To manage or not to manage? Or what if I just...?

[Jonathan Perez]

So I was thinking about cutting off my PM and managing the other unit in my duplex myself. I figured since it's only 1 unit I've got to manage , I might as well go ahead and learn and do it myself and save money in the meantime till I get my 2nd property (then, I would NEED a PM) I then considered the fact that I could let my PM JUST collect rent, enforce late fees, evictions etc. I can take the work orders/requests. I assume that by taking on the work orders myself I could save a lot of money because I'd be avoiding the maintenance and repair fees my PM charges that seem to be the BIGGEST expenses I have through their service. If I decide to do this I'll just be paying them the straight 10%. What do you guys think about this idea?

[Judy Lintus]

To learn how to manage, you should read "The Book on Managing Rental Property" by Brandon & Heather Turner.  It's a must read if you want to self manage. Then you can decide if the management company is worth the money.