AirDNA said $55K. I grossed $150K. Here's what I learned self-managing 8 STRs.

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AirDNA said $55K. I grossed $150K. Here's what I learned self-managing 8 STRs.

Brijen Raval
Property Manager · US All States · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 12 votes

I want to share my story because I see a lot of new investors on here in the exact position I was in two years ago.

THE $0 IDEA

I'm a software engineer at Google by day. A close friend was buying a studio condo in Panama City Beach, FL and made it sound easy. I followed along, closed on a unit, and handed everything to my realtor — who was also the PM in the area. I used their revenue projections, their fee structure, their everything. Didn't question a single number.

8 MONTHS OF BLEEDING

Eight months in, I was losing money. Not breaking even — actively subsidizing a "passive investment." The PM's projections were fantasy. That was my wake-up call.

THE PIVOT

I did what I do best at my day job — went deep. I studied pricing algorithms, listing optimization, guest psychology, cleaning ops, automation. I treated it like a system to be engineered, not a property to be managed.

Then a few things happened fast:

1. Found someone in Gainesville, FL whose arbitrage business was dying. Took it over. First time self-managing — no PM, no safety net. Learned fast.

2. Five months later, fired my PM in Panama City Beach. Revenue immediately improved because I was actually paying attention.

3. Launched my first ground-up curated Airbnb in Colorado Springs. AirDNA projected $55K/year. It grossed $150K in year one.

The difference wasn't luck. It was design, pricing strategy, listing optimization, and systems.

RINSE AND REPEAT

2025 — new property in Colorado Springs, same playbook, on track for ~$150K again. Started co-hosting for other owners along the way. Today I self-manage 8+ properties across 4 markets.

WHAT I'D TELL MYSELF AT MONTH 1

- Your realtor/PM's projections are marketing numbers. Do your own analysis.

- A PM's incentive is occupancy, not maximizing your revenue. Those are different.

- Self-management is 2-5 hours/week per property once systems are in place.

- The first 90 days are hard. After that, you're running a system.

- Your cleaning team matters more than any software.

- AirDNA gives you a baseline, not a ceiling. Execution is the multiplier.

NOT SAYING PMs ARE BAD

PM makes sense if you want zero involvement or have a massive portfolio. But if you're an owner with 1-5 properties paying 20% and wondering if there's a better way — there probably is.

Happy to answer questions about self-management, market selection, or how I set things up.

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Trent Reeve
Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 710 posts · 640 votes
5mo
Quote from @Brijen Raval:

I want to share my story because I see a lot of new investors on here in the exact position I was in two years ago.

THE $0 IDEA

I'm a software engineer at Google by day. A close friend was buying a studio condo in Panama City Beach, FL and made it sound easy. I followed along, closed on a unit, and handed everything to my realtor — who was also the PM in the area. I used their revenue projections, their fee structure, their everything. Didn't question a single number.

8 MONTHS OF BLEEDING

Eight months in, I was losing money. Not breaking even — actively subsidizing a "passive investment." The PM's projections were fantasy. That was my wake-up call.

THE PIVOT

I did what I do best at my day job — went deep. I studied pricing algorithms, listing optimization, guest psychology, cleaning ops, automation. I treated it like a system to be engineered, not a property to be managed.

Then a few things happened fast:

1. Found someone in Gainesville, FL whose arbitrage business was dying. Took it over. First time self-managing — no PM, no safety net. Learned fast.

2. Five months later, fired my PM in Panama City Beach. Revenue immediately improved because I was actually paying attention.

3. Launched my first ground-up curated Airbnb in Colorado Springs. AirDNA projected $55K/year. It grossed $150K in year one.

The difference wasn't luck. It was design, pricing strategy, listing optimization, and systems.

RINSE AND REPEAT

2025 — new property in Colorado Springs, same playbook, on track for ~$150K again. Started co-hosting for other owners along the way. Today I self-manage 8+ properties across 4 markets.

WHAT I'D TELL MYSELF AT MONTH 1

- Your realtor/PM's projections are marketing numbers. Do your own analysis.

- A PM's incentive is occupancy, not maximizing your revenue. Those are different.

- Self-management is 2-5 hours/week per property once systems are in place.

