While many property managers still use Excel spreadsheets or a pencil and paper to manage their investments, there are much better tools available. The property management software you choose should be flexible, inexpensive and easy to use. You need a really flexible rental property program because, as a property manager, you never know what tomorrow may bring. You might need to get details about a property or tenant at home, in the office or even out at a property. You might need to have other members of your company get records themselves, from their own computers. Your business might double, and you don’t want a tool that won’t server your needs any more. The most flexible property management programs are those running over the Internet.

Because the records are kept on a Web server, you – or anyone else you authorize – can get to them from any Internet-connected computer. And unlike Windows property management programs, on-line property management software doesn’t limit the number of units (doors) you can manage. Surprisingly, you don’t give up any security features when using the right on-line property management software. True, the records aren’t on your computer. Instead, they’re maintained on a computer that typically has much better protection than your own. It’ll be kept in a locked room, fire-safe room, with daily backups and multiple storage devices. The best on-line rental property programs also use SSL security so that all of your work is encrypted – and therefore completely off-limits to hackers. All on-line rental property programs are sold by subscription. » Read more: Property Management Software – What to Look For