Property management software helps landlords through the entire process of marketing, renting, and maintaining their rental property. We looked at dozens of property management systems and narrowed them down to our top nine. Although many offer similar features, choose one based on the services needed, number of properties, and types of properties you manage. Top…
About the Author
Michelle Ivy
Michelle is a licensed real estate broker owner and staff writer at Fit Small Business, specializing in real estate investments. She is also COO of a global investment firm that specializes in infrastructure financing. Prior to joining the Fit Small Business editorial team, Michelle owned a Registered Investment Advisory firm and participated in real estate flip projects as a principal investor. When Michelle isn’t writing or advising she enjoys traveling, pilates, and spending time on the water in Charleston, S.C.
How To Find Renters: The Ultimate Guide
If you want to find good tenants, you have to effectively promote your rentals. There are three main ways to find prospective tenants: find them yourself, hire a real estate agent, or hire a property management firm. Each method offers a set of promotional options, with each harboring certain advantages and drawbacks. One smart way…
Real Estate Investing for Beginners
Real estate investing is a way to build wealth, generate passive income, and take advantage of numerous tax benefits. Becoming an investor requires some education about the business, upfront capital, and the ability to use leverage to your advantage. Real estate investing for beginners usually requires $5,000 to get started. How Real Estate Investing Works…
4 Types of Multifamily Financing: Rates, Terms & Qualifications
Multifamily financing is used for the purchase or refinancing of smaller multi-unit properties with two to four units and large apartment buildings that have five or more units. Multifamily loans are great tools for both first-time real estate investors and seasoned professionals. Rates are generally between 4.5% to 12% with terms up to 35 years….
Learning How to Invest in Real Estate 2019
Investing successfully in real estate requires thought and careful planning. Learning how to invest in real estate successfully requires understanding the different types of investments available and how they work. We researched the top real estate investing education resources and came up with the best six for would-be investors. 6 Types of Real Estate Investing…
7 Ways Landlords Can Verify Proof of Income
Landlords should ask prospective tenants for proof of income to show that they can afford to pay rent and to determine if they’re committing fraud with forged documents. Pay stubs are the best proof of income, but landlords should also collect at least one other proof of income document and compare the two. Collecting proof…
Rehab Loans for Investors: FHA 203(k) Loans, Hard Money & More
Rehab loans help real estate investors fund the purchase and renovation of residential properties. They’re used by short-term investors to fix-and-flip properties as well as long-term investors who need renovation financing for rental properties. A rehab loan combines property purchase and rehab costs into a single short-term loan with quick funding and interest-only payments. If…
Avail Is Helping Landlords Go Digital
Avail is a full-service property management system that helps both landlords and tenants. Avail helps landlords find and screen tenants, sign leases, collect rent, and manage maintenance online from desktop and mobile devices. Avail’s online education center is also a top resource for landlords and provides guides, tools, state law guidance documents, and articles to…
Top 12 Rental Property Tax Deductions & Benefits 2019 [+ Free Worksheet]
The IRS allows you to take tax deductions for any legitimate expense related to running a rental property. If you own rentals, you can claim expenses in 12 categories spanning everything from interest, to insurance, repairs, and depreciation. However, you must record them, according to IRS guidelines. To fulfill your tax and bookkeeping needs, it’s…
Portfolio Loans: Rates, Terms, Qualifications & Where to Find
A portfolio loan is used to finance properties with one to five or more units in good or poor condition or to purchase multiple properties at one time. Portfolio loans are generally used by investors to purchase residential real estate. There are four types of portfolio loans, and rates generally start around 3.25% to 4%….
Home Equity Line of Credit: What It Is & How to Get One
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit collateralized by your home. The maximum limit for a HELOC is based on the amount of equity in your home and typically will not exceed 85% of the home’s value. HELOCs have relatively low interest rates with current rates starting at 5.25%….
How to Screen Tenants for a Rental Property in 8 Steps
Landlords should know how to screen tenants by running credit checks, verifying income, confirming employment, conducting criminal and other background checks, and verifying prior landlord and residence histories to assess whether a prospective renter will make a good tenant. Proper screening helps landlords avoid the common problem of accepting applicants who end up being problematic….
