Lucas here from Howzer Property Management.Most small landlords I talk to start with spreadsheets + receipts… and once you’re past a couple units it usually turns into a scramble at tax time.What I see work best (even for self-managing owners):• Some type of software (Buildium, AppFolio, etc.) so expenses are auto-categorized• Separate bank account for the portfolio• Every invoice tied to the unit + type of repair• Quick monthly P&L check instead of waiting until AprilThe real value isn’t just tracking it’s having clean numbers so your CPA can clearly see repairs vs capex, recurring maintenance, and actual cash flow per property.If you’re DIY right now, even just consistent categories + uploading receipts monthly makes a huge difference.Happy to share the expense categories we use if helpful.Lucas

What software should I use?

You’re right: serious developers don’t replace pre-app meetings, civils, or title services with software.

At what property scale did you upgrade to a full-blown PM software platform?

Just make sure your criteria are applied consistently across all applicants (fair housing).

For those of you self-managing a smaller number of units, have you figured out a good way to do this without spending a fortune on software?

When you cold call with your iPhone, do you use any kind of software?

Aloha, We own currently 52 LTRs & are developing 16 Brand New apartments. We have done dozens of renovations however, this is our first Owner Builder Home build from raw land :) We are super excited, but I want to...

Targeting landlords with 5-25 units - past the single property stage but not big enough for enterprise software that costs $500+/month.If you're in this range, I'd really value your take on whether this is worth building or if there are better solutions already out there.I think Buildium starts at $50/month, so not sure why you are using $500 figure.Have you tried Innago?

We have shown this property A lot more than the above home mentioned, a couple applicants that didn't meet out qualifications.