How to plan for property manager transition to self management?

[Matt Sullivan]

Hi, this is my first post. I have looked through the forums for advice on the above question but was hoping for more advice, pitfalls to be aware or things members whom have gone through this transition wish they would have done but didn't before the transition from property manager to self management.

My wife and I own ~80 units spread out over 6 buildings.  We are trying to get our portfolio more profitable and are tired of all the fees beyond the management fee that are impacting returns. The property management company has been professional but we need to make more money. We are OK to trade our time to self manage (for the time being). Our buildings under current management will be terminated one by one over the next 6 months (we don't have one date for contract renewal for all buildings which seems was a mistake now).

I would love advice on how to form a plan from anyone that has done this before to take over this portfolio in a way that is the least disruptive for tenants and smoothest for us, most importantly not impacting revenue. I have signed up with Buildium and am in the beginning stages of setting up that property management system.  I am worried about many big and small issues like; getting a website set up (any recommendations or anyone interested?), accounting set up, lease transfer, payment processing, getting the photos of the units back since we paid the property management firm to hire a photographer for us, parking signs, etc.  

Any advice on any of the following: (1) a transition plan, (2) things I might easily miss doing, (3) actions you wish you would have taken before the transition to self management and (4) mistakes made and lessons learned.

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts.