PM Hiring Checklist — Hire the Right Property Manager
A structured interview framework, red flags guide, and fee comparison tool so you hire a property manager who protects your investment — not one who drains it.
Everything You Need to Hire the Right PM
Stop guessing whether a property manager is good. Use a structured process to evaluate, compare, and decide.
PM Hiring Checklist
Everything you need to interview, evaluate, and hire the right property manager. Structured framework so you never rely on gut feeling alone.
- ✓ 15 must-ask interview questions
- ✓ What to listen for in each answer
- ✓ 12 red flags that disqualify a PM immediately
- ✓ Fee comparison framework with typical ranges
- ✓ Contract review checklist
- ✓ PM scoring rubric to compare candidates
- ✓ Works for any residential property type
- ✓ Print-friendly PDF format
See What’s Inside
5 sections designed to take you from first call to signed contract with confidence.
How the PM Hiring Checklist Works
A structured 3-step process to find the right property manager.
Interview
Use the 15-question template to evaluate each candidate. Every question includes what to listen for so you know a good answer from a scripted one.
Compare
Score each PM using the rubric and compare fees using the framework. Side-by-side comparison makes the right choice obvious.
Decide
The red flags guide helps you eliminate bad fits fast. The contract checklist ensures nothing critical gets missed before you sign.
Built for Investors Who Want to Hire Right the First Time
First-time investors hiring their first property manager and don’t know what questions to ask or what fees are normal
Out-of-state investors who need reliable management they can trust from a distance
Investors switching PMs who are unhappy with current management and need a better process for evaluating replacements
Portfolio owners scaling up who are adding properties in new markets and need to vet management companies quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What format is the PM Hiring Checklist?
Instant PDF download. Print-friendly formatting so you can bring it to interviews or review it on any device.
Q What’s the scoring rubric?
A structured template to rate each PM candidate across key criteria — communication, experience, fees, references, and more. Assign scores, compare side-by-side, and pick the winner objectively.
Q What fees should I expect from a property manager?
The checklist includes a fee comparison framework with typical ranges for management fees, leasing fees, maintenance markups, and other common charges. You’ll know exactly what’s normal and what’s a red flag.
Q Does this work for commercial property?
It’s designed for residential property management (SFR, duplex, multifamily). Most of the interview questions and red flags apply broadly, but the fee framework is residential-focused.
Q I already have a PM. Is this still useful?
Yes. Use the red flags guide to evaluate your current PM, the fee framework to benchmark their charges, and the contract checklist to review your existing agreement. Many investors discover issues they didn’t know to look for.
Q Is there a refund policy?
Because this is a digital product, all sales are final. But if you run into any issues, email contact@theengineerinvestor.co and we’ll make it right.
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A Bad PM Costs You Thousands. This Checklist Costs $9.
One bad property manager can drain your cash flow for months. Use this checklist to hire right the first time.