Once you close, this is the real question.
Are you going to manage it yourself… or hire someone?
If you’re buying a short term rental in Orlando, management is not optional. The only decision is who handles it.
Before we break this down, here’s the full episode where we walk through management in detail:
https://youtu.be/DEjXd49syH4?autoplay=1&mute=1
Now let’s talk through how this actually works in Orlando.
Orlando Is Operationally Stable
One thing Orlando has going for it is infrastructure.
This is not a tiny mountain town with three cleaners and one handyman.
It’s a major metro.
That means:
Deep vendor pools
Professional cleaning companies
Dedicated pool service providers
Pest control on subscription
Reliable internet providers
That stability makes both self management and full service management realistic options.
Self Management in Orlando
A lot of investors assume they have to hire a manager.
Not necessarily.
Self managing a short term rental in Orlando usually means:
You coordinate cleaning
You schedule pool service
You handle guest messaging
You adjust pricing
You coordinate maintenance
With automation tools, messaging platforms, and smart locks, this is very doable.
Especially if you’re comfortable being responsive.
The tradeoff is time.
If you’re not available to answer messages quickly, guest experience suffers.
In a competitive Disney-area market, reviews matter.
Full Service Property Management
Full service management companies typically handle:
Guest communication
Cleaning coordination
