Direct answer
By your 3rd–4th property, or sooner if you self-manage out of state. The 8–10% fee almost always returns more in vacancy reduction and time savings.
Expanded explanation
Self-management works for 1–2 properties in your local market. Past that, you're recreating leasing, screening, maintenance, and accounting workflows for every property. Professional PMs amortize systems across portfolios, screen tenants more rigorously, and respond faster — reducing both vacancy and bad-tenant cost.
Examples
- PM saving 30 days vacancy on a $1,500 rent = $1,500 saved vs $1,620 annual PM fee.
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