How many properties to self manage

[Keith Weigand]

Currently, I manage my own properties. I do factor in 10% in my analysis when purchasing properties. Just curious how many self managing investors out there manage their own properties and up to how many units?  Is there a rule of thumb for # of units you manage before sending to a professional property manager?

[Deanna McCormick]

when you say manage it comes down to how much you can do yourself,, and how close the buildings are to each other,, We had a 5 plex, and 6 plex that were about 1 mile apart, we did all the work, lawns, snow, apt turns and all leasing,, and we had another property with a 4 plex that we lived next to, all were 1 br units.... The bookwork wasn't a issue that always got done,, We turned the apartments painted, cleaned ourselves and hired help if needed. We kept track of what was going on in the buildings and our tenants were the most part good longer term tenants.. All I can say is the more spread out your buildings are the harder it is to physically get to them and time is money.. spending it driving between several SFH miles apart makes no sense to me.. I rather have a 12, 18 or 20 unit building,, its just more efficient. but we had those buildings for over 40 years..