Being a landlord isn’t easy—but the right software can make it a whole lot better. In this Landlord Gurus episode, Chris and Eli share their real-world experience with property management platforms.They explain why TurboTenant checked all their boxes: affordability, automation, scalability, tenant screening, leases, and more.If you’re an independent landlord looking to simplify your rental business, this episode is a must-watch.👉 Check out TurboTenant here: https://turbotenant.pxf.io/DK6vVb👉 Read full article: https://landlordgurus.com/the-best-property-management-software-platform-for-independent-landlords/
Resources:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
Ever had a tenant move out without paying rent or covering damages? 😬 You’re not alone.This week, we talk with Grant Burwash from FrontLobby about a tool that helps landlords:✔️ Report rent payments (on-time and missed)✔️ Protect themselves from tenant debt✔️ Offer tenants a way to build creditIt’s a win-win for good tenants and a safeguard for landlords.🔗 FrontLobby: https://frontlobby.com/More resources:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
Thinking about buying a rental property but unsure what to look for?
In this episode, Chris shares how he evaluated a recent property in Walla Walla, WA—from zoning to lot size, ADU potential, and walkability. Hear the real questions to ask before you buy.
🎯 You’ll learn:
What zoning tells you about rental and development options
How to check short-term rental restrictions before closing
The importance of walkability and neighborhood feel
Why lot size matters more than you think
What to consider with older homes and historic neighborhoods
How to think through multiple exit strategies
🔗 Links & Resources:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
#RentalProperty #LandlordTips #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRental #WallaWallaRealEstate #LandlordGurus #EvaluateBeforeYouBuy
In this episode, Chris and Eli dive into the real-life process of taking over management of a rental property — and all the unexpected headaches that come with it. Whether you're buying a property or inheriting it from another manager, there are a ton of moving parts: bank accounts, leases, software setups, vendor relationships, tenant communication, and (of course) maintenance.
Chris walks through his real-life experience transitioning into management of a 15-unit property and breaks down the behind-the-scenes stress, mistakes to avoid, and systems to get in place before things go sideways.
Listen now and set yourself up for a smoother rental transition!
🔗 Links and Tools:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
What Counts as Income When Screening Tenants?
Chris and Eli are back with a real-world landlord dilemma: how should you treat rental applicants whose income comes from unemployment, disability, housing vouchers, or other non-W2 sources?
In this episode, we unpack:
Rent-to-income ratios and fair screening practices
How state laws affect your ability to approve or deny
Real-life scenarios with Section 8, unemployment insurance, and co-signers
The legal and ethical considerations landlords must keep in mind
Don’t make assumptions—make informed decisions.
📎 Resources:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
#LandlordPodcast #TenantScreening #RentalPropertyTips #FairHousing #Section8 #IndependentLandlord
🛠️ What if maintenance didn’t have to be the most stressful part of being a landlord?
In this episode of Landlording A-Z, we’re joined by Nate Smoyer, long-time landlord and Head of Marketing at Lula, a property maintenance platform designed specifically for landlords and property managers.
Nate shares how he’s successfully managed rentals remotely across multiple states, his background in the PropTech world, and how Lula is offering a smarter way to handle maintenance — one of the biggest challenges landlords face.
🎙️ In this conversation, we cover:
The real reasons maintenance is so difficult (and what to do about it)
How Lula integrates with platforms like TurboTenant & AppFolio
Tips for triaging maintenance issues to avoid wasting time and money
Why solving maintenance can improve tenant satisfaction and retention
Whether you’ve got one rental or fifty, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and tools to help you manage more effectively.
👇 Resources mentioned in this episode:
🌐 Learn more about Lula: https://lula.life
🔗 Connect with Nate Smoyer: 877-523-6936 | nsmoyer@lula.life
💬 Have a maintenance horror story or question? Send us a message or leave a comment — we’d love to hear from you!
Landlord Gurus Resources:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
Washington State has passed its first rent control law since the 1980s, and it’s a big deal. In this episode, Eli and Chris break down what the new law means for landlords, including:
The new 7% + CPI cap (and how the 10% max works)
What legally counts as a valid rent increase notice
Why using the right form and serving it correctly matters more than ever
The risks of non-compliance (hello, $7,500 fines)
What landlords can do now to stay protected in 2025 and beyond
We also talk about tightening up your operations: like screening tenants more carefully and updating your leases to adapt to this shift.
Whether you’re in Washington or just want to stay ahead of trends, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
🔗 Rent Control Law: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=1217&year=2025
💡 Don’t forget to follow and share the podcast to stay informed on all things rental property management!
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
🚨 Big News in Property Management Software! 🚨
In this episode of the Landlord Gurus podcast, Chris and Eli from Landlord Gurus unpack the recent acquisition of Azibo by TurboTenant—a significant move that could impact many landlords and property managers.
Chris shares his personal experience using both platforms, while Eli offers insights into what this merger could mean for lease creation, rent collection, advertising, and legal compliance. They also discuss how this change might affect tenants, onboarding, and the practical side of managing rental properties.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Key differences between TurboTenant and Azibo
How the merger may streamline (or complicate) property management
Why having up-to-date, local lease documents is more critical than ever
What landlords and tenants can expect during the transition
If you're using either platform—or exploring software options—this is a must-listen.
🔗 Related resource: Check out our article on choosing the right lease documents: https://landlordgurus.com/understanding-rental-lease-agreements-a-landlords-guide/
💡 Don’t forget to follow and share the podcast to stay informed on all things rental property management!
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
In this episode, Chris and Eli introduce our new 1-on-1 coaching offering designed specifically for independent landlords. Whether you're struggling with tenant issues, lease setup, maintenance coordination, rent collection, or just don’t know where to start—this service gives you direct access to our combined 35+ years of real-world landlording experience.