- The first 90 days are hard. After that, you're running a system.

- Your cleaning team matters more than any software.

- AirDNA gives you a baseline, not a ceiling. Execution is the multiplier.

NOT SAYING PMs ARE BAD

PM makes sense if you want zero involvement or have a massive portfolio. But if you're an owner with 1-5 properties paying 20% and wondering if there's a better way — there probably is.

Happy to answer questions about self-management, market selection, or how I set things up.


 have to disagree there. I own and manage for others. If my owner makes more money, i make more money. My goal is not just occupancy for occupancy's sake. The owner wont be happy and I wont be working for them anymore.

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  • Trent Reeve
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 710 posts · 640 votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Brijen Raval:

    I want to share my story because I see a lot of new investors on here in the exact position I was in two years ago.

    THE $0 IDEA

    I'm a software engineer at Google by day. A close friend was buying a studio condo in Panama City Beach, FL and made it sound easy. I followed along, closed on a unit, and handed everything to my realtor — who was also the PM in the area. I used their revenue projections, their fee structure, their everything. Didn't question a single number.

    8 MONTHS OF BLEEDING

    Eight months in, I was losing money. Not breaking even — actively subsidizing a "passive investment." The PM's projections were fantasy. That was my wake-up call.

    THE PIVOT

    I did what I do best at my day job — went deep. I studied pricing algorithms, listing optimization, guest psychology, cleaning ops, automation. I treated it like a system to be engineered, not a property to be managed.

    Then a few things happened fast:

    1. Found someone in Gainesville, FL whose arbitrage business was dying. Took it over. First time self-managing — no PM, no safety net. Learned fast.

    2. Five months later, fired my PM in Panama City Beach. Revenue immediately improved because I was actually paying attention.

    3. Launched my first ground-up curated Airbnb in Colorado Springs. AirDNA projected $55K/year. It grossed $150K in year one.

    The difference wasn't luck. It was design, pricing strategy, listing optimization, and systems.

    RINSE AND REPEAT

    2025 — new property in Colorado Springs, same playbook, on track for ~$150K again. Started co-hosting for other owners along the way. Today I self-manage 8+ properties across 4 markets.

    WHAT I'D TELL MYSELF AT MONTH 1

    - Your realtor/PM's projections are marketing numbers. Do your own analysis.

    - A PM's incentive is occupancy, not maximizing your revenue. Those are different.

    - Self-management is 2-5 hours/week per property once systems are in place.

    - The first 90 days are hard. After that, you're running a system.

    - Your cleaning team matters more than any software.

    - AirDNA gives you a baseline, not a ceiling. Execution is the multiplier.

    NOT SAYING PMs ARE BAD

    PM makes sense if you want zero involvement or have a massive portfolio. But if you're an owner with 1-5 properties paying 20% and wondering if there's a better way — there probably is.

    Happy to answer questions about self-management, market selection, or how I set things up.


     have to disagree there. I own and manage for others. If my owner makes more money, i make more money. My goal is not just occupancy for occupancy's sake. The owner wont be happy and I wont be working for them anymore.

    4Reply
    • Brijen Raval
      OP
      Property Manager · US All States · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 12 votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Trent Reeve:
      Quote from @Brijen Raval:

      I want to share my story because I see a lot of new investors on here in the exact position I was in two years ago.

      THE $0 IDEA

      I'm a software engineer at Google by day. A close friend was buying a studio condo in Panama City Beach, FL and made it sound easy. I followed along, closed on a unit, and handed everything to my realtor — who was also the PM in the area. I used their revenue projections, their fee structure, their everything. Didn't question a single number.

      8 MONTHS OF BLEEDING

      Eight months in, I was losing money. Not breaking even — actively subsidizing a "passive investment." The PM's projections were fantasy. That was my wake-up call.

      THE PIVOT

      I did what I do best at my day job — went deep. I studied pricing algorithms, listing optimization, guest psychology, cleaning ops, automation. I treated it like a system to be engineered, not a property to be managed.

      Then a few things happened fast:

      1. Found someone in Gainesville, FL whose arbitrage business was dying. Took it over. First time self-managing — no PM, no safety net. Learned fast.

      2. Five months later, fired my PM in Panama City Beach. Revenue immediately improved because I was actually paying attention.

