Investing in U.S. real estate as a foreign national opens doors to financial growth and diversification. However, once you’ve purchased a property, a critical decision follows: Should you self-manage your investment or hire a professional property manager?
Both options come with their benefits and challenges. In this blog, we’ll help you evaluate your situation and choose the best path for maximizing returns, minimizing risk, and ensuring a smooth ownership experience—especially when managing remotely.
What Does Property Management Involve?
Property management refers to overseeing the day-to-day operations of a rental property. This includes:
- Marketing and leasing
- Tenant communication and screening
- Rent collection
- Maintenance and repairs
- Legal compliance
- Bookkeeping and tax preparation
Whether you’re self-managing or hiring a manager, these tasks must be handled efficiently to maintain profitability and tenant satisfaction.
Option 1: Self-Managing Your U.S. Investment Property
Pros of Self-Management
- Cost Savings
Property management companies typically charge 8–12% of the monthly rental income. By self-managing, you avoid these fees and potentially increase your ROI. - Full Control
You’re in charge of tenant selection, maintenance decisions, and rent pricing. For hands-on investors, this level of control is attractive. - Personal Relationships
Direct contact with tenants can help foster better communication and trust, leading to longer tenancies and reduced vacancy rates.
Cons of Self-Management
- Time Commitment
Managing a property—especially across time zones—can be challenging. Responding to late-night maintenance issues or tenant concerns may not be feasible. - Legal Risk
U.S. landlord-tenant laws vary by state and city. A foreign investor may unknowingly violate regulations, leading to costly legal issues. - Limited Resources
Without a local presence or vendor network, handling repairs and inspections can be difficult and expensive.
Option 2: Hiring a Professional Property Manager
Pros of Professional Management
- Peace of Mind
Property managers handle everything—leasing, maintenance, legal compliance, and tenant disputes—so you can enjoy passive income without the hassle. - Local Expertise
They understand local market trends and laws, ensuring proper rental pricing and regulatory compliance. - Efficient Operations
Established relationships with vendors and contractors mean quicker, often cheaper repairs and maintenance.
Cons of Professional Management
- Additional Cost
Fees typically range from 8% to 12% of rent, not including leasing fees or maintenance charges. - Less Control
You may have limited input into tenant decisions or repair strategies, depending on your agreement with the manager. - Quality Varies
Not all property managers are created equal. A poor manager can cause tenant dissatisfaction and reduced returns.
Key Considerations for Foreign Investors
- Time Zone & Location: If you live in a vastly different time zone or travel frequently, property management may offer stability and consistency.
- Language Barrier: Managing tenants and contractors may be tough without strong English fluency.
- Portfolio Size: A larger portfolio often justifies hiring a manager, while a single property might be manageable independently.
- Experience Level: First-time investors may benefit from professional guidance, especially in unfamiliar regulatory environments.
Real-World Example: An Investor from Israel Chooses Smart
An Israeli investor purchased a duplex in Florida through a foreign national loan program. Initially considering self-management, they quickly realized that the 7-hour time difference and language barrier created challenges. By hiring a local property manager, they were able to maintain 95% occupancy, reduce turnover, and streamline communication—all while living abroad.
Dowise Insight: Get Expert Guidance for Smarter Investing
At Dowise, we support foreign investors throughout their U.S. property journey—from financing to management. Whether you choose to manage your property independently or hire a professional, we connect you with trusted service providers, tools, and insights tailored for global investors.
Talk to a Dowise Expert Today – Discover how we can help you structure your investment smartly, including tips on finding reliable property managers or managing effectively from abroad.
Wrap Up
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing between self-management and hiring a property manager depends on your goals, availability, experience, and the nature of your property.
Foreign investors looking for peace of mind and consistent income often benefit from hiring professionals—especially in unfamiliar markets. However, if you’re hands-on, experienced, and willing to commit time, self-management can boost returns.
Regardless of your path, align your choice with your long-term investment strategy—and lean on platforms like Dowise to guide you at every step.