How does the property management industry do in a downturn?

[Shaun Roark]

I am looking at getting out of commercial construction management and into something more related to real estate investment (particularly buy and hold rentals). I am looking towards property management. I am wondering how this industry does in a downturn.  I'm thinking that it probably does okay because more people might be renting their homes instead of buying in a downturn, but it would be nice to hear from someone with actual experience in this industry.

2nd question: what kind of licenses would be more likely to get me hired and for a higher salary starting off, and what kind of salary could I expect? I am in Texas, where I believe that somewhere in the company, someone needs to have a real estate license license to be a property manager, but not necessarily everyone, akin to how a bunch of workers can work on electrical systems in a structure as long as they are working under a licensed electrician.

Any info would be very helpful, as I'm just beginning my research on this.

[Jay Hinrichs]

Originally posted by @Dawn Brenengen:

@Jay Hinrichs We have had an influx of emails from our property owners, but so far, they have all been to proactively say they want to work with tenants if they are having any financial trouble.  It's actually been really heartwarming to see the response so far.

Ya a month ago I made a post on BP what would you do.. and of course 75% of those on BP who answered did so with the 

NO PAY NO STAY or we are not a charity  or we are a profit business or its not our issue etc etc.. Now of course when they realize this is a world wide issue attitudes have changed..  I suggested back then one would want to be proactive to save GOOD tenants.. not Tenants that are problem childs but GOOD tenants.. and we are seeing that now