use the bigger pockets property manager. I do NOT want to give my phone number to a bunch of companies I have not yet been able to research so that I can get harassed without any upfront information about who is calling me. No thank you! 

       BP only gives your info out to 3-5 PMCs.

      Logical Property Management4.9453 Reviews
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