DIY Landlord 2 month vacation - Property manager?

[Michael M.]

Small time landlords out there, when you go away, what do you do?

I have two 2 family houses in the same neighborhood (I live in one), and I want to leave the country for 2 months. 

I don't need a property manager when I'm here... and I'm wondering if I really need one while I am away for two months.  

I have a super that takes out the trash 3X per week, and I'm setting up a camera system.  Rent payment is done electronically and all my tenants pay on time.  I have a handyman who can fix pretty much anything if I give him a day or two notice.  My phone will work while I'm gone, so my tenants can get in touch with me if they need to and I can call repairmen from abroad if necessary.

Am I forgetting about anything major?  I'm always imagining that I need to be near my properties for them to function, but in reality I really don't need to do much very often.

In a situation like this, would you spring for a property manager for two months, or would you just wing it and hope for the best?

[Joe Splitrock]

Originally posted by @Michael M.:

Small time landlords out there, when you go away, what do you do?

I have two 2 family houses in the same neighborhood (I live in one), and I want to leave the country for 2 months. 

I don't need a property manager when I'm here... and I'm wondering if I really need one while I am away for two months.  

I have a super that takes out the trash 3X per week, and I'm setting up a camera system.  Rent payment is done electronically and all my tenants pay on time.  I have a handyman who can fix pretty much anything if I give him a day or two notice.  My phone will work while I'm gone, so my tenants can get in touch with me if they need to and I can call repairmen from abroad if necessary.

Am I forgetting about anything major?  I'm always imagining that I need to be near my properties for them to function, but in reality I really don't need to do much very often.

In a situation like this, would you spring for a property manager for two months, or would you just wing it and hope for the best?

 It sounds like you have most everything covered. Ask the handyman if you can rely on them to be your "eyes on the ground" in the event you need to send someone over. Another option is talk to a fellow local landlord and ask if they will help out in a pinch. Let them know you would do the same. Make sure someone has a copy of keys to access the properties in the event of an emergency.