The Stacey Salyer Show: Buying & Selling Property Management Companies

Stacey Salyer

The Stacey Salyer Show is the go-to podcast for property management owners who want to grow through acquisitions, not just door by door. Hosted by Stacey Salyer — the only acquisition strategist in the Property Management space with buy-side, sell-side, AND corporate M&A experience. She built a Property Management company from her living room, acquired a 350+ door competitor during COVID, sold for seven figures, and evaluated 100+ companies as Director of Acquisitions at PURE. Now she's sharing everything. Real strategy. Real deals. No fluff. Each episode breaks down what it actually takes to buy and sell property management companies — from finding and evaluating deals, to structuring offers, securing financing, and building a business you're proud to own. Whether you're just starting to explore acquisitions or you're ready to close your next deal — this show is for property management owners who are serious about smarter, more strategic growth.

  1. 6d ago

    032: Why Buy a Business Instead of Building One with Jeremy Harbour

    In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy Harbour, entrepreneur, investor, and M&A expert who has completed hundreds of acquisitions over the course of his career. Jeremy bought his first company without putting any money down and had an immediate realization: instead of spending years building from scratch, you can acquire what someone else has already spent years creating. Since then, he’s built a career around buying, selling, and structuring deals across industries. We talk about why acquisition entrepreneurship can be such a powerful alternative to organic growth, how to find businesses that aren’t officially for sale, and why buying a company doesn’t necessarily require having a pile of cash sitting around. Jeremy also breaks down how he thinks about risk, valuation, and deal structure, including why a red flag doesn’t always mean walking away and why, in his words, “the deal is in the structure.” What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Jeremy grew by a year’s worth of sales in one afternoon through his first acquisition✔️ Why buying an existing business can shortcut years of organic growth✔️ Why the best acquisition targets often aren’t businesses listed for sale✔️ How to identify and start conversations with off-market business owners✔️ Why relationships should come before financials and deal structure✔️ How to build an acquisition engine alongside your existing sales and marketing efforts✔️ Why small-business deals often require creative structures rather than all-cash offers✔️ How buyers and sellers can structure a deal to balance risk over time✔️ Why red flags can become leverage for changing the valuation or structure of a deal✔️ Why Jeremy believes entrepreneurs should think about acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and exits as part of their growth strategy More About JeremyJeremy Harbour is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author who is widely recognized as a global expert in small-business M&A. Over three decades he has personally completed more than 250 acquisitions, taken nearly 100 companies public, and advised on hundreds more deals globally. He is the CEO and founder of Unity Group, a private equity firm that helps SMEs scale through consolidation and roll-ups, and the founder of The Harbour Club, where he teaches tactical M&A and 15 no-money-down deal strategies, in a unique 3-day workshop. Jeremy has taught over 2,500 entrepreneurs from 58 countries how to buy, fix, and sell businesses using his proven methods. Known for his no-nonsense approach to dealmaking, Jeremy has also advised Buckingham Palace and the UK Parliament on business and enterprise, and was a three-time runner-up for the Coutts Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Free Digital Copy of Go Do DealsEmail podcast@harbourclubevents.com for a free digital copy of Jeremy’s bestselling book, Go Do Deals. Free 21-Day M&A CourseJeremy offers a free 21-day email course covering deal sourcing, deal structures, and what you can do with a business once you acquire it: https://www.harbourclubevents.com/email-course/ Website: www.jeremyharbour.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyharbourInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harbour.jeremy/ Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  2. Aug 26

