Small multi family and property manager

[Keith Johnson]

Can a small multi family building generate enough income to hire a good property manager a 2 to 5 unit property 

[Zachary Ware]

You can certainly find good reasons to hire a property manager for a small multifamily property. Whether to use a property manager on your property depends on your specific goals and preferences.

Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Time Commitment: Determine the level of involvement you desire in your investment. Managing a small multifamily property can be time-consuming, requiring tenant communication, property visits, and marketing efforts. Assess if you have the availability and willingness to handle these responsibilities yourself.

2. Profitability: If maximizing cash flow is a primary goal, self-management may be worth considering. Property managers typically charge fees based on the Effective Gross Income (EGI) of the property, which can impact your returns. Running the numbers and accounting for PM fees during the deal analysis stage is crucial to ensure the property remains profitable.

3. Scalability: If you plan to expand your real estate portfolio, having a property manager becomes essential to your team. They can ensure smooth operations, allowing you to focus on acquiring more properties and growing your portfolio. This is particularly important when investing out of state. 

Ultimately, the decision to hire a property manager depends on your individual circumstances and investment objectives. Assessing the time commitment, evaluating profitability with and without a property manager, and considering your future growth plans will help you determine if a property manager is necessary at your stage.