From the liability/asset protection side always use licensed and insured vendors, build out a robust contract management system, make sure the owner is always listed as additional insured.

I"m a big fan of Xero as an alternative QuickBooks for rentals mainly due to much lower cost and still having a robust accounting software.

Another route would be a home equity loan, which functions like a second mortgage, providing you with a lump sum at a fixed rate and payments.Each option depends on your goals and the terms offered, so it's important to evaluate which fits your situation best.

Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function.

The platform is heavily supported by AI, offering insights that go beyond tenant retention, including tenant health scores, engagement analytics, maintenance efficiency, payment patterns, and property performance comparisons.RentKeep integrates with property management systems like Buildium and AppFolio, functioning as parallel software to help property managers truly understand the data behind their properties.

Once you have a short list, get an account with each one and run them through the wringer to see how they really function.

But suburbs are very robust for us new home builders. it is coming back slowly but it will come back if the city just gets their act together with law and order. which is starting to happen the ultra liberal politicians are losing local elections.

You’ll see the same names pop up to answer complicated questions though I don’t know how hard it would be to hire them for just this function. 

Oh and by the way, yes I tried the manual function where you put in all of the acct and routing #s yourself through the system.

When starting out, I think you should at least be able to get to your property several times within the first couple of years to en reasonable amousure everything is set up and functioning properly.