I would like to start a discussion and/or get input from you all on a decision I've been back and forth on: buying an existing property management company or growing organically.There are a couple of threads on management company valuation with very helpful opinions, but none seem to address the purchase of an established, fully-functional, long-tenured property management operation.

                                     Negotiate from a Position of StrengthThe old “Poor Mouthing the Offer” which some buyer agents still recommend is an outdated & flawed strategy, especiallyin a seller’s market.

When I began this process about 6 months ago, I made one most important decision.

I know at the end of the day it’s my decision to pull the trigger on an investment property but I want to make sure I’m a little prepared before I go in.  

I would say, figure out what your end game and tailor your decision to that. 

It's probably pure data-mining for them, which leads to their decisions on whether or not to buy in a particular neighborhood.I'm not sure if there is a long-term play for these companies if/when interest rates rise to a point where the model is unsustainable.  

And that in spite of very poor 2007 peak-current price performance of -23%.

However, the cheapest one may end up costing you more money in the long run due to poor management.

I would make a decision quick if I were you, if he puts it on the market at that price I would imagine you would have some competition.

That would have been the smart business decision as opposed to taking advantage of their mistakes.