From Idea to Industry Leader

A little over twelve years ago, RL Property Management was just an idea. No clients, no license, and no formal experience in property management, just two founders in an apartment with a shared belief: we could build something better.

Today, RLPM manages hundreds of residential units across Central Ohio with a full-service team, a deeply refined operating system, and a reputation for doing things the right way. We’re not here by accident. We’re here because of hard work, the right people, a lot of learning, and relentless focus on our mission: helping property owners succeed with their real estate investments.

This milestone gave us a chance to step back and reflect… What have we learned in twelve years of property management? What challenges shaped us? What principles helped us scale? Below, you’ll find 12 takeaways that tell the story of how we got here and what we’ve learned along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor, an accidental landlord, or just curious about what it really takes to run a property management company in Columbus, we hope this offers value (and maybe a few insights to shortcut your own journey).

1. You Can’t Skip the Grind, But You Can Systematize It

Growth didn’t come from hustle alone. At some point, every late night, every maintenance call, and every spreadsheet had to evolve into a system. We realized early on that if we wanted to scale (and maintain high standards) we needed consistent, repeatable processes. Today, our in-house maintenance team, detailed inspection checklists, and transparent financial reporting systems aren’t just bells and whistles—they’re the backbone of our operation. Systems create freedom. They also protect your investments.

2. The Right People Make All the Difference

Hiring is everything. Over the years, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that great teams don’t just happen—you have to be intentional about finding and keeping the right people. That starts with doing reference checks the right way, every time. But it also means supporting our team once they’re here. From our local Columbus staff to our amazing remote teammates around the globe, every person plays a role in delivering great results for our clients. We couldn’t do it without them, and we wouldn’t want to.

3. Global Talent = Local Success

Nine of our team members work remotely from around the world, and they’re every bit as vital to our operation as the team here in Columbus. Great property management doesn’t require everyone to be in the same office—it requires the right people, clear communication, and strong systems. Leveraging global talent has made us faster, smarter, and more cost-efficient. Efficiency isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about building intelligently.

4. Technology Is a Tool, Not a Savior

It’s tempting to think a new platform will solve your problems. We’ve been there. But in reality, your PM software isn’t going to make or break your business—your systems and execution will. We’ve chosen to stick with reliable tools like Buildium because what matters most is how well we use them. Switching platforms rarely fixes root problems, and often creates new ones. Execution is everything.

5. Leasing Without Fees Isn’t Just Marketing—It’s Alignment

When we made the decision to eliminate leasing fees, it wasn’t a gimmick. It was about aligning our success with yours. We believe property managers shouldn’t profit from tenant turnover. Our goal is stable, long-term occupancy—not constant churning. That’s why we’ve structured our fees so that we only win when you win. It builds trust, incentivizes better leasing decisions, and keeps our interests fully aligned with our clients’ goals.

6. Property Management is a Reflection of Ownership

We’ve learned that your company is a mirror. If things aren’t working the way you want them to, the first place to look is the leadership. At RLPM, we embrace what we call an “extreme ownership” mindset. It means taking full responsibility for every outcome, good or bad. That mindset filters down through our team and into our processes. It’s how we create accountability, improve service, and ultimately drive better results for our clients. We don’t make excuses. We figure it out.

7. Real Estate is Still the Best Wealth-Building Tool

Through all the ups and downs (market cycles, interest rates, changing regulations, etc.) one thing has remained constant: real estate remains one of the most reliable paths to long-term wealth. But only if it’s managed the right way. We help our clients treat their properties like true investments by focusing on cash flow, asset protection, and smart maintenance planning. It’s not about speculation—it’s about consistent performance year after year.

8. Transparency Builds Trust

If you can’t see what’s happening with your property, how can you trust it’s being handled well? That’s why we’ve built transparency into every part of our client experience—from access to real-time financials in the owner portal to clear fee structures and detailed monthly reporting. No hidden costs. No surprises. Just reliable, professional service and clear communication. Transparency isn’t a buzzword—it’s a promise.

9. Compliance Isn’t Optional, It’s Strategic

Many investors treat legal compliance like a checkbox… until it becomes a costly problem. We take a different view. Staying ahead of local housing codes, fair housing laws, and eviction procedures isn’t just about avoiding risk—it’s a smart way to protect your asset. Our team monitors regulatory changes and enforces policies that keep properties and owners in good standing. Peace of mind starts with staying on the right side of the law.

10. Support Systems Matter, Inside and Outside Work

Running a property management company is demanding, and isolating if you try to do it alone. Over the years, we’ve leaned on organizations like NARPM, connected with other business owners, and sought out therapists and coaches who could help us navigate the emotional and mental load of this work. Burnout is real. Leadership can be lonely. Having the right support systems in place makes a huge difference. It’s not just about business success—it’s about personal sustainability.

11. Our Clients Are Investors, and We Treat Them That Way

We don’t think of our clients as landlords. We think of them as investors. That’s a subtle but powerful distinction that shapes how we manage properties. It means every decision is made with ROI, asset protection, and long-term value in mind. From our financial reporting to our leasing strategies, we focus on maximizing returns and minimizing risk. This isn’t just about managing a property—it’s about managing a portfolio.

12. Columbus is Home… and That Matters

Being local isn’t a tagline for us—it’s an advantage. We live here. We work here. We understand the neighborhoods, the tenant pool, the city inspectors, and the seasonal swings of the Columbus rental market. National chains can’t offer that. Our clients benefit from real insight, local relationships, and a management team that’s deeply embedded in Central Ohio. That’s not something you can fake—and it’s one of our greatest assets.

Thank You to Our Clients, Residents & Team

To everyone who has been a part of the RLPM journey, thank you. Whether you’re a client, resident, team member, vendor, or partner, we appreciate your trust and the role you’ve played in our growth. Celebrating our 12th anniversary has reminded us how far we’ve come—and how much more we can do together. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited for what’s next.

Want to see what 12 years of property management experience can do for your portfolio? Schedule a call with RL Property Management today.