Business Page
The DIY Landlord
Agent
4.7 stars
162 Reviews
About us
The DIY Landlord includes an educational book and landlord forms package. More resources are in the works! Author Description Nathan Gesner is a seasoned property manager with over 15 years of experience managing a diverse portfolio that includes residential rentals, self-storage units, and short-term rentals. Known for his contributions to property management discussions on platforms like BiggerPockets, Nathan uses his extensive background to teach landlords how to manage their investments well, protecting their property, income, time, and sanity. Book Summary The DIY Landlord is a comprehensive guide for rental property owners, especially those looking to manage their investments without hiring a property manager. The author covers the critical aspects of self-management, from setting up lease agreements and screening tenants to dealing with maintenance, evictions, and property inspections. He emphasizes the importance of detailed documentation, clear communication, and consistent enforcement of lease terms to minimize tenant disputes and protect rental income. The author presents real-life scenarios and strategies for navigating common challenges, like tenant screenings, handling security deposits, and managing tenant expectations. He also provides guidance on local landlord-tenant laws and explains how to avoid common pitfalls that can result in significant financial losses. The book encourages landlords to remain proactive, stay organized, and continually educate themselves on real estate laws and property management practices. Key Quotes 1. On Managing Well: "A well-managed investment will rent faster, make more money, have less turnover, and eventually sell for a higher price." 2. On Landlord Boundaries: "Set boundaries with your tenants, or they will call you at 9 p.m. on a Saturday asking permission to plant tulips when their question could easily wait until the next business day." 3. On Consistency: "If you make exceptions to your rules, the tenant may see you as weak and try to take advantage of you." 4. On Proactive Learning: "If you wait until a problem arises before you learn how to manage it, you will always be behind."
Specialties
Commercial
Multi-Family (5+ units)
Office/Retail
Mobile Home Parks
Self-Storage
Residential
Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family Rental
Primary Residence
Multi-Family (2-4 units)
Fix & Flip
Land
Short Term Rental
New Construction
Reviews (162)
4.7 stars
162 Reviews
4.7 stars
160 Reviews
5.0 stars
2 Reviews
5.0 stars
3 days ago
Reviewed by
Ronda Seiler
Nicole Baggs has been wonderful at being our property manager. We live out of state and she has kept us up to date on the status of our house that she is managing. I have confidence that Nicole will continue to be awesome.
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Josh Velte
We work professionally with American West. They are a forward thinking organization that actively works to put their clients best interest ahead of their own. Keep up the good work!
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Ashley Simonelli
I have owned investment properties for decades but I have to admit I am quite impressed with Nathan and American West. Their professionalism and knowledge is only matched by their communications. If you are looking for good property manager, this is the place.
5.0 stars
3 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Joyce Zimdahl
I recently moved into my rental and the entire process was a breeze! They walked me through from start to finish and the home was move-in ready for me! Look no further than American West Realty and Management!
5.0 stars
a month ago
Reviewed by
Ken Lee
Nicole is a great realtor! She cares about her clients needs and works tirelessly to insure they are met. We loved looking at homes with her she is knowledgeable and just plain fun to hang out with. The only downside to The wonderful new home she helped us find is that we won’t get to drive around the county and look at houses with her anymore! At least not until we get some rental properties someday hopefully sooner rather than later!
5.0 stars
a month ago
Reviewed by
Courtney Parks
I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding work of American West Realty and Management. As a fellow property management professional, I have had the opportunity to observe their exceptional service and professionalism. Their team stands out for their deep expertise in property management and proactive approach to addressing challenges. Their ability to communicate effectively and promptly is impressive. I highly recommend American West Realty and Management for any property management needs. Their dedication and exceptional service set them apart as leaders in the field.
5.0 stars
3 months ago
Reviewed by
Andy Morris
I was bummed that I didn't own any property there in Cody and that American West Realty woudln't be willing to serve me. Yet I will say Mr Gesner has been more than helpful and for that I feel obligated to write him and his company a 5 star review. I can see his current review score is well earned. He is a true value adder as is his entire company.
5.0 stars
4 months ago
Reviewed by
Jennifer Coleman
Thanks for giving me your time Nathan! As a fellow property manager, it really helped to hear your experience with Obligo. I've struggled with making a choice on this product for months on end because I didn't have a way to reason it out. I needed to talk to someone else in the business to finally realize that I don't need the product after all. You gave a great perspective and user experience. Sigh of relief to put it behind me. Thanks for your advice. I'll pay it forward.
7 months ago
Reviewed by
Rob Cook
I have known, worked with and relied heavily upon Nathan and his team at American West Realty, for nearly a decade. I have him manage any and every one of my rentals within his service area, and essentially now, will not buy a property if he is not available to manage it for me! I think that says it all.
