Boutique property manager, run from home

Investor landlords, often with one to three properties, who want more personal attention than a large agency gives.

A management fee, usually a percentage of the rent collected, plus letting fees for finding new tenants and charges for things like lease renewals and inspections.

• Organised with paperwork and deadlines
• Calm and fair when dealing with tenants and owners
• Basic bookkeeping and trust accounting
• Knowing tenancy rules in your state

• Most states require a real estate licence or registration to manage rentals for a fee, so check your state's rules before taking any owner
• Trust account rules and audit requirements, as mistakes with tenants' and owners' money are serious
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Check with your local council whether a home-based business needs approval
• Tenancy laws differ by state and change, so keep up to date
• Slow start, as you may need many properties before income is steady

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your licensing, insurance and home office setup. Check your state's requirements first, as they can affect what you need to budget for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many properties you manage. The start can be slow, as you may need many properties before income becomes steady.

Check your state's rules before taking any owner, as most states require a real estate licence or registration to manage rentals for a fee. Also check trust account and audit rules, insurance, council approval for home businesses, and changing tenancy laws.