Out of State Investors Question

Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 5 votes

For investors that don't live in Texas but own rental properties in the DFW area, do you have anyone local who keeps an eye on your property in Fort Worth outside of your property manager? Is this something you would consider doing in the future?

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Jim Johnson

Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 552 posts · 319 votes

6mo

Good question — a lot of out-of-state owners think about this.

In most cases, if you trust your property manager and they have strong systems, you shouldn’t need a separate “eyes on the ground.” Adding another layer can sometimes create confusion around responsibility.

That said, some owners do use a periodic third-party check (like a handyman or inspector doing a walkthrough once or twice a year), especially for peace of mind or to verify property condition during turnovers.

It usually comes down to how confident you are in your PM’s:

inspection process
documentation (photos, reports)
responsiveness to issues

If those are solid, a second set of eyes isn’t always necessary. If there’s any doubt, a light, occasional check can help without overcomplicating things.

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Janice Carter
Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 605 votes
6mo
Logan, for out of state owners that oversight is typically part of what you are already paying your property manager to handle — routine inspections, vendor coordination and keeping an eye on the property. If you feel the need to hire someone else to monitor things, it may be a sign you don’t fully trust your property manager and it may be worth considering a change.
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Logan Vise
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Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 5 votes
6mo
Thank you for your feedback.
To your point, property managers may be hesitant to show investors the full picture of what's going on at the property due to the fear of investors taking their property away from the PM company. So is their perspective truly an unbiased one? Additionally, do property managers have the necessary time to do thorough inspections of all of their properties in their portfolio?
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- Richard F.
  Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
  6mo
  Quote from @Logan Vise:
  
  Thank you for your feedback.
  To your point, property managers may be hesitant to show investors the full picture of what's going on at the property due to the fear of investors taking their property away from the PM company. So is their perspective truly an unbiased one? Additionally, do property managers have the necessary time to do thorough inspections of all of their properties in their portfolio?
  
  Management Contracts are, to an extent, a negotiation. Not all PM's inspect properties regularly...sadly, some, not at all. That's just reality. Specify a requirement in your contract for an annual, visual inspection with photos prior to renewal of Tenant's Rental Agreement. BUT, do so only after inquiring what their Standard processes are for turnover, rental prep, screening, etc. etc.
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Juan Yepes
Lender · Miami, FL · Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 34 votes
6mo
Hi @Logan Vise oftentimes when property management companies don't work out it's because the owner doesn't have proper oversight.
Many small investors hire a property management company and trust blindly. This would be like hiring an employee and not overseeing their work.
You can have more control, and keep your property management company truthful, by implementing routine reports (including pictures!) and performance reviews.
With today's technology, and strong oversight practices, investors should be able to target opportunities across the country.
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Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
6mo
Quote from @Logan Vise:

For investors that don't live in Texas but own rental properties in the DFW area, do you have anyone local who keeps an eye on your property in Fort Worth outside of your property manager? Is this something you would consider doing in the future?

You shouldn't trust your PMC unless they provide pics and videos without being asked:)
Otherwise, you may want to hire a local inspector or agent to do an Annual Evaluation for $200-$300.
[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9458 Reviews
Website View Page
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Jim Johnson
Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 552 posts · 319 votes
6mo
Good question — a lot of out-of-state owners think about this.

In most cases, if you trust your property manager and they have strong systems, you shouldn’t need a separate “eyes on the ground.” Adding another layer can sometimes create confusion around responsibility.

That said, some owners do use a periodic third-party check (like a handyman or inspector doing a walkthrough once or twice a year), especially for peace of mind or to verify property condition during turnovers.

It usually comes down to how confident you are in your PM’s:
- inspection process
- documentation (photos, reports)
- responsiveness to issues
If those are solid, a second set of eyes isn’t always necessary. If there’s any doubt, a light, occasional check can help without overcomplicating things.
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