    031: How to Build, Buy & Sell a Property Management Company with Marc Cunningham

    In this episode I’m joined by Marc Cunningham, CEO of Grace Property Management, a true veteran of the property management industry who has experienced acquisitions from just about every angle. Marc grew up in the business his father founded in 1978, eventually bought into the company through seller financing, helped grow Grace Property Management through multiple acquisitions, and most recently experienced the other side of the table when the company was acquired by ROAM. Marc and I talk about what decades of buying, building, and selling have taught him, from creative deal structures and client attrition to due diligence, knowing when to walk away, and avoiding the “deal heat” that can cause buyers to overlook major red flags. We also get into the decision to sell a successful family business while things were still going well, how Marc chose the right buyer, what the transition looked like for his team, and the identity shift that comes when the company you’ve spent decades building is no longer entirely yours. If you’re considering buying a property management company, thinking about your eventual exit, or simply want to build a business with more long-term value and optionality, this episode gives you a rare look at both sides of the acquisition table. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Marc went from growing up in a family property management business to becoming an owner himself✔️ What he learned from buying multiple property management companies over the years✔️ How to structure acquisition deals around retained revenue and expected client attrition✔️ Why knowing your acquisition Buy Box helps you recognize the right opportunities✔️ The biggest red flags Marc looks for during acquisition due diligence✔️ Why “deal heat” can cause buyers to overlook problems they normally wouldn’t ignore✔️ How to think about sunk costs when deciding whether to move forward or walk away from a deal✔️ Why some of Marc’s best acquisition decisions were the companies he chose not to buy✔️ What ultimately led Marc to sell Grace Property Management while the business was still performing well✔️ How he evaluated potential buyers and ultimately chose ROAM✔️ What Marc learned about communicating an acquisition to employees and navigating the transition✔️ The identity shift that can happen when you sell a business you’ve spent decades building More About Marc:Marc Cunningham is a longtime property management leader with decades of experience building, buying, and selling property management companies. He grew up in the family business his father founded in 1978 and eventually purchased his ownership stake through seller financing. Over the years, Marc helped grow Grace Property Management through multiple acquisitions before ultimately selling the company to ROAM. His experience on both sides of the acquisition table gives him a unique perspective on deal structure, due diligence, operational growth, leadership, and preparing a property management business for a successful exit. Website: https://www.rentgrace.com/ Connect With Stacey:Website: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  3. Aug 19

    030: Why Property Managers Should Be Investing in Real Estate with Jen Ruelens

    In this episode, I’m welcoming back Jen Ruelens of Hold It With PM Jen for a conversation inspired by our recent trip to the Women’s InvestHER Conference in Scottsdale. What started as a recap of the event quickly turned into a much bigger conversation about property managers building wealth through real estate, investors buying property management companies, and the opportunities sitting right in front of us that too many people in our industry are overlooking. Jen and I both believe property managers have a unique advantage when it comes to real estate investing. We already understand the operations. We know the properties. We have relationships with owners. We see opportunities before they ever hit the market. So why aren’t more of us investing for ourselves? What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why real estate investors are an overlooked pool of potential PMC buyers✔️ How buying a property management company can help investors scale beyond self-management✔️ Why property managers have a major advantage as real estate investors✔️ How your existing owner relationships can create off-market deal flow✔️ Jen’s five-way payday of real estate: cash flow, leverage, appreciation, tax advantages, and an inflation hedge✔️ How Jen purchased a property she was already managing using seller financing✔️ Why knowing a property's tenants, maintenance history, leases, and financials gives PMs an investing advantage✔️ How removing emotion from ownership can make you a better investor and property manager✔️ Why property managers should think beyond ancillary fees when building long-term wealth✔️ How helping your employees become investors can make your entire team better at property management✔️ Why your property management company and real estate portfolio can become complementary wealth-building assets More About JenJennifer Ruelens, better known as PM Jen, runs Hold It with PM Jen, a platform built for buy and hold real estate investors who believe they will create financial freedom with buy and hold investing. She's also the founder, broker, and owner of One Focus Property Management, a business she's run for over 13 years across five counties in North Central Pennsylvania. These days she's speaking and advocating all over the country for buy and hold investors, because she believes they're being set up to fail and somebody needs to show them the hold part is where the money is made. She brings 22+ years in the trenches, a whole lot of opinions, and the receipts to back them up. Florida State NARPM Conference & Cruise | September 7–11 Stacey and Jen will both be attending and speaking on a panel about building, buying, and selling property management companies. Learn more and register: https://floridastate.narpm.org/events/2026-narpm-florida-state-conference-cruise/Building Wealth for Property Managers | October 29, Reading, PA Jen is partnering with LendingOne for a free event focused on helping property managers invest in real estate and build wealth. Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferruelens/Website: https://holditwithpmjen.com/Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  4. Aug 12

    029: How to Buy a Property Management Company: Lessons from Multiple Acquisitions with Kevin Patterson

