Finding property management with least fees and task based

[Ameeet Bareeek]

Hi, I have a property in another state and I wanted to get advice on managing it remotely. I have been managing this property remotely for past 5 years by traveling upon renewal time, I am pretty tech savvy, don't mind doing in DIY style and most importantly, want to continue to managing it myself, but need to reduce the traveling for showing the house while renewing the rental lease (leases are long-term - 9-24 months usually). Goal is to manage it remotely, ideally not travel at all, have some responsible person to physically show the potential tenants the house.

I have found some options and wanted to get feedback:

1. complete DIY using technology: Have a remote/reprogrammable smart lock, wifi 4G dongle with ring flying camera or some other tech that allows me to remotely show the house to potential tenants. To be safe, I take driving license and verification ahead of showing time to ensure potential tenants are legit. 

- pros: Cheapest. one-time investment into tech

- cons:  unsafe if potential tenants turn out to be a pain

2. Hire a taskrabbit or some hourly based property manager to only help me show the house and lock-in a tenant

- pros: pay for only what I need and for short-term

- cons: if tenants are hard to find, hourly cost will become expensive

3. The usual property management companies who take 5-10+%

- pros: tried and tested

- cons: expensive, status-quo

Wondering if there are any startup companies or existing apps that are trying to disrupt this property management by making it low-cost subscription based model or pay-as-you-need

Thoughts? (location: NPW)

[Scott M.]

You are about to find out if the expense of a property manager is really just a pointless expense or an investment.  Some homes/tenants are a piece of cake to manage and others are a bear.  Here is hoping you find a piece of cake.  As for your pro's and con's, I would say they are not really well thought out. I am only putting 2 minutes of attention on this but in 2 minutes.....

1. Con:  Technology doesn't always corporate.  What to do when it doesn't work as it did yesterday?  Could also be unsafe is one of the potential tenants unlock the windows/backdoor while inside and come back later and strip the joint.

2. As @John Warren asked why are you opposed to hiring a professional?  Penny wise and pound foolish in my opinion.  Again, may all work out great depending on your location, class of area, type of tenants this home attracts but might not.  

4.  Nothing listed regarding maintenance

5.  Nothing listed regarding emergencies 

Enjoy the cake!