Managing properties while on deployment (Navy)

[Phillip Tamez]

Hey BiggerPockets! I am active duty Navy here in Mayport, FL. I've been in these forums for a while now and recently just purchased my first property. This is a future investment property being that I am currently living in it as when I move will eventually rent it out while doing some minor rehab fixes here and there (a semi BRRRR).

So I have a quick question for anybody in the military, Navy specifically. How do you manage your properties while you’re on deployment? Sometimes we can be on a ship or poor service areas for long periods of time, so I was wondering how you deal with situations such as trouble calls and any questions the tenant and/or property management has (if that’s your route for managing properties)? I feel like being unreachable could hinder performance and reputation of problems go unsolved.

I know I said Navy specifically because of being on a ship but anybody who has insight on this please feel free the chime in! Look forward to hearing anything you have to say. Thanks!

[David Hutson]

@Phillip Tamez,

I'm in the Army but have deployed to places where I am out of contact for awhile.  I'd strongly recommend a property manager while you are gone.  I managed several homes during my deployment and I wanted to ensure the tenants had a good experience. 

There are two reasons for this:

1.  If there is an issue, such as a major water leak, a/c or heat goes out, etc, what will your tenant do?  A water leak could lead to lead to significant damage and I'd bet your tenant doesn't know a good plumber or person who can repair the damage.  That's just one example of an issue.  Also, what are you going to do or who will you call from the ship?  

2.  You want the tenants to have a good experience.  If they have to do your job and take care of the home they may not be ok with it.  They may have to take time off work or miss other events to fix your home.  Most people will understand you are serving our country and deployed but won't want to create more issues for them.  That could lead to a tenant moving out, maybe while you are gone.

Later, after you have a great support team in place that you know, have used and trust you could consider managing from away but the tenants need someone reliable to call when they can't reach you.  That person needs to be able to make or authorize repairs, serve notices or handle tenant issues.