In the first two parts of this series, we discussed how professional management can help increase income and decrease expenses. Those articles are available here:
READ PART 1 → HERE
READ PART 2 → HERE
Now let’s consider a different kind of cost — the time investment required to self-manage.
1. Time Spent Managing Tenants
Even with great tenants, rental property ownership involves:
- Coordinating repairs
- Responding to maintenance issues
- Handling renewals
- Communicating about policy changes or concerns
- Managing late payments or disputes
This constant stream of tasks interrupts workdays, family time, evenings, and weekends.
2. Time Spent Managing Vendors and Contractors
Scheduling repairs often requires:
- Multiple calls
- Rescheduling when a vendor runs late
- Meeting contractors on-site
- Reviewing invoices for accuracy
A management company handles all of it, allowing the owner to focus on higher-value or more enjoyable activities.
3. Time Spent Leasing Vacant Properties
Every vacancy requires:
- Advertising
- Answering questions
- Showing the property
- Screening applicants
- Signing leases
- Preparing move-in documents
These tasks must be handled quickly and correctly to avoid extended vacancy periods.
4. Time Spent on Administrative Tasks
Tax filings, record collection for year-end reporting, rental tax payments, and compliance tasks can add up quickly.
The Real Question: What Could You Be Doing Instead?
Owners often discover that the hours saved by hiring a management company allow them to:
- Search for additional properties
- Improve existing investments
- Spend more time with family
- Enjoy a more predictable daily schedule
Coming Up Next…
Part 4 focuses on tenant retention — one of the most important cost-saving strategies in rental real estate.
This series of articles brought to you by Adam Tant of Attollo Homes | Investment Sales and Property Management within one hour of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Website HERE
