5 Ways to Maximize ROI for Your Investment Property - Without Becoming a Full-Time Property Manager

Owning a rental property can be one of the smartest long-term financial moves you make — but being tied to your phone at all hours, coordinating repairs, and chasing down rent? Not so much. The good news: you can increase your return on investment (ROI) without taking on the stress and workload of becoming a full-time property manager.
Below are five practical, high-impact strategies homeowners can use to increase rental returns and protect their time, energy, and sanity.

1. Automate Everything You Can
From rent collection to routine communication, automation is your best friend. Property management platforms like Buildium, AppFolio, or even simpler tools like Zillow Rental Manager allow you to:

According to Meredith Fogle of The List Realty, “Landlords are often amazed at how much time they save the moment they automate. It makes your property feel professionally managed without you having to take on the full-time role.”
Automation reduces human error, increases tenant satisfaction, and removes the need for late-night admin work — all while keeping you organized for tax time.

2. Make Strategic, High-ROI Upgrades
You don’t need a full renovation to significantly increase rent. In fact, small, targeted improvements often create the biggest return. Examples:

Tenants love “move-in ready,” and these low-cost upgrades often allow landlords to raise rent or attract better-quality tenants with minimal effort.

3. Outsource Maintenance — Don’t DIY Everything
Trying to fix everything yourself might feel like you’re saving money, but it often costs more in the long run — especially if a repair isn’t done properly the first time.
Build relationships with:

Many landlords also use subscription-style home maintenance services that respond quickly and charge predictable rates. Outsourcing means repairs get done faster, tenants are happier, and you avoid spending your weekends elbow-deep in a sink trap.

4. Use Professional Leasing Services
Good tenant selection is the foundation of high ROI. The wrong tenant can cost far more than any management fee.
Professional leasing agents can handle:

As Meredith Fogle with The List Realty explains, “If you decide not to hire a full property manager, make informed decisions to protect yourself. Even using a professional just for the leasing process can dramatically reduce risk and improve your long-term returns.”
The upfront cost is small compared to the stability a great tenant brings.

5. Build a Light-Touch Management Team
If you opt not to hire a full-service property management company, consider a hybrid model. You can assemble your own “mini team” of support:

This allows you to stay in control while offloading the tasks that drain your time.

Final Thoughts
Maximizing ROI doesn’t require you to become an on-call landlord. With smart systems, strategic upgrades, and the right support, you can enjoy consistent rental income while keeping your schedule free and flexible.

If you’d like personalized guidance on preparing your home for rental or optimizing your ROI, Meredith Fogle at The List Realty is an exceptional resource. Her team regularly helps homeowners turn rentals into reliable, high-profit assets with minimal stress. Should you decide that hiring professional management might be a good decision for you, LST Property Management is a popular and highly-respected option. Visit their website at https://www.lstpropertymanagement.com/