Hire a PM company but still personally screen tenants?

[Eric C.]

Is there any way to have a property management company handle the midnight calls, the routine maintenance, the drama, the toilets, the yard, and everything like that... but personally handle the tenant screening and application process/documentation?
The reason is because I feel I can do a good job of tenant screening and organized documentation of everything. Not only that I [i]prefer to pick the tenants and make sure we're A OKAY on legal everything to avoid discrimination suits.

[Dave M.]

Happy to help Eric!
Cost for a maintenance person I have no idea. Perhaps you could find someone local who currently does this for several owners.

My 2 property managers charge 8 & 10% of collected rents. I don't pay any fee for them placing a tenant but this is common based on reading other posts, like Ned Carey mentioned. They also deduct maintenance costs.

If you turn over an already occupied unit and the PM is getting 8-10% just to collect a check each month and call a maintenance person when necessary that is pretty steep. That's why I suggested the maintenance idea.

Your strategy of choosing tenants yourself is sound, nobody will look out for your investment as you will. As far as what is normal, I'm not certain. If I had to guess if you said you'd pay a management company and then do their work for them they'd be ecstatic.

Try calling a couple PMs in your area and see what they have to say. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate for fewer services.