I would recommend a professional PM who does all the paperwork and presentation with real software, gives monthly reports and has clearly defined leasing/turn timelines even if their fee is a bit higher; it usually pays for itself.Good luck!

What actually works best is developing your own network of family, friends and acquaintences.Social media makes it so easy to tap your personal network and develop it.Unfortunately, many are afraid to approach their network - which often means you're NOT proud of what you are doing or lack confidence and don't want to screw someone you know over.

Learn where that quality lies in quantity, then develop a road map to that location (or locations).  

At 5 properties, if you intend to purchase more, I would highly recommend investing in legitimate software and getting things in place that way when you do scale up, you aren't wasting time trying to fumble and understand the mechanics of how everything works etc.Stessa is free, and Buildium fees vary depending on your unit count but given your situation, it should be under $100 per month even with EFT transaction fees etc.

Brandon Turner is always a great read and a great resource to have around as you develop in this industry.This excerpt took me back to my student housing days and if you know anything about the industry, the A-class properties are ran like machines with some of the best training being offered to their teams.

That’s driving sustained demand for people who can design, build, and operate real infrastructure.If I were advising my own kids—or anyone thinking seriously about career durability—I’d be paying close attention to:Mechanical and electrical engineeringHVAC and thermal managementEnergy systemsWater and infrastructure tradesThese roles don’t fade when software cycles change.

One thing I always encourage my clients to do is to secure their investment legally, not just contractually.For example: where possible, I advise them to register a charge against the developer.

One thing I always encourage my clients to do is to secure their investment legally, not just contractually.For example: where possible, I advise them to register a charge against the developer.

The discussion broke investing down into seven broad profiles: Deal Maker, Wealth Builder, Lifestyle Investor, Visionary/Developer, Connector, Analytical Strategist, and Mission-Driven Investor.

It could hinder development and actually exacerbate the core issue driving housing un-affordability which is a housing shortage.