Strategy · 12 min read

Scaling From 1 to 10 Rental Properties

What changes (and breaks) as you go from a single property to a real portfolio.

Properties 1–3: Self-Managed

Most investors self-manage early to learn operations. Critical skills: leasing, screening, maintenance triage, basic accounting.

Self-management breaks around 4–5 properties for most people. Hire a PM at one property to build the relationship before you need it.

You'll hit the 10-property Fannie/Freddie cap. Plan ahead: DSCR loans, portfolio refinance, business credit, and a dedicated bookkeeper.