This piece argues that investors should engage a property manager before signing a purchase contract. A property manager can:

• Attend inspections and identify rental red flags (e.g., high maintenance costs, undesirable layouts).
• Provide advice on rentability, tenant appeal and likely rental income.
• Suggest contract clauses to protect the investor, such as requiring the seller to address maintenance issues or granting pre-settlement access for advertising.
• Help buyers avoid common mistakes, such as purchasing tenanted properties with unfavourable lease terms or underestimating necessary repairs.

An anecdote is shared about a client who bought a property with a 12-month lease at below-market rent due to an unfavourable clause. Had they consulted a property manager earlier, they could have negotiated or selected a better property.

The article encourages investors to plan ahead, connect utilities, arrange cleaning and advertise early to minimise vacancy after settlement. It emphasises that involving a property manager from the start costs nothing extra but can save thousands of dollars and significant stress.