BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

How Many Rentals Can One Person Actually Manage?

18 snips
Nov 19, 2025
A driver once crashed into Henry’s rental property while he was on vacation, yet he handled it without stress. The discussion dives into how many rentals one can self-manage before it feels like a full-time job, with insights from Henry who managed 70 units before outsourcing. Dave shares a rapid method for analyzing real estate deals without spreadsheets, focusing on instinct. They also tackle the potential of BRRRRing in lower-tier neighborhoods and explore the right timing for hiring property managers.
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ADVICE

Realistic Self-Management Limits

  • Know your limits: most people can self-manage about 5–10 units before help is needed.
  • Use systems, VAs, and processes to push that higher, but plan to outsource once operations slow growth.
INSIGHT

Separate Property And Asset Management

  • Distinguish property management (tenant-facing work) from asset management (strategy and value decisions).
  • Outsource property management first and keep asset management as the investor's core responsibility.
ANECDOTE

Car Crashes Through Rental While Owner Vacationed

  • Henry was on vacation when a drunk driver crashed through his rental's garage wall.
  • His property manager handled insurance, bids, repairs, and tenant communication so he didn't have to intervene again.
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