      3. Launched my first ground-up curated Airbnb in Colorado Springs. AirDNA projected $55K/year. It grossed $150K in year one.

      The difference wasn't luck. It was design, pricing strategy, listing optimization, and systems.

      RINSE AND REPEAT

      2025 — new property in Colorado Springs, same playbook, on track for ~$150K again. Started co-hosting for other owners along the way. Today I self-manage 8+ properties across 4 markets.

      WHAT I'D TELL MYSELF AT MONTH 1

      - Your realtor/PM's projections are marketing numbers. Do your own analysis.

      - A PM's incentive is occupancy, not maximizing your revenue. Those are different.

      - Self-management is 2-5 hours/week per property once systems are in place.

      - The first 90 days are hard. After that, you're running a system.

      - Your cleaning team matters more than any software.

      - AirDNA gives you a baseline, not a ceiling. Execution is the multiplier.

      NOT SAYING PMs ARE BAD

      PM makes sense if you want zero involvement or have a massive portfolio. But if you're an owner with 1-5 properties paying 20% and wondering if there's a better way — there probably is.

      Happy to answer questions about self-management, market selection, or how I set things up.


       have to disagree there. I own and manage for others. If my owner makes more money, i make more money. My goal is not just occupancy for occupancy's sake. The owner wont be happy and I wont be working for them anymore.


       Right, although not all PMs are like that - some operate on volume and once established are unable to focus better on per listing optimizations which individual small PMs are able to do.

      Look at any big market for example Smokies or Orlando - too many big names and you will see poorly managed listings

      0Reply
    • Jon Martin
      Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Trent Reeve:
      Quote from @Brijen Raval:

      I want to share my story because I see a lot of new investors on here in the exact position I was in two years ago.

      THE $0 IDEA

      I'm a software engineer at Google by day. A close friend was buying a studio condo in Panama City Beach, FL and made it sound easy. I followed along, closed on a unit, and handed everything to my realtor — who was also the PM in the area. I used their revenue projections, their fee structure, their everything. Didn't question a single number.

      8 MONTHS OF BLEEDING

      Eight months in, I was losing money. Not breaking even — actively subsidizing a "passive investment." The PM's projections were fantasy. That was my wake-up call.

      THE PIVOT

      I did what I do best at my day job — went deep. I studied pricing algorithms, listing optimization, guest psychology, cleaning ops, automation. I treated it like a system to be engineered, not a property to be managed.

      Then a few things happened fast:

      1. Found someone in Gainesville, FL whose arbitrage business was dying. Took it over. First time self-managing — no PM, no safety net. Learned fast.

      2. Five months later, fired my PM in Panama City Beach. Revenue immediately improved because I was actually paying attention.

      3. Launched my first ground-up curated Airbnb in Colorado Springs. AirDNA projected $55K/year. It grossed $150K in year one.

      The difference wasn't luck. It was design, pricing strategy, listing optimization, and systems.

      RINSE AND REPEAT

      2025 — new property in Colorado Springs, same playbook, on track for ~$150K again. Started co-hosting for other owners along the way. Today I self-manage 8+ properties across 4 markets.

      WHAT I'D TELL MYSELF AT MONTH 1

      - Your realtor/PM's projections are marketing numbers. Do your own analysis.

      - A PM's incentive is occupancy, not maximizing your revenue. Those are different.

      - Self-management is 2-5 hours/week per property once systems are in place.

      - The first 90 days are hard. After that, you're running a system.

      - Your cleaning team matters more than any software.

      - AirDNA gives you a baseline, not a ceiling. Execution is the multiplier.

      NOT SAYING PMs ARE BAD

      PM makes sense if you want zero involvement or have a massive portfolio. But if you're an owner with 1-5 properties paying 20% and wondering if there's a better way — there probably is.

      Happy to answer questions about self-management, market selection, or how I set things up.


       have to disagree there. I own and manage for others. If my owner makes more money, i make more money. My goal is not just occupancy for occupancy's sake. The owner wont be happy and I wont be working for them anymore.


       I don’t disagree, although I think the OP was speaking more of the larger property management companies that live off volume. They don’t care if your place has a 4.6 rating and underperforms because they make a guaranteed percent profit off the top line either way. 

