Specialties:
Fix & Flip, Land, Mobile Home Parks, Multi-Family (2-4 units), Multi-Family (5+ units), New Construction, Office/Retail, Primary Residence, Self-Storage, Short Term Rental, Single-Family Rental, Townhouse/Condo
The DIY Landlord includes an educational book and landlord forms package. More resources are in the works!
Author Description
Nathan Gesner is a seasoned property manager with over 15 years of experience managing a diverse portfolio that includes residential rentals, self-storage units, and short-term rentals. Known for his contributions to property management discussions on platforms like BiggerPockets, Nathan uses his extensive background to teach landlords how to manage their investments well, protecting their property, income, time, and sanity.
Book Summary
The DIY Landlord is a comprehensive guide for rental property owners, especially those looking to manage their investments without hiring a property manager. The author covers the critical aspects of self-management, from setting up lease agreements and screening tenants to dealing with maintenance, evictions, and property inspections. He emphasizes the importance of detailed documentation, clear communication, and consistent enforcement of lease terms to minimize tenant disputes and protect rental income.
The author presents real-life scenarios and strategies for navigating common challenges, like tenant screenings, handling security deposits, and managing tenant expectations. He also provides guidance on local landlord-tenant laws and explains how to avoid common pitfalls that can result in significant financial losses. The book encourages landlords to remain proactive, stay organized, and continually educate themselves on real estate laws and property management practices.
Key Quotes
1. On Managing Well: "A well-managed investment will rent faster, make more money, have less turnover, and eventually sell for a higher price."
2. On Landlord Boundaries: "Set boundaries with your tenants, or they will call you at 9 p.m. on a Saturday asking permission to plant tulips when their question could easily wait until the next business day."
3. On Consistency: "If you make exceptions to your rules, the tenant may see you as weak and try to take advantage of you."
4. On Proactive Learning: "If you wait until a problem arises before you learn how to manage it, you will always be behind."