Negotiating PM rate and services.

[Michael Healy]

Hi landlords, I'm fixing to be a long distance (2.5 hours away) landlord for 14 units. I'm starting to consider using a property management firm at least for the first year or two. (How) do you negotiate the rate? Most firms are quoting 10% What if you actually do want to learn the ropes? Can one negotiate a "low lift " rate that would have me doing most of the leasing (for properties that have near 100% occupancy)? I'm thinking I might just need a firm to handle maintenance requests and advise on capital improvements. I actually don't want to delegate all the business functions to a firm. Would love any suggestions for how to get the essential services I'm looking for at a lower rate. I suppose I could just ask? MH