How many properties can one person manage themselves?

[Justin Wood]

I am getting ready to start a property management company. I have a real estate broker and this is the next logical step to grow my business and my rental portfolio. One of my agents will be running the property management. 

How many properties do you think one person can manage on their own? 50? 100? 200?

[Daniel Reyes]

Hi Justin,

Thank you for posting! And congratulations on venturing out and starting your own management company.

Typically, this will range based on several factors - a couple of which will be: 1) your vendor relationships and, 2) your property management software. Your ability to leverage your vendor relationships and get cost-effective and quick,/reliable service will make an impression on tenants and owners alike. Your software of choice, if properly utilized, will facilitate the flow of communication between all of your stakeholders, and provide the opportunity to build streamlined services. There are companies that have property managers and then some who have opted to title these roles "portfolio managers" (managing one client's investment property portfolio perhaps), ranging from 50 to 200+ properties. This varies based on talent, proximity, etc.

Historically, single-family rental property management has been a challenge to scale for many reasons, but it can be done. Plan well, and don't give all of your business services to one, institutional investor ;).

Please feel at liberty to contact me directly if you would like more help and to continue the conversation. I wish you well, Justin.

All the best,

Daniel Reyes