To Use a Leasing Company or Not?

[Josh Hollin]

Hey BP!

First post. My wife and I bought our first home earlier this year in North Richland Hills, TX. It was going to be a 10-year property for us and we were looking to buy a duplex in the area. But, life had different plans.

Just accepted a new position with a company that is based on the east coast mostly and might have an opening in San Antonio. Either way, we will not have roots in the DFW area much longer.

My question is - do you think a leasing company is worth it? My wife is a realtor so we could list it for rent on the MLS ourselves. Wouldn't be getting a lot of add for them listing it. But, with us being so far away, I'm afraid to not have much structure on the ground to help handle repairs and other tenant issues. The leasing company I'm looking at will take 10% of the rent each month (~$200/month). Factoring that cost and our mortgage, we would still be cashflowing the property by about $200 a month. We are open to leasing company suggestions and any other comments/concerns you might have. Thanks!