Hiring the wrong property manager can quietly destroy the returns on an otherwise great real estate investment.

In this episode of the Relentless Growth Podcast, Chase Calhoun and Jack Maher break down how real estate investors should actually vet a property management company before handing over their rentals.

They discuss why the lowest management fee isn’t always the cheapest option, how hidden and ancillary fees can affect your true cost, and why understanding a property manager’s incentives matters. They also share the numbers investors should ask about—including occupancy rates, average vacancy time, tenant retention, maintenance response times, and renewal rates.

Chase and Jack also explain why they prefer property managers who own rental properties themselves, how maintenance directly impacts tenant retention, and why the way a company talks about its tenants can tell you a lot about how your property will ultimately be managed.

If you own rental properties—or you're considering hiring a property manager—this episode gives you a practical framework for finding the right company and avoiding an expensive mistake.

Topics include:

• How to choose a property management company

• Questions to ask a property manager before hiring them

• Property management fees and hidden costs

• Occupancy, vacancy, and tenant renewal rates

• Maintenance response times and repair costs

• Why property managers should think like owners

• How tenant experience impacts long-term returns

• Self-managing vs. hiring third-party property management

• Red flags when interviewing property management companies

Whether you own one rental property or an entire portfolio, choosing the right property manager can have a major impact on your cash flow, property condition, and long-term success.