making the decision to manage my first 2 SFH - 25 y/o

[Mark Rosenberg]

Hey all,

I've done it. I have made the commitment to myself to manage my first two SFH and not hire a property manager. Before I ask my questions here are some initial details about me:

- I am really just not a handy person. I can about change a lightbulb and take out screws

- I work 10-11 hour days

- I live 1.5 hours from the properties

- They are 3b2b about 1540 Sq. Ft.

- My why behind choosing to manage them myself is because I'm genuinely interested in the challenge, even (when) if it comes with mistakes. Oh, and cash flow increase

My understanding and goals in doing so:

- Find quality tenants, with a strong due diligence process

- Build relationships with as many resources as possible to find "my guys or girls" (contractors, ect.) in the area

- Keep the properties in upstanding condition (I've read monthly check-ins might be worthy to show tenants I care about the properties?)

Now to my questions. With my (rough) understanding of what it takes to be a successful manager, being not exactly around the corner from the properties, I wanted to ask you all:

- If there is anything I can do ahead of closing in a couple months to prepare myself to hit the ground running

- If I missed anything critical in the above you'd like to bring to my attention

- Any significant mistakes you made that someone in my position can learn from off the bat

Thanks all. I know this post is very general but honestly any words of wisdom helps. Happy new year!

Mark

[Mark Rosenberg]

@Daniel Haberkost @Tracy Streich

Gentlemen - appreciate you taking the time to answer and stress the importance of tenant screening.

To answer your question Daniel - I've roughly read through this, but need to do so in deeper detail:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

"The ultimate tenant screening infographic" is pretty helpful, so going to use that as a baseline. Anything you'd like to add on top of that or anything you'd do differently than that?