Overwhelmed First-Time Landlord Seeking Advice

[MIke Brady]

Hi everyone,

I converted my former primary residence into a rental property. Financially, it's been a sound decision, but mentally, it's taking a toll on me. I constantly feel like I'm 'on call'. Even though my tenant is low-maintenance and the property itself rarely needs urgent attention, I can't seem to shake off the anxiety. It's like there's a background process in my mind always running, always alert for a possible call or issue that might arise.

I work remotely in a demanding job, and I value my free time deeply, especially given the flexibility of my profession. However, this constant mental load about the rental property is eating into my peace of mind. I'm always anticipating a problem, always planning for a scenario where I might have to drop everything and address an issue. 

What strategies or tools do you seasoned landlords use to manage this kind of stress? Are there any mindset shifts or practical tips that can help me feel less like I'm perpetually 'on duty'? Is hiring a property management company the only way out, or are there other ways to manage these responsibilities effectively without it consuming my thoughts?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to learning from your experiences.