Bought a new house, now I need to make my current house a rental

[Jordan Hamm]

Hey guys!

I just agreed to buy a spec home from a builder but now I need to turn my existing house into a rental. I'm meeting with my financial advisor, realtor, and lawyer today to review everything, but I'd like to hear from some experience REIs on what you would do!

I'll be closing on the new house in mid-late February, so best case scenario I'd be able to rent my current house March starting 1st. (Maybe April 1st is better since it'll be a better rental season?) I've already determined the targeted rent and have included all expenses from maintenance, cap ex, and vacancies, etc. I'm debating whether or not to use a PM company since this is my first foray into land lording, but I'm fairly handy and have a father-in-law who is a general contractor. My property is only 7 years old and I'd be less than 1 mile away also.

I know I still need to contact my insurance company about land lording rates. But what else would you guys do to start getting the property ready to be rented? Any insights would be great!

Thanks!