      0Reply
    • Brijen Raval
      OP
      Property Manager · US All States · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 12 votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Jon Martin:
      Quote from @Trent Reeve:
      Quote from @Brijen Raval:

      I want to share my story because I see a lot of new investors on here in the exact position I was in two years ago.

      THE $0 IDEA

      I'm a software engineer at Google by day. A close friend was buying a studio condo in Panama City Beach, FL and made it sound easy. I followed along, closed on a unit, and handed everything to my realtor — who was also the PM in the area. I used their revenue projections, their fee structure, their everything. Didn't question a single number.

      8 MONTHS OF BLEEDING

      Eight months in, I was losing money. Not breaking even — actively subsidizing a "passive investment." The PM's projections were fantasy. That was my wake-up call.

      THE PIVOT

      I did what I do best at my day job — went deep. I studied pricing algorithms, listing optimization, guest psychology, cleaning ops, automation. I treated it like a system to be engineered, not a property to be managed.

      Then a few things happened fast:

      1. Found someone in Gainesville, FL whose arbitrage business was dying. Took it over. First time self-managing — no PM, no safety net. Learned fast.

      2. Five months later, fired my PM in Panama City Beach. Revenue immediately improved because I was actually paying attention.

      3. Launched my first ground-up curated Airbnb in Colorado Springs. AirDNA projected $55K/year. It grossed $150K in year one.

      The difference wasn't luck. It was design, pricing strategy, listing optimization, and systems.

      RINSE AND REPEAT

      2025 — new property in Colorado Springs, same playbook, on track for ~$150K again. Started co-hosting for other owners along the way. Today I self-manage 8+ properties across 4 markets.

      WHAT I'D TELL MYSELF AT MONTH 1

      - Your realtor/PM's projections are marketing numbers. Do your own analysis.

      - A PM's incentive is occupancy, not maximizing your revenue. Those are different.

      - Self-management is 2-5 hours/week per property once systems are in place.

      - The first 90 days are hard. After that, you're running a system.

      - Your cleaning team matters more than any software.

      - AirDNA gives you a baseline, not a ceiling. Execution is the multiplier.

      NOT SAYING PMs ARE BAD

      PM makes sense if you want zero involvement or have a massive portfolio. But if you're an owner with 1-5 properties paying 20% and wondering if there's a better way — there probably is.

      Happy to answer questions about self-management, market selection, or how I set things up.


       have to disagree there. I own and manage for others. If my owner makes more money, i make more money. My goal is not just occupancy for occupancy's sake. The owner wont be happy and I wont be working for them anymore.


       I don’t disagree, although I think the OP was speaking more of the larger property management companies that live off volume. They don’t care if your place has a 4.6 rating and underperforms because they make a guaranteed percent profit off the top line either way. 


      Exactly this, they(Some PM's) don't go above an beyond for a good guest experience which an individual property manager would do - our reviews almost every other has something along the lines of "X went above and beyond to make us feel home"/ "X was very communicative and helped us with ..."

      0Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5mo

    Was the $55k airDNA number the autogenerated algorithmic average or was $55k surmised after studying the comps provided by AirDNA?  I often see maybe a 4/2 home with a pool in great condition with a lot extra amenities say in Tampa, FL. AirDNA says $52k.  But 8/10 comps are average at best without pools however the 2/10 are doing $110k and $120k.  If you do not pay for premium and/or study the comps you do not see the data as to why AirDNA is saying $52k.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Brijen Raval
      OP
      Property Manager · US All States · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 12 votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

      Was the $55k airDNA number the autogenerated algorithmic average or was $55k surmised after studying the comps provided by AirDNA?  I often see maybe a 4/2 home with a pool in great condition with a lot extra amenities say in Tampa, FL. AirDNA says $52k.  But 8/10 comps are average at best without pools however the 2/10 are doing $110k and $120k.  If you do not pay for premium and/or study the comps you do not see the data as to why AirDNA is saying $52k.


