Max Capacity: How many properties can one person manage?

[Ted Kawabata]

Hi BP! I'm sure I'll get a range of responses for this. And I understand that larger scale operations increase their capacity by having teammates handle specialized roles (maintenance, bookkeeping, etc).

But I'm curious... if I start my own Property Management business... how many units can I manage before I go crazy? 50? 100? 200?!

Would love to hear from others on when they "hit tilt." And what range people think of as an ideal and "manageable" load for one person.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Ted Kawabata]

A little harsh there, Dick. But no worries. I catch your meaning.

I currently work as a full time property manager in Honolulu, leasing out mostly condos and apartments in Waikiki and the McCully area. Myself and one other manager take care of about 180 units. We have a full-time bookkeeper that handles all the accounting. But we are very low-tech, and limited by management and circumstances in terms of implementing a database or other common tools for the modern age. We handle our 180 just fine, but not much extra time on our hands. It’s hard to imagine going after a new client with a 20-40 unit apartment building. That’s why I ask ed the original question about capacity.

Anyway, this chatter has been helpful. Especially Kim’s responses above. Thanks for all who have shared their thoughts!