If you’re investing in real estate or thinking about jumping in, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is this:

Should I hire a property manager—or manage the properties myself?

It’s a question debated endlessly in investor circles, and for good reason. Both approaches come with unique advantages and trade-offs. And as the industry evolves, a third hybrid model is gaining traction too.

Let’s walk through all three.

Option 1: DIY Property Management

Managing your own properties is a popular starting point, especially for new investors who want to learn the ropes and maximize profit margins.

Pros:

• Full Control – You oversee every decision, from tenant screening, rent collection, and leases.
  
• Cost Savings – No monthly management fees (typically 6–10% of gross rent).
• Hands-On Experience – You’ll quickly learn landlord-tenant laws, budgeting, and operations.

Cons:

• Time-Intensive – Short Term Property = higher turn over, more maintenance coordination and book keeping
  
• Emotional Labor – Navigating tenants through social media can be exhausting and often unreliable 

Tips for DIY Success:

• Know the Laws – Every region has specific regulations. Study them.
  
• Pay Yourself – Build in a “management fee” to normalize your cash flow.
  
• Set Boundaries – Consider presenting yourself as the “property manager” vs. the owner to maintain professionalism.
  
• Outsource- Allow the Midwell platforms to bring the tenants to you
• Stick to Systems – Standardize your lease, screening, and rent collection processes.

Option 2: Hire a Property Management Company

Hiring a professional manager is ideal for investors who want to be more hands-off

 Pros:

• Time Back – A property manager handles day-to-day tasks so you can focus elsewhere.
  
• Professional Distance – Tenants answer to the manager
  
• Established Systems – Most property managers have their own list of contractors for maintenance and often use third party rental collections

Cons:

• Cost – Fees typically range from 6–10% of gross rent, and sometimes more.
  
• Misaligned Incentives – Property managers prioritize their business, which may not always align with your goals.
• Less Oversight – You may not be aware of issues until it’s too late.
• Lack of Autonomy– Once you sign a contact with a property manager you have to abide by their rules and regulations

Grow Smarter with the Hybrid Hosting Model — Powered by Midwell

If you’re a property owner seeking more flexibility without giving up control, the hybrid model is your sweet spot. With Midwell.co, you don’t need to hand over everything to a traditional management company to scale your business efficiently.

Why It Works with Midwell:

Customizable Control
You maintain full strategic control while Midwell gives you the tools to manage your listings, communication, and tenant interactions efficiently.

Cost-Effective Scaling
Avoid high property management fees. Midwell offers flexible annual membership tiers to match your growth stage:

• STARTER – $119/year (1–2 properties)
  
• PRO – $149/year (3–5 properties)
• PREMIUM – $179/year (Unlimited properties)

Smart Growth
Manage multiple properties in one place with Midwell’s user-friendly dashboard. From listing management to communication our all-in-one system helps you scale efficiently and stay organized.

Considerations:

You’re still in charge of final decisions, reviewing documents— but with Midwell’s resources, the lift becomes much lighter.

Midwell is built for hosts who want to stay involved without getting overwhelmed. Whether you’re managing just a couple listings or building a full portfolio, our platform supports you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right management style depends on your time, location, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

If you’re just starting out, managing your first property yourself can be a powerful learning experience. As your portfolio grows, a hybrid or fully managed approach might make more sense.

Whatever path you choose, build solid systems, stay compliant, and always keep your long-term goals in mind.

👉 Ready to make midterm rentals work smarter?
Register today at Midwell.co