From market crashes to million-dollar recoveries, get real, hard-won wisdom from an investor veteran, from choosing markets to picking property managers that actually perform.
In a revealing interview with seasoned investor Brett Macauley of Pursuit Real Estate, we uncovered the hard-earned lessons that transformed his early failures into a successful multi-market portfolio. His journey began with a costly lesson: a Las Vegas condo purchased just before the 2008 crash that taught him what matters in this business.
The secret weapon most investors ignore. Brett clearly stated, “Your property management team makes or breaks your investment.” Having worked with both large firms and boutique teams like Pursuit Real Estate, he’s seen the difference firsthand. “The big guys let things fall through the cracks,” Brett explained. “A great team becomes your competitive advantage.”
He shared how his current team at Pursuit caught tens of thousands of dollars of errors that other management firms missed. “That’s the power of working with true professionals who actually care about your investment.”
“Your property management team makes or breaks your investment.”
Brett’s three non-negotiable rules for choosing a management team.
1. Test their repair response - Ask how they handle emergencies and what vendor relationships they have. This tells you everything.
2. Match communication styles - I only want major issues. Some owners want details. A good manager adapts.
3. Avoid oversized firms - Look for 10 to 15 years of experience. Enough wisdom to navigate problems but still hungry to perform.
If you’re new to real estate investing, Brett’s advice is simple: avoid big turnkey firms that treat you like a number. Do your due diligence. Know your market. Dig into the neighborhoods. And most importantly, choose a property management partner who’s experienced, responsive, and ready to grow with you.
I’m grateful to work with investors like Brett. If you’re looking to build your portfolio and want a partner you can count on, let’s talk. Call me at 904-650-3890 or email matty@pursuitrealestate.com to get started.
