New to Landlording in Denver - Advice?

[Garry C.]

So, I'm not completely new to landlording. I currently do short term vacation rentals with a condo in the mountains. This month, I'm closing on a 3/2 condo in Denver metro and I plan to step into long term rentals. I'm not sure if it will be easier or more difficult than the short term game, but I know it will be different.

First off, property management. I know that there are very strong opinions in both directions. For me, I'm thinking that I'll have a go at it myself and then later I can always hire a PM if I don't like it, don't have time, etc.
Anyone have thoughts on that plan?

As mentioned, I'm in Denver. This market is a bit crazy right now, and most people seem to think it's set to continue this way for another 5 years or so. What does that mean for a new landlord?
I've got a list of things I'm reading to prepare myself for this process, but if we focus on something like Brandon Turner's blog post/book 'How to Rent your House' (https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/0...), I'm wondering which parts and pieces I may want to do differently, pay special attention to, or take with a grain of salt due to my location/rental market.

Thanks in advance for any advice that you're willing to throw my direction.

[Dana Dunford]

@Garry C. - Some quick pointers:

• The most costly expense is a bad tenant: make sure you screen your tenants properly. The upfront work saves a lot of time once you have the tenant in your property.
• Maximum exposure: make sure to get your listing on all of the websites (listing), as it will provide additional demand.
• Move-in inspection: make sure to do this with the tenant's sign off, as it will help with the move-out process and security deposit refund.
• Lease: make sure to have a concrete State-specific lease.

Best of luck!

Dana