How to Find Rentals or Property Management Company Recommendations (condo, townhouses)

[nickyt99]

Other than Craigs List, can anyone suggest another source for finding rentals, preferably ones like townhouses or homes that the owner is renting out? I've found some property management companies online, but have heard mixed reviews. Thanks!

[Nell Plotts]

Ask friends, put a note on the bboard in markets in your target neighborhood(s).

Basically network like crazy in your target area.

[rhodan653]

I know people will disagree with me on this but I prefer property management companies. Some owners are ill equipped to rent their place if it is their first time, especially as they possibly live far away and can be very unresponsive, especially to issues on weekends or late night. Some are great but some are horrible. I think you are more likely to get a decent to good experience with a property management company. I rented a house in out here in Oregon for a year through Mainlander Property Management and had a very good experience with them. That said, I am currently renting a condo from the owner and he has been awesome but he owns several properties and is an experienced landlord. I do not think there is a more widely used listing source than Craigs List for rentals. If you rent from an individual, make sure they reside locally and spend some time with them in person to get a sense of how they may be as a landlord. Ask them if they have rented before, how they plan to deal with problems (i.e fix themselves? Do they have a good handy-man, plumber, etc?) What if it is late at night? Weekends? Good luck!