Do you prefer to self manage or hire a property manager?

Question

I’ve noticed investors tend to be split. Some say you should always self-manage in the beginning to learn the ropes, while others recommend hiring a property manager right away to save time and stress.

For those of you with experience, which path did you take? Did you manage your own rentals first or bring in a manager from the start? And most importantly, would you make the same choice again?

I’m curious how different investors approach this decision.

Jules Aton · Answer

Long term, small investor max 5 properties at a time within 90 mins of my home with a high income job. I have always managed my LTRs and use a PM for STR. While I value and accommodate my tenants that STR is a whole nother ball of wax and is best left to the professional.

R. Elle Berry · Answer

@Jules Aton

Thank you for your feedback. You made a great point about utilizing a professional for STRs, there’s definitely more turnover and moving parts, so it makes sense to hire a manager. With LTRs, there’s far less turnover and day-to-day work, so I assume you mainly need assistance when maintenance concerns arise. Very good point, and I appreciate your input.

Elealeh Fulmaran · Answer

My suggestion is to hire a property manager sooner rather than later. Self-managing is valuable for learning the basics, but it quickly caps growth and pulls you into tenant and maintenance issues. If you’re local with just one door, try running one lease cycle yourself to learn and document your processes, then hand it off. But if you’re investing long-distance or planning to scale, hire a manager now and focus on managing the manager—set clear approval tiers, review monthly statements, and request photo proof on work. Your best ROI will come from finding and funding deals, while a good PM quarterbacks the day-to-day.

Do you prefer to self manage or hire a property manager?

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