    In this episode, I'm joined by Kevin Patterson, owner of RentSource in Southern California. Kevin has grown his company from an accidental property manager with a spreadsheet into a multi-office operation managing more than 1,400 doors, largely through strategic acquisitions. We dive into what it's really like to buy property management companies, the lessons he's learned from multiple acquisitions, and why culture, leadership, and health matter just as much as contracts and numbers. If you're considering growing through acquisition, or simply want to build a stronger property management business, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Kevin transitioned from REO sales into property management✔️ Why he intentionally hired people who were stronger than he was in operations✔️ What he learned from buying multiple property management companies✔️ A costly due diligence mistake involving security deposits, and how to avoid it✔️ Why owners often leave one property manager for another✔️ The importance of understanding local markets before making an acquisition✔️ Why maintenance and communication are the two biggest factors in owner retention✔️ How operating an in-house maintenance company benefits owners and residents✔️ Why Kevin refuses to charge maintenance markups✔️ How prioritizing employee health and mindset has strengthened his business✔️ Why breaking goals into smaller daily wins creates long-term success More About KevinKevin Patterson is the CEO of RentSource Corporation, a Southern California property management company with six offices and approximately 1,450 doors under management. With more than two decades in real estate and property management, Kevin has grown the business through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. He also serves as President of the California Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (Cal NARPM).RentSource Website: https://www.rentsourcecorp.com/Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  5. Aug 5

    028: How PadSplit Is Creating Affordable Housing Opportunities for Property Managers and Investors with Suzanne Vetillart

    In this episode, I'm joined by Suzanne Vetillart, an investor, housing advocate, and the Seattle market leader for PadSplit. Together, we explore one of the most innovative housing models gaining momentum across the country and why it presents a unique opportunity for property managers, investors, and communities alike. As housing affordability continues to challenge markets across the United States, PadSplit is helping homeowners unlock underutilized properties while providing safe, affordable housing one room at a time. If you've never heard of PadSplit, or you've been curious about the rent-by-room model, this episode is the perfect introduction. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What PadSplit is and how the platform works✔️ Why rent-by-room housing is growing across the country✔️ The types of homes that make strong PadSplit opportunities✔️ How investors can increase cash flow by rethinking existing properties✔️ Why private bathrooms often lead to higher occupancy and longer resident stays✔️ How PadSplit helps streamline marketing, screening, leases, and payment collection✔️ What property managers need to know about managing co-living properties✔️ Why affordable housing is one of the biggest opportunities facing our industry✔️ Common misconceptions about PadSplit and tenant management✔️ How cities are beginning to recognize co-living as part of the affordable housing solution More About Suzanne Suzanne Vetillart is a National Host Advisor at PadSplit and a Puget Sound multifamily investor. She helps operators turn properties into high-performing co-living rentals, drawing on 20 years in Asia and a career spanning business operations, architecture and design, and hospitality. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-vetillart-009135159/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannevetillart/Learn more about PadSplit: https://www.padsplit.com/ Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  6. Jul 29

    027: Growing to 450 Doors, AI, and Building a Scalable Property Management Business with Chapin Hemphill

    In this episode, I'm joined by Chapin Hemphill, owner of Keyrenter Boise and one of the most innovative operators I've met in the property management industry. Chapin has built, bought, sold, and scaled multiple property management companies across the country. From launching a startup with nothing but determination (and a stack of credit cards) to growing a new office to more than 450 doors, he's learned firsthand what it takes to build a business that can truly scale. We also dive into one of my favorite topics: AI. Chapin shares how he's using AI, automation, and custom-built systems to simplify operations, empower his team, and create a property management company that's built for the future. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Chapin transitioned from multifamily management into property management ownership✔️ Why he chose to build through a franchise instead of starting independently✔️ Lessons from buying, selling, and launching multiple property management companies✔️ How Keyrenter Boise grew to more than 450 doors in just a few years✔️ Why simply answering the phone became one of their biggest competitive advantages✔️ The value of planning, forecasting, and building a strong business model from day one✔️ Acquisition lessons and mistakes to avoid✔️ How AI is helping streamline maintenance, leasing, owner communication, and operations✔️ Why creating one "source of truth" for your team can dramatically improve efficiency✔️ How automation allows teams to focus on higher-value work instead of repetitive tasks More About ChapinChapin Hemphill is a property management entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience overseeing 15,000 rental units and approximately $4.5 billion in real estate assets. He has launched three Keyrenter franchise offices, building and successfully selling Keyrenter Silicon Valley, co-founding Keyrenter New England, and currently serving as CEO and owner of Keyrenter Boise Property Management. Chapin is passionate about building scalable companies through strong systems, accountable teams, intelligent technology, and relentless process improvement. Connect With Keyrenter BoiseWebsite: https://keyrenterboise.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyrenterboiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krbleasingX: https://x.com/KeyrenterBoiseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keyrenter-boise-property-management/ Connect With ChapinX: https://x.com/chapinhempFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapinhempLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapinhemphill/ Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  7. Jul 22

