Best way to collect rent with 1 property

[Nick Furukawa]

Hello, I am looking to purchase my first investment property by the end of the year. I am learning how to effectively landlord and do not want to rely on a property manager for my first property. I will be a little under an hour away from the city I am looking to buy the property in. I was wondering what would be the best way to collect rent. Should I pay around $20/month to have a website that tenants can pay rent and request maintenance through? Would this cost be a tax deduction? Should I have the tenants mail their rent every month? Do I need to set up a PO box and would I be likely to receive rent late often if it was through the mail? 

[Tim Miller]

@Nick Furukawa Good luck with finding your first property. It may be a little challenging but you'll get it. As for rent collecting, you can use Zillow, Apartments.com or Innago all are easy to setup for the Landlord and Tenant. Stay away from PO box, you'll hear "the checks in the mail" when they never sent it. Save your $20 for a website and focus on getting your first, second & 3rd rental property. Let Apartments.com, Zillow, Zumper & Realtor.com be your website to advertise any vacancies. 

Other things you'll want to line up, a lawyer, a CPA for tax filings (not unless you know tax law), contractor, Electrician and a plumber. Good Luck!