For years I had been working full-time and was just trying to stay full, fixed, and bills paid. Now, after 13 years and 16 rentals (but now not working FT), I am waking up to the potential of making things more efficient, organized, and systematized. I'd like to have less surprises around repairs and maintenance and a more proactive management style on all levels. I am gradually moving to just one brand/style of kitchen and bathroom sink faucets. Simplifying along these lines everywhere I can, same paint schemes, etc. I was feeling burnt out and maybe ready to sell but thinking I really just need to upgrade my methods and expand skilled handyman team(um to get one) so I can find more ease again. What tips, ideas, or systems have made a difference in your rental business world? What's made less stress or confusion and more ease? --172.58.xx.x

--107.216.xxx.xxx

Great ones, Sid! Yes I am paying the price for yesterday's sins around multiple paint colors. I didnt start it! I just would do the easiest thing at the time and paint match and touch up what came with the place, figuring someday I would uniform them all. Well, someday has arrived! --172.58.xx.x

Bootcamp --209.131.xxx.xxx

--172.222.xx.x

This is what the bootcamp addresses. --66.87.xxx.xxx

Ah, OK, 2 votes for Bootcamp! I will have to check that out. And Richard, you got me at "regular inspection and maintenance." Meeting with my new handyman this week and once we go over what I know is on deck waiting, we can develop system for regularly inspecting and maintaining places. --172.58.xx.x

Drew, if I was looking for the "ideal" landlord candidate who would greatly benefit from the boot camp experience, your initial comments would be the perfect advertisement. What you described is exactly what we just fully covered over the last two days. --172.58.xxx.xx

Ah, thanks, Jeff! Good to know. I asked on another thread... I see I just missed the last bootcamp. Are they offered just the one time each year? --172.58.xx.x

Change whatever might break, before each new tenant. If you have had a two year tenant you want to change all the faucet cartridges or washers. Check the inside of the toilet and change flappers or fillers. Don't have a heater more than twelve years old. Change water heaters at ten years old if you are in a cold area or have had a particularly cold spell the previous winter. Have a paid landscaper/snow removal guy. Put equipment at your property for them to use if their equipment breaks. I have a good working snow blower at every property and I have them cleaned etc. every two years. Change out the fridge every five years. Have extra window AC units stored in case of failure at a property. Supply window AC units rather than having your windows smashed by the tenant's unit. Get your HVAC equipment checked spring and fall. Have good professionals who come out fast because your check is good and you don't haggle about the cost of their service. I only have six units left, had 20, but I have no sleepless nights since I have quick fixes ready and was prepared to have no problems with old equipment. Worry less about how the rent check is going to get to you and more about how to keep the system running so people don't get mad and withhold the rent. For example, new tenant wants to put his drum set in basement. OK, so I explained that it can get wet with an unusual downpour. Then I got the electrician to install an auxiliary pump next to the main one. Now I don't have to worry when it rains that the power might go out. I will also suggest that tenant get renter's insurance and will send him some sources of that so all he has to do is dial the phone. --173.61.xxx.xx