All Forum Posts by: Amanda Palmer

Hey fellow investors,

I've scrolled around and checked out a few previous posts on this topic, but still feel everyone has a different definition of self-management. I see some folks claiming to self-manage 100 to 200+ properties. I'm at 23 units among 7 buildings, and there is just no way we are managing the same way. I'm curious if there are other people out there like me who self-manage by definition of doing almost everything yourself. As the subject states, "boots on the ground" is exactly how I'm doing this. Tenants have my phone number; I respond to trivial handyman things myself, like my ceiling fan cord broke, blinds replacement, patching holes after plumbers, lighting pilot lights when the weather turns, keeping common areas clean, and all the rehab and turnovers 100% me (flooring, painting, tile, refinishing hardwood, installing new kitchens, toilets, lighting, outlets, everything). I do hire out HVAC, plumbing, electrical when I need to and I'm so grateful for the network of contractors we now rely on for that. Otherwise, it's all me. Are there other people out there doing this, too? Or am I absolutely insane? I'd really like to delegate. While I don't have a full-time job (my husband does), this is not meant to be my full-time job.

If you are doing it 100% yourself, how many units are you covering? Is this sustainable? Do you have a handyman you like to call?

If you are managing 50+ "by yourself" please explain. I'm genuinely curious to how you're working smarter.

Great idea! Thank you. I’ll look into this.

Recommendations on affordable internet providers in Cincinnati to connect my Ring floodlight camera.

I have two side-by-side four families with a shared parking area in the back. The camera is mounted, and I was previously using a Internet connection from a tenant who requested the camera in the first place. Now that he has moved out, I need to provide the Internet connection myself. I am not comfortable asking any of the other tenants; I like to keep things separate. I received quotes from Altafiber and spectrum, averaging $60-$75 a month. I looked into T-Mobile and Verizon, but they are not offering it in that neighborhood. Are there any other internet resources you know of that could be $30-$50/m? Thanks!

Yes, if he had to reinforce the flange, that’s definitely worth it. If he just replaced the wax ring, it would eventually leak into the ceiling below and seep onto the joists. He could have also just caulked around the base of the toilet, ultimately buying time but the problem would still persist. I think it’s a fair price considering without the repair, it would a $1000+ job in a few months. 

Hey! So, you did the right thing by calling pest control when the tenant said there was an issue. At the same time, I would have probably suggested looking at it in person or paying for some big killer spray, even the “safe” kind. It sucks that there were no pests and you have to pay for treatment. Is there anything in the lease that mentions pest control? In mine, it states I will pay for pest control services of mice, ants, silverfish, etc but not for bed bugs or fleas. The property must be kept orderly, food put away, trash sealed and taken out, things sorted properly etc. I would have her sign an addendum for future pest control issues so it’s clear. For now, I think paying the $225 is an expensive lesson. In the future, see if you can go see it in person first. It also sounds like the pest control company doesn’t give a crap, so maybe scout out a different one for any future needs. 

I'm looking for ways to protect my trash bins from vandalism. 

I have two 4 families side-by-side that share a driveway with garage parking in the rear of the buildings. The trash cans and recycling bins are back there as well, sitting outside. I've never had a single issue with tenants and trash; however, there are two homeless people who walk around the community and go through people's trash while the cans are on the property, not curbside. To be clear, these are class B apartments in Pleasant Ridge. Of course, I've reported this to the police, the community safety council, neighbors, etc... My properties are not the only ones. The homeless people are searching for anything they can pawn, sell, recycle. They pull trash out and leave it on the ground, often times bringing trash from other places with them and leaving that there, too. 

I have a security camera installed with a siren option that I've used while they are present. They do not care. Broad daylight for 4am in the rain. They want to dig through the trash and leave it a mess. 

I'm looking for options to secure and lock up my bins. I have 13 total (9 trash and 4 recycling). If you have properties with locked trash, please share what this looks like and how it all works. I'm willing to invest or DIY -- I also want to keep things simple for my tenants, if possible. I don't think the police are going to put an end to this, so I want to eliminate the possibility all together. Photos and links help!

Looking for some recommendations to finish a rehab project in Norwood. I’ve personally taken it about 50% of the way, but cannot manage the rest on my own. Looking for someone to do the kitchen installation, bathroom installation, hang a couple of interior doors and set some baseboards. Open to painting as well. Ready to hire! Thanks.

For tenants like this, I always give them the option to leave. If they are not happy there, say they have 60 days to vacate and have them sign a break-lease agreement. Bye!

@Adam Walter wonderful! I just checked out the link from the OP and read that I would not be able to represent myself in this situation. Please look for a PM. Thanks!

@Adam Walter thank you so much for that breakdown. I'm facing a similar situation with an inherited tenant. I'm hoping to try the cash for keys scenario first. But could you please recommend your attorney? In this particular situation, the property owner is out of the country until late September; would I be better off hiring an attorney in this instance versus representing myself?