       This was after an initial comprehensive analysis (filtered via bedroom/guest count, pets, hot tub etc) 

      1Reply
    • Collin HaysBusiness Member
      Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

      Was the $55k airDNA number the autogenerated algorithmic average or was $55k surmised after studying the comps provided by AirDNA?  I often see maybe a 4/2 home with a pool in great condition with a lot extra amenities say in Tampa, FL. AirDNA says $52k.  But 8/10 comps are average at best without pools however the 2/10 are doing $110k and $120k.  If you do not pay for premium and/or study the comps you do not see the data as to why AirDNA is saying $52k.


       AirDNA is often worthless.  

      [email protected]806-672-7102
      SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
    • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
      Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Collin Hays:
      Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

      Was the $55k airDNA number the autogenerated algorithmic average or was $55k surmised after studying the comps provided by AirDNA?  I often see maybe a 4/2 home with a pool in great condition with a lot extra amenities say in Tampa, FL. AirDNA says $52k.  But 8/10 comps are average at best without pools however the 2/10 are doing $110k and $120k.  If you do not pay for premium and/or study the comps you do not see the data as to why AirDNA is saying $52k.


       AirDNA is often worthless.  


       I wouldnt say worthless - with the paid version you can see your competition/comparables and see what they did the last 12 months.

      [email protected]813-563-0877
      Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      1Reply
  • Koba Molenaar
    Cape Town, South Africa · Member since 2026 · 23 posts · 13 votes
    5mo

    @Brijen Raval I'm curious to know about your systems. You mention it a few times. What are the systems that you've put in place. As you're a software engineer by day, I assume your systems are partly driven by software?

    0Reply
    • Brijen Raval
      OP
      Property Manager · US All States · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 12 votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Koba Molenaar:

      @Brijen Raval I'm curious to know about your systems. You mention it a few times. What are the systems that you've put in place. As you're a software engineer by day, I assume your systems are partly driven by software?


      Yes that is correct - I try to automate as much as I can or have systems to make my day-to-day operations better managed. Happy to chat if you are more interested in learning.

      0Reply
    • Brijen Raval
      OP
      Property Manager · US All States · Member since 2024 · 12 posts · 12 votes
      5mo

      @Koba Molenaar I put up a new post about my systems but was taken down 😬

      0Reply
    • Koba Molenaar
      Cape Town, South Africa · Member since 2026 · 23 posts · 13 votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Brijen Raval:

      @Koba Molenaar I put up a new post about my systems but was taken down 😬


      I guess BiggerPockets thought that it was too promotional. Full disclosure, I'm part of the iGMS team. So, I'm always interested in learning how property managers are using software to automate processes. Which processes have you found the most valuable to automate? I know for most, it's communication with guests and cleaners.

      0Reply
    • Dale Sutton
      Member since 2026 · 18 posts · 6 votes
      4mo
      Quote from @Koba Molenaar:

      @Brijen Raval I'm curious to know about your systems. You mention it a few times. What are the systems that you've put in place. As you're a software engineer by day, I assume your systems are partly driven by software?


      Im also interested to know this, any specific pricing or pms tools? Any challenges or learnings from that perspective?
      0Reply
    • Dale Sutton
      Member since 2026 · 18 posts · 6 votes
      4mo
      Quote from @Brijen Raval:

      @Koba Molenaar I put up a new post about my systems but was taken down 😬


      Interesting, why would it have been taken down? Any specific learnings from the tools and systems you used?
      0Reply
  • Kay S.
    Investor · AR · Member since 2026 · 24 posts · 5 votes
    5mo

    This is a great breakdown and I really appreciate the distinction between owning a property and operating a property. That is where a lot of the hidden performance gap seems to show up.

    Your point about projections being a baseline, not a ceiling, is especially important. A property can look “fine” on paper, but pricing, listing quality, cleaning standards, guest experience, response time, maintenance follow-up, and operating rhythms can completely change the outcome.

    I also like how you framed execution as the multiplier. Whether someone self-manages or uses a PM, the real question is whether the operation is being actively monitored, improved, and held to a standard.

    0Reply
  • Michael Stoltzfus
    Member since 2020 · 1 post · 0 votes
    4mo

    @Brijen Raval. How do you find A+ cleaners. That is one of my drawback for STR but would love to get into it.

