Should You Manage Your Own Building? (Hint: Probably Not.) 

The DIY Temptation 

If you’ve recently purchased a rental property in the Dallas–Fort Worth area—or even if you’ve been managing one for years—you’ve likely asked yourself this question: 

"Do I really need a property manager, or can I just handle this myself?" 

It’s a fair question. After all, hiring a professional property management company is an additional expense. And if you’re a hands-on type, self-management might seem like a great way to keep costs low and control high. 

But here’s the truth we’ve seen time and time again at Touchstone Property Management: self-managing your rental property almost always costs more—in money, time, and stress—than working with the right management team. 

Let’s break down why. 

The Reality of Self-Managing a Rental Property 

Managing your own building may sound straightforward—collect rent, coordinate maintenance, answer the occasional tenant call. But the reality, especially in DFW’s fast-paced market, is far more complex. 

Here’s what you’ll need to handle on your own: 

1. Marketing Vacancies 

Do you have a professional leasing strategy? Are you listing your property on the most trafficked platforms? Are your photos and descriptions attracting the right tenants? 

2. Tenant Screening

Choosing the wrong tenant can lead to months of unpaid rent, legal headaches, and costly evictions. Do you know how to conduct a compliant, effective background and credit check?

3. Legal Compliance

Texas tenant-landlord laws are strict. From Fair Housing compliance to lease clauses and eviction protocol—one wrong move could land you in court.

4. Maintenance Coordination

Middle-of-the-night emergency leak? Air conditioning issues during a heatwave? You’ll be the one taking the call—and finding the repair tech.

5. Rent Collection and Delinquency Management

Chasing late payments is time-consuming and emotionally draining. Are you ready to enforce lease terms with consistency—and compassion?

6. Bookkeeping and Tax Reporting

Even one small reporting mistake can be costly come tax season. Professional managers provide clean, trackable financials that help you stay IRS-ready.

The True Cost of DIY Property Management 

What many new landlords don’t realize is that self-management can actually eat into your profits—even when you think you’re saving money. 

Let’s look at a few cost drivers: 

• Longer Vacancies 
  Without professional leasing systems, units often sit empty longer. 

• Poor Tenant Fit 
  Inadequate screening can result in eviction costs, unpaid rent, and property damage. 

• Legal Risks 
  Mistakes in lease structure or compliance could lead to lawsuits or fines. 

• Deferred Maintenance 
  Trying to cut corners on repairs often results in bigger, costlier issues later on. 

• Burnout 
  Your time isn’t free. Nights, weekends, and holidays are rarely yours when you're your own manager. 

   

Why Property Owners in DFW Are Choosing Professional Help 

At Touchstone Property Management, we work with property owners across the Dallas–Fort Worth area who have realized that their investment performs better when professionals manage it. 

Here’s why: 

Local Market Knowledge. We know the rental rates, tenant expectations, and marketing strategies that work in different neighborhoods—from Uptown Dallas to Arlington, Plano, and Garland.  

Efficient, Tech-Enabled Operations. From tenant portals to automated rent reminders and maintenance tracking, our systems drive speed and transparency.  

Expert Tenant Screening. Our screening process is rigorous, fair, and proven to result in high-quality tenants who respect your property and pay on time.  

24/7 Support for Tenants. You’re not on-call anymore. We are.  

Legal and Regulatory Compliance. We stay up to date on Texas property laws, ensuring you’re protected from risk.  

Transparent Financial Reporting. You’ll get monthly reports, year-end summaries, and instant access to all property data.  

Should You Manage Your Own Property? 

If you: 

• Have one or more properties in DFW 

• Don’t want real estate to be your full-time job 

• Value stable income, lower vacancy rates, and fewer headaches 

Then the answer is probably: No, you shouldn’t manage your own building. 

You deserve a team that treats your property like their own investment, protects your time, and helps you scale your portfolio—not your stress. 

Touchstone Property Management is a family-founded, locally trusted company serving owners of A, B, and C class properties across DFW. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced investor ready to step back, we’d love to help you simplify your operations and boost your bottom line.