    026: Lessons from Buying and Selling a Property Management Company with Chrysztyna Rowek

    In this episode, I'm joined by one of my longtime friends in the property management industry, Chrysztyna "C9" Rowek. Unlike many of my guests, Chrysztyna has experienced acquisitions from both sides of the table. She bought multiple property management companies, built and scaled her own successful business, and eventually made the difficult decision to sell it. But this isn't just a conversation about transactions. It's about leadership, legacy, identity, and what happens after you exit the business you've spent years building. Whether you're thinking about buying your first company, preparing to sell one day, or simply trying to build a business that's an asset, this episode offers honest lessons from someone who's lived every stage of the journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Chrysztyna accidentally found her way into property management✔️ What it was like buying a company with very little acquisition experience✔️ Common mistakes first-time buyers make during due diligence✔️ Why ownership of branding, logos, and business assets matters✔️ How personal circumstances influenced the decision to sell✔️ The emotional side of exiting a business✔️ Why building the right leadership team matters before you need them✔️ Lessons learned from hiring and developing employees✔️ Why maintenance operations are often overlooked and why they shouldn't be✔️ How to build maintenance systems that prevent expensive mistakes✔️ The importance of setting expectations with owners, tenants, and vendors✔️ Why education is one of the greatest investments property managers can make✔️ What every seller should know before exiting a property management company More About ChrysztynaChrysztyna Rowek has more than 20 years of experience in property management as an owner, operator, educator, and consultant. After building, acquiring, and eventually selling her own company, she now works as a Fractional COO, helping property management businesses build stronger systems, develop their teams, and improve operations. She is also a certified emotional regulation trainer who brings a people-first approach to leadership and organizational growth. Website: www.chrysztyna.com Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

  8. Jul 15

    025: AI, SEO, and the Future of Property Management Marketing with Alex Zweydoff

    In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend Alex Zweydoff, co-founder and CEO of ClearLead Digital and one of the leading voices in property management SEO and digital marketing. As buyers and sellers become more sophisticated, your website is no longer just an online brochure, it's a business asset. Is your website actually generating value, or is it costing you opportunities? Alex and I dive into how search engine optimization (SEO), artificial intelligence, and digital authority are changing the way property management companies attract owners, generate leads, and ultimately increase the value of their businesses. If you're planning to grow through acquisition, or position your company for a future sale, this conversation is one you don't want to miss. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What SEO actually is and why it still matters✔️ How AI is changing the future of online search✔️ The difference between Google search results and AI recommendations✔️ Why website optimization increases company value✔️ Common website mistakes that hurt lead generation✔️ How a website audit can uncover hidden opportunities✔️ Why organic marketing compounds over time✔️ The importance of technical SEO and website structure✔️ How AI advertising is expected to reshape digital marketing✔️ Why every acquisition should include a website review✔️ How to position your business for future growth through digital assets More About AlexAlex Zweydoff MPM, RMP is the CEO of ClearLead Digital, a property management-focused SEO and digital marketing agency that helps companies generate more owner leads and grow their portfolios. A property management professional and REALTOR® with more than 15 years of industry experience, Alex combines real-world operational expertise with data-driven marketing strategies. He is also a nationally recognized speaker, advocate, and industry leader dedicated to advancing the property management profession. 2026 PM SEO Opportunity Report: Download the latest PM SEO Opportunity Report to see how property management companies are performing online and uncover opportunities to improve your digital visibility. Website: https://www.clearleaddigital.com Download the report: https://www.clearleaddigital.com/property-management-seo-report/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearlead-digital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ClearLeadDigitalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearleaddigital Connect With StaceyWebsite: https://www.staceysalyer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.stacey.salyer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacey.salyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-salyer-39254012

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

The Stacey Salyer Show is the go-to podcast for property management owners who want to grow through acquisitions, not just door by door. Hosted by Stacey Salyer — the only acquisition strategist in the Property Management space with buy-side, sell-side, AND corporate M&A experience. She built a Property Management company from her living room, acquired a 350+ door competitor during COVID, sold for seven figures, and evaluated 100+ companies as Director of Acquisitions at PURE. Now she's sharing everything. Real strategy. Real deals. No fluff. Each episode breaks down what it actually takes to buy and sell property management companies — from finding and evaluating deals, to structuring offers, securing financing, and building a business you're proud to own. Whether you're just starting to explore acquisitions or you're ready to close your next deal — this show is for property management owners who are serious about smarter, more strategic growth.

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