How to Self-Manage Rental Properties Remotely and Invest Out of Town (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Gabby Hillier
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Thinking about investing in a different city or province? Wondering if you can manage your properties without living nearby? You can — but only if you build the right systems.
As real estate investors scale their portfolios, the question eventually comes up: "Can I invest outside my city? Can I self-manage without being on-site?" The answer is yes — but it requires a shift in how you view your role in the business.
In this article, we’ll break down:
The mindset required to grow your portfolio beyond your own backyard
What systems you need to manage properties remotely
How to save thousands by self-managing the smart way
Why remote investing isn’t just possible — it may be your key to true freedom
🔄 Let Go of Perfection to Grow Like a CEO
Most real estate investors start as hands-on landlords. But if you want to scale your portfolio and invest for freedom, you have to evolve from being the "do-it-all" person to becoming the CEO of your business.
That means:
Delegating tasks to others
Accepting that no one will do it exactly like you — and that’s okay
Trading control for growth
The cost of scaling is often quality. If you can accept that, you unlock growth.
🌍 Out-of-Town Investing: Start from Scratch
Every new market you enter requires fresh due diligence. You can’t assume what worked in Edmonton will work in Calgary, or what worked in Red Deer will work in Kelowna.
Before buying out of town, make sure to:
Study the local market fundamentals (rent rates, demand, tenant laws)
Understand the tenant profile in that area
Research neighbourhoods, amenities, and public perception
Build a local power team (realtors, contractors, inspectors, lawyers)
🔎 Treat each new market like your first — even if it’s your tenth.
🏡 Remote Self-Management: What Actually Works
Managing your rental properties from a distance is 100% doable — if you build strong systems and hire local support.
Here’s what we recommend:
Cloud-Based File Storage: Keep all leases, tenant communications, renewals, and notices in shared cloud folders so you can access them from anywhere.
E-Signatures: Use digital signing platforms for all legal documents (leases, renewals, rent increases, notices).
Communication Agreement: Create a written agreement with tenants outlining communication rules (response times, contact methods, who to call in emergencies).
Online Rent Collection: Use tools like e-transfers, property management software, or direct deposit to keep payments on track.
Local Handyman Network: Hire trustworthy, on-call professionals in each city to handle on-site tasks. Think of them as your local "boots on the ground."
🚀 Build a Business, Not Another Job
If you're managing your properties manually, chasing rent, handling every repair call, and constantly checking in — you don't own a business, you own a job.
The goal of real estate investing is freedom. That means building systems, automating tasks, and saving money by doing things efficiently — not necessarily by outsourcing everything to a property manager.
Done right, remote self-management can:
Save you thousands per year in property management fees
Put more cash flow in your pocket
Allow you to invest anywhere in Canada without physical limitations
Keep you in control of your tenant experience and business decisions
📅 Want to Learn How to Do This Yourself?
Join us in Edmonton on May 3rd, 2025 for the Real Estate Investing Deal Lab, where we’ll teach you how to:
Analyze deals
Build systems
Scale your portfolio smartly
🎟️ Register here and use code REIMORNINGSHOW for 25% OFF your ticket.
🧡 Want Ongoing Support?
Wayne and Gabby Hillier are full-time investors and coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build scalable, cash-flowing portfolios using smart systems, joint ventures, and creative strategies.
Learn more: www.reimasters.ca
🎧 Want to Hear the Full Discussion?
Want to hear our full conversation and more tips on out-of-town investing and self-managing rentals remotely? Check out the full podcast episode below:
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