Seeking Advice on Managing Out-of-State MTR Properties

[Gregory Murphy]

Hello BP,

I currently own and self-manage two long-term rental properties in different states. Recently, I’ve been seriously considering acquiring a property for short-term rental (MTR) purposes in the Kansas City Metro area. Given my background with managing out-of-state properties, I’m confident that I can apply my skills to the MTR space, but I wanted to reach out to the forums to gather insights from anyone who manages an MTR property out of state.

While I don’t foresee significant hurdles with managing an MTR remotely—provided I have the right local connections and a solid team in place (which I do)—I’m always open to learning more from others who have navigated this path.

If you’re an out-of-state MTR investor or have experience with remote property management, I would love to hear about any tips, strategies, or lessons learned that you can share. Whether it’s about streamlining operations, managing guest communication, or local regulations, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your time and insights.

[Bonnie Low]

Hi, Gregory - I manage my CA MTRs from my home in NC. You're definitely on the right track if you're already an experienced MTR host. It is not exponentially harder to manage them from out of state, especially if you already have a track record, you're using systems and you have your team in place. Those are really the key items that make it challenging when you don't have them. Your cleaner may be able to handle your turnovers, although you should pay them more for doing so because it takes considerably more time to clean AND restock and re-stage the property for your guests. You also want to make sure their attention to detail is on par with yours so your guests are walking into an optimal setup. You can hire a property manager, but if you do, you're going to want to find someone with specific experience managing MTR properties and happy clients to show for it.

I find that maintenance is the most challenging item. If you have a trusted handy person, you can ask them to walk the property upon guest check out to look for things like leaks, cracks, structural damages, heavy wear and tear on appliances, etc. They may also be able to help you develop a scope of work for repairs and maintenance and can probably do the work as well. I would recommend you at least get on a face time video and/or require photos before any work is scheduled.

Lastly, we often think of managing from afar as an all-or-nothing experience, but it doesn't have to be. I travel to my properties a couple of times per year and I do try to schedule it around turnovers if possible. I like to get my eyes and hands on the properties as frequently as I can. And then my trip is a business expense!

Bottom line: it's definitely do-able and it sounds like you're in a great position to do it!