    0Reply
  • Jacob D Adamczak
    Charleston, SC · Member since 2018 · 182 posts · 73 votes
    4mo

    I have found a combination of a lower fee cohost to handle the operations/hospitality and a revenue manager to boost revenue as a much better alternative to the 20% that a typical PM charges.  I have found a higher level of service and less cost total and each person focusing on their own lane instead of trying to wear multiple hats.

    1Reply
  • Dan Ikon
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2025 · 85 posts · 35 votes
    4mo

    Hi I'd like to learn more about your system, particularly if/how you get the real revenue data from comps, not Airbnb projection. Happy to connect

    0Reply
  • Benjamin Cohen
    Developer · Denver, CO · Member since 2015 · 21 posts · 2 votes
    4mo

    I'd love to hear more about your system!

    0Reply
  • Anthony Anastasi
    Member since 2021 · 6 posts · 5 votes
    4mo

    Really interesting post. One thing I keep noticing while researching STRs is how dangerous it can be when newer investors treat revenue projections as fixed outcomes instead of operational potential ranges. The execution layer seems massively underestimated on things like design quality, listing optimization, hospitality standards, responsiveness, systems/processes, market positioning, etc.

      Feels like a lot of people buy what they think is a passive asset, when in reality top-performing STRs operate much closer to hospitality businesses.  Curious whether you think most underperforming STRs are primarily bad acquisition decisions, weak operations/execution, or poor market selection.

        0Reply
      1. Tyler Divin
        Property Manager · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2018 · 175 posts · 134 votes
        4mo

        I'm also going to have to disagree with the sentiment that all PM's care about is occupancy.  We seek to understand our clients goals and preferences and factor them into the strategy.  Our clients run the gamut...some would rather set a high minimum and let it sit, some want to max things out and everything in between for a variety of reasons.  It sounds like you started with a bad fit for a manager. 

        Also, based on what I'm hearing you're willing to roll up your sleeves and make significant property improvements.  As a manager we make recommendations, discuss appealing to our primary guest avatar, and we often get in and make improvements ourselves but at the end of the day we can't invest our own capital and make changes to a property if an owner has dug their heels in or does not want to invest further.

        0Reply
        • Louis Pace
          Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 2 votes
          2mo
          Quote from @Tyler Divin:

          I'm also going to have to disagree with the sentiment that all PM's care about is occupancy.  We seek to understand our clients goals and preferences and factor them into the strategy.  Our clients run the gamut...some would rather set a high minimum and let it sit, some want to max things out and everything in between for a variety of reasons.  It sounds like you started with a bad fit for a manager. 

          Also, based on what I'm hearing you're willing to roll up your sleeves and make significant property improvements.  As a manager we make recommendations, discuss appealing to our primary guest avatar, and we often get in and make improvements ourselves but at the end of the day we can't invest our own capital and make changes to a property if an owner has dug their heels in or does not want to invest further.

          With the two PMs I have used in the past few years in 30A, I would say they are trying to maximize revenue for their portfolio of homes, not individual properties. They focus on adding homes to add revenue which requires more resource and makes their business more complicated, instead of treating owners as customers and having real strategic discussions on how to improve the performance of each property. Increasing revenue of existing homes is cheaper than diluting service by adding more homes. The result is unhappy owners, costly turnover, and a constant battle of replacing lost owners with new ones.

          0Reply
      2. Jeremy Jareckyj
        Real Estate Agent · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2020 · 490 posts · 205 votes
        4mo

        a mid tier or bad PM can kill profits and a listing .

        0Reply
      3. Angela Venger
        Member since 2026 · 47 posts · 21 votes
        2mo

        Brijen, the PM projection part is what gets everybody. I self manage too, and the difference isn't magic, it's that nobody else is going to protect your margin for you. One thing I'd add to your list, know your floor price. I built a calculator for all my properties, mortgage HOA utilities insurance, so I know the exact number each one costs me just sitting empty, because renting it out and still losing money is worse than the empty night. And soft upgrades moved my rate more than pricing strategy did, I charge about 30% more than last year on the same properties.

        0Reply
      4. Matthew Tregoning
        Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 245 posts · 121 votes
        5d

        We run in multiple states too. The part I'm interested in is who takes over when two properties need something at once and you're tied up at the day job. Do you have a local lead in each market now?

        0Reply
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