Quiz Should You Self-Manage or Hire a Property Manager?

Not sure if you should self-manage your rental or hire a property manager? Take our free quiz and discover the smartest option for your investment. Trusted in property management Kissimmee, Renters Choice Homes helps landlords save time, stress, and money.

Should You Self-Manage Your Rental Home or Hire a Property Manager?

Owning an investment property in the Kissimmee or Orlando area of Florida is exciting, but managing it can be a full-time job. From late-night maintenance calls to tenant screenings and rent collection, the responsibilities can quickly pile up. That’s why it’s time to take our free quiz Should you self-manage or hire a property manager?

This free quiz is designed to give you clarity. In just a few questions, you’ll discover whether handling everything yourself makes sense — or if partnering with a professional team (like Renters Choice Homes, experts in property management, Kissimmee) will save you time, money, and stress.


Quiz: Should You Self-Manage or Hire a Property Manager?

Instructions: Choose the answer that best fits your current situation. Tally your score at the end.

Scoring:

  • A = 1 point
  • B = 2 points
  • C = 3 points
  • D = 4 points

Thinking about whether you should handle everything yourself or bring in professionals? This quick quiz will help you discover the best approach for your rental property—and whether you’re better suited to self-management or partnering with an experienced Kissimmee property management team.


1. How close do you live to your rental property?

A) Less than 30 minutes
B) Within a couple of hours
C) Out of state
D) Out of the country

Distance plays a huge role in deciding should you self-manage or hire a property manager. Living nearby makes it easier to handle inspections and emergencies. But if you’re several hours—or an ocean—away, hiring a professional ensures your property is always cared for and tenants receive timely support.


2. How comfortable are you handling late-night emergencies, repairs, and tenant issues?

A) Very comfortable—I’m hands-on
B) I can manage if needed
C) I’d rather not
D) No thanks—I’m not available like that

Plumbing leaks, lockouts, and A/C breakdowns don’t follow business hours. If 2 a.m. calls sound stressful, it may answer your question about should you self-manage or hire a property manager. A management company handles emergencies promptly, keeping tenants happy and protecting your investment.


3. Are you familiar with Fair Housing laws, lease agreements, and Florida landlord-tenant laws?

A) Yes, I stay up to date
B) I know the basics
C) I should probably brush up
D) I have no idea

Legal compliance is critical. Mistakes can cost thousands. Property managers stay current with Florida rental laws, fair-housing rules, and lease regulations—so you don’t have to.


4. How well can you screen and verify potential tenants?

A) I have a solid system
B) I use online tools
C) I wing it
D) I’ve had bad luck more than once

Finding the right tenant is more than running a credit check. Professionals verify income, rental history, and background details to minimize risk. If you’re unsure about your screening process, consider how hiring a manager could save you stress and costly turnover.


5. Do you have reliable vendors for repairs, maintenance, and inspections?

A) Yes, I’ve built relationships over time
B) I know a few
C) I usually search when something breaks
D) No—it’s a scramble every time

Property managers maintain networks of trusted, insured vendors. They can schedule quick, affordable repairs and conduct regular inspections to prevent small issues from escalating.


6. How do you feel about enforcing lease rules or starting the eviction process?

A) I’m firm and fair
B) I’d rather avoid conflict
C) I’d struggle with that
D) I’ve avoided it even when I shouldn’t have

Enforcing leases can be uncomfortable, especially when tenants fall behind on rent. Professional property managers handle difficult situations objectively and legally, protecting both your property and your peace of mind.


7. How organized are your financials, reporting, and tax documents?

A) Very organized—everything is filed and tracked
B) I try to stay on top of it
C) It’s a bit messy
D) I dread tax season

Monthly statements, year-end summaries, and repair receipts pile up quickly. If bookkeeping isn’t your strength, a management company can streamline everything through an owner portal—no more guessing where your money went.


8. Do you have time to inspect the property and coordinate maintenance regularly?

A) Absolutely
B) Sometimes
C) Rarely
D) Not at all

Regular inspections prevent expensive surprises. If you can’t consistently visit the property, ask yourself again: should you self-manage or hire a property manager? Having a professional on-site means your investment never goes unchecked.


9. Would you feel more confident knowing a professional was protecting your investment full-time?

A) No—I like having complete control
B) Maybe
C) Yes, it would bring peace of mind
D) Definitely—I want someone experienced and accountable

A good property manager works as your partner—maximizing income, minimizing risk, and ensuring long-term stability. For many owners, that peace of mind is priceless.


10. Would you like to speak to someone local about how property management works and what’s included?

A) Not necessary
B) I’m open to it
C) Yes, I’d like to understand my options
D) Absolutely—I’d appreciate a personal walkthrough

If you’re leaning toward professional help, our team at McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes can explain precisely what’s included—tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, inspections, and full accounting—so you can decide confidently whether to self-manage or hire a property manager.


 

Results of The Quiz: Should You Self-Manage or Hire A Property Manager

Quiz Should You Self-Manage Or Hire A Property Manager
Want your rental property to stay in top shape? Hire McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes — where we treat your home like our own.

10–19 Points: You’re Doing Well at Self-Managing Your Rental Property

You’re hands-on, nearby, and well-informed. At this stage, you’re keeping up with tenant needs, maintenance, and the day-to-day of managing your property. If your circumstances stay the same — limited properties, reliable tenants, and plenty of time on your side — self-management may continue to work.

However, remember that things can change quickly in the rental world. If you decide to expand your portfolio, move farther away, or get busier with life, it’s smart to keep a trusted property manager in mind. Having a professional backup means you won’t get caught off guard when challenges arise.

Ask yourself honestly: Should you self-manage or hire a property manager when your property portfolio grows? Planning ahead ensures your investment stays protected.


20–29 Points: You’re Managing, But Is Property Management Sustainable?

79 Virtual Staging 1

You’re holding it together, but the cracks are starting to show. You may already feel stretched thin by tenant calls, repairs, or unexpected legal issues. Self-managing can save money upfront, but at this stage, it’s essential to consider whether the stress is really worth it. If your home is located in Kissimmee, St Cloud, Orlando, or Davenport. With McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes?

A professional property manager could step in to handle the headaches, freeing your time and giving you peace of mind. From screening tenants to handling emergencies, managers ensure things don’t fall through the cracks — and that you stay on the right side of Florida’s rental laws.

This is the tipping point where many landlords ask: Should you self-manage or hire a property manager? If stress, time, and risk are piling up, it may be time to bring in help.


30–40 Points: Time to Hire A Good Property Management Company

Should You Self Manage Or Hire A Property Manager
Is property management taking up too much of your time?

Self-managing is no longer serving you — it’s draining your time, your peace of mind, and possibly even your profits. Whether it’s dealing with late-night calls, problem tenants, or juggling maintenance and finances, the strain is outweighing the benefits.

Hiring a property manager now could save you from bigger problems down the road. A good manager doesn’t just collect rent — they protect your investment, handle legal compliance, keep your property maintained, and ensure your tenants are happy. This professional support can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your rental running smoothly.

At this stage, the answer is clear: Should you manage your property yourself or hire a property manager? Hiring a manager is the best choice to safeguard your property and your sanity.


Is It Time To Hire a Good Property Manager

Should You Self Manage Or Hire A Property Manager

By now, you should have a clear sense of whether self-managing your rental home is the right path — or if hiring a property manager will save you time, stress, and money.

Conclusion: Still Wondering If You Should Self-Manage or Hire a Property Manager?

If you’re still weighing the question of whether you should self-manage or hire a property manager, you’re not alone. Many of our clients began by trying to do it all themselves — only to realize the stress, time, and risks weren’t worth it.

At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, we’ve rarely been someone’s first choice. However, once property owners join our management program, they seldom leave — except when we sell their rental property on their behalf. That’s because they discover how much easier, smoother, and more profitable life becomes with a professional team taking care of everything.

The choice is yours: continue juggling it all, or step into the peace of mind that comes with experienced, trusted property management.

Want to learn more? Explore our Property Management Services at Renters Choice Homes to see how we can support you every step of the way.

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Anne-Marie McCormack
Anne-Marie McCormack

Anne-Marie McCormack has been a Florida licensed Real Estate Broker since 1996. She has worked as a realtor in property management, rentals and sales in Kissimmee, Davenport, and Orlando, Florida since 1991.

She heads the team at McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes and has lots of experience with long-term and short-term rentals and sales. . Anne-Marie owned and operated a short-term-rental, property management company from 1994-2004. Since then McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes has focused on long-term rentals and sales of residential, investment homes and vacation homes also known as holiday lets.

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