We have done many deals together, with him as my agent, and many times as the seller's listing agent.
Nathan has brought many great properties to my attention which I have bought and still hold as long term rentals under his management.
The latest, which I am just completing the renovation of now in Oct 2019, made me a $300K profit in less than a year. Now, this 8-unit property is another of my long term holds managed by Nathan (1801 Central Ave in Cody WY).
I rely heavily on Nathan's counsel, advice and deal-finding services, as well as his excellent property management.
He has contributed significantly to my wealth, happiness and longevity in the rental real estate game here in Cody and Powell, WY.
5.0 stars
7 months ago
Reviewed by
Will Fraser
Nathan, the captain of Am West Realty & Management, defined "give give give and know that you are more blessed to give than to received.
He has constantly sharpened his axe and used that axe to bless his clients AND the BP community.
Thanks to him I'm now even aware of another market to invest in and what makes that market a successful one!
7 months ago
Reviewed by
Rob Cook
I have known, worked with and relied heavily upon Nathan and his team at American West Realty, for nearly a decade. I have him manage any and every one of my rentals within his service area, and essentially now, will not buy a property if he is not available to manage it for me! I think that says it all.
We have done many deals together, with him as my agent, and many times as the seller's listing agent.
Nathan has brought many great properties to my attention which I have bought and still hold as long term rentals under his management.
The latest, which I am just completing the renovation of now in Oct 2019, made me a $300K profit in less than a year. Now, this 8-unit property is another of my long term holds managed by Nathan (1801 Central Ave in Cody WY).
I rely heavily on Nathan's counsel, advice and deal-finding services, as well as his excellent property management.
He has contributed significantly to my wealth, happiness and longevity in the rental real estate game here in Cody and Powell, WY.
5.0 stars
7 months ago
Reviewed by
Will Fraser
Nathan, the captain of Am West Realty & Management, defined "give give give and know that you are more blessed to give than to received.
He has constantly sharpened his axe and used that axe to bless his clients AND the BP community.
Thanks to him I'm now even aware of another market to invest in and what makes that market a successful one!
5.0 stars
3 days ago
Reviewed by
Ronda Seiler
Nicole Baggs has been wonderful at being our property manager. We live out of state and she has kept us up to date on the status of our house that she is managing. I have confidence that Nicole will continue to be awesome.
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Josh Velte
We work professionally with American West. They are a forward thinking organization that actively works to put their clients best interest ahead of their own. Keep up the good work!
5.0 stars
2 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Ashley Simonelli
I have owned investment properties for decades but I have to admit I am quite impressed with Nathan and American West. Their professionalism and knowledge is only matched by their communications. If you are looking for good property manager, this is the place.
5.0 stars
3 weeks ago
Reviewed by
Joyce Zimdahl
I recently moved into my rental and the entire process was a breeze! They walked me through from start to finish and the home was move-in ready for me! Look no further than American West Realty and Management!
5.0 stars
a month ago
Reviewed by
Ken Lee
Nicole is a great realtor! She cares about her clients needs and works tirelessly to insure they are met. We loved looking at homes with her she is knowledgeable and just plain fun to hang out with. The only downside to The wonderful new home she helped us find is that we won’t get to drive around the county and look at houses with her anymore! At least not until we get some rental properties someday hopefully sooner rather than later!
5.0 stars
a month ago
Reviewed by
Courtney Parks
I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding work of American West Realty and Management. As a fellow property management professional, I have had the opportunity to observe their exceptional service and professionalism. Their team stands out for their deep expertise in property management and proactive approach to addressing challenges. Their ability to communicate effectively and promptly is impressive. I highly recommend American West Realty and Management for any property management needs. Their dedication and exceptional service set them apart as leaders in the field.
5.0 stars
3 months ago
Reviewed by
Andy Morris
I was bummed that I didn't own any property there in Cody and that American West Realty woudln't be willing to serve me. Yet I will say Mr Gesner has been more than helpful and for that I feel obligated to write him and his company a 5 star review. I can see his current review score is well earned. He is a true value adder as is his entire company.
5.0 stars
4 months ago
Reviewed by
Jennifer Coleman
Thanks for giving me your time Nathan! As a fellow property manager, it really helped to hear your experience with Obligo. I've struggled with making a choice on this product for months on end because I didn't have a way to reason it out. I needed to talk to someone else in the business to finally realize that I don't need the product after all. You gave a great perspective and user experience. Sigh of relief to put it behind me. Thanks for your advice. I'll pay it forward.
