How much can you trust a property manager???

[RJ Jackson]

How do I find a GOOD property manager. What questions should I ask? Where should I look? How do I know he/she is trustworthy? The reason I ask is because I want to be as hands off as possible so much that I do not even realize that I have a rental property. I know that's exaggerating but just trying to explain my desire. Is it possible to find a manager that is trustworthy enough or as a owner I still have to be very involved?

[Thomas S.]

I trust only in my ability to manage and oversee a PM.

You will always need to be hands on involved in managing your PM. You will need regular reports and communication with them to insure they are following all your guide lines. You should be involved in selecting tenants, insuring all maintenance is done to your standard and all money is being wisely spent, you should be involved as much as possible in any eviction proceedings.

Investors should never allow their business to operate on auto pilot. You should know all your state landlord tenant regulations and be able to do all the items listed in Kim's post before you can consider yourself competent enough to manage a PM.