This episode covers what to expect, how to book, and the kind of problems we can help solve. If you’ve ever wished for a trusted landlord friend to bounce questions off of—now you’ve got two.
🔗 Ready to chat? Book your free consultation
Resources:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
- Instagram @landlordgurus
- Facebook @landlordgurus
- X @landlordgurus
- TikTok @landlordgurus
- Youtube @landlordgurus
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
- Collect Rent with PayRent
- Thoroughly screen applicants at RentPrep
- Set up your dedicated landlord bank account with Baselane
- Check in with Obie to make sure you have the rental property insurance you need
- Use the property management software we’re using to handle daily rental tasks, with Avail or TurboTenant
- Get full property management services, at a fraction of the cost, with Hemlane
- Or check out our full Toolkit
In this episode of the Landlord Gurus Podcast, Chris and Eli take a deep dive into two popular property management platforms: Avail and Zillow Rental Manager. Whether you're listing vacancies, screening tenants, collecting rent, or creating lease agreements, choosing the right software can make a big difference in your day-to-day operations.
Tune in as we compare the features, strengths, and limitations of each platform—from rental listings and tenant applications to electronic leases, rent collection, and financial reporting. We also highlight important considerations like screening costs, local compliance, and usability tips based on our real-world experiences as landlords.
Whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple properties, this episode will help you decide which tool fits your needs best—or if you should be using both.
👉 Links:
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
Thinking about buying a rental property or refinancing your investment loan? In this episode of the Landlord Gurus Podcast, Chris and Eli sit down with Justin Buehring, Branch Manager at Highlands Residential Mortgage, to demystify the lending process for landlords and real estate investors.
With 30 years of experience, Justin shares practical insights on:
FHA vs. conventional loans for first-time landlords
How to leverage HELOCs for down payments and renovations
When refinancing makes financial sense (and when it doesn’t)
What lenders look for in rental property financing
Whether you're purchasing your first duplex or scaling your portfolio, this episode gives you the tools to make informed financing decisions and build wealth through real estate.
📍 Guest Info:
Justin Buehring - Branch Manager - Highlands Residential Mortgage
206.200.6746 - jbuehring@highlandsmortgage.com
🎧 Subscribe for more landlord tips and real estate strategies. Drop your questions in the comments or contact Justin directly!
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
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Even experienced landlords can slip up, and this time, it was our turn. In this candid episode of the Landlord Gurus Podcast, Chris and Eli share a real-world story of a rent collection misstep that led to a 10-month, $100 shortfall — all due to a small error in an outdated payment method.
We break down:
What went wrong when a tenant paid rent via direct bank transfer
Why rent collection software could have prevented the issue
The pros and cons of switching long-term tenants to new systems
How features like automatic alerts, partial payment restrictions, and one-time charges help landlords avoid costly errors
🛠️ Mistakes happen. Here’s how to learn from ours so you don’t repeat it.
✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts or questions in the comments. Would you charge the missing rent?
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
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Should you list your rental on Airbnb or stick with a traditional year-long lease? In this episode, we talk through the pros and cons of short-term rentals based on firsthand experience. We cover what makes short-term rentals attractive — including flexibility, higher nightly income, and easier screening — but we also discuss the hidden downsides like frequent turnovers, guest expectations, and local licensing rules. Whether you’re new to hosting or just curious about your options, we break it down clearly so you can find the best fit for your rental property.
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
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Done hauling around bags of quarters? In this episode, we talk about easier, smarter ways to manage laundry machines at your rental properties. Learn how mobile app-based payment systems work, what they cost, and why they can make life simpler for both you and your tenants. If you’re tired of coin jams, missed collections, and endless trips to the bank, this is a must-watch.
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
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Utility costs can easily erode your rental profits if you don't have a clear billing system in place. In this episode, we show you how to bill tenants for utilities in ways that are easy to manage, legally compliant, and fair for everyone. Learn the pros and cons of common methods like separate meters, ratio billing, submetering, flat fees, and more. Save yourself future headaches and maximize your rental income by setting up utility billing the smart way.
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners:
Are you tired of juggling late-night maintenance calls, chasing rent checks, and manually tracking expenses? Property management software could be your best assistant. In today’s episode, we talk about why using these platforms makes life easier for independent landlords. We’ll walk you through how property management tools allow you to advertise listings, screen applicants securely, manage leases, automate rent collection, and stay on top of maintenance — all from one dashboard!
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
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Notices are a critical part of rental management — and doing them wrong can cause real trouble. In this episode, we explain the most common notices landlords may need to serve, when and how to deliver them legally, and why following the correct process matters. A must-listen for anyone managing rental property!
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
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Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
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Knowing when to call in legal help can save landlords time, money, and major headaches. In this episode, we break down 12 situations where hiring an attorney might be the smartest move — from evictions and lease violations to fair housing issues and tenant lawsuits. Learn how to protect yourself, stay compliant, and manage risk with confidence.
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
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As a landlord, knowing how to legally and respectfully handle tenants with service animals and emotional support animals is crucial. In this episode, we cover the key differences between pets, ESAs, and service animals, what documentation you can request, what fees you can't charge, and when it's appropriate to deny an accommodation request. Stay compliant, avoid fines, and protect your property.
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
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Move-outs don't have to be chaotic! We share strategies for communicating with tenants, coordinating inspections, documenting property conditions, and returning security deposits properly. Plus, learn how to handle abandoned belongings without risking legal trouble. Tune in and set yourself up for faster turnovers and fewer headaches.
Landlording A-Z Course
Website: https://landlordgurus.com/
Socials:
Try out “Sage” our AI landlord helper
Handpicked tools from our list of partners: