Feasibility of starting property management business in Bay Area

[Ron Steckly]

Hi all,

I've been renting and managing properties for years (my own).  Recently, I was laid off from my corporate job and frankly really do not want to go back to cubicle life and having a single boss.

While I've read that property management is not very appealing to people, in my experience, many do not do it well.  I've had to parachute in with my own properties quite a bit over the years and have been astounded at the issues.  I have a lot of experience dealing with contractors, etc.

So, I was thinking it might make sense to start a property management business--especially with my experience as a small landlord.

I live in Oakland, Ca--which as many of you know--is a really high rental market, which I imagine attracts quite a bit of property managers.   I'm wondering how likely it is to break into that space, assuming I handled the credentialing issues.

Thanks,

Ron

[Arlen Chou]

@Ron Steckly people are always looking for good PM's.  With that being said Oakland is a tough town for newbies.  Are you ok with working in deep East Oakland?  Being fluent in Spanish would be a great tool.  You also need to have a line on good sub contractors for all of the repairs, unless you are planning to do it.  I am not trying to discourage you, I am just trying to keep it real...

Good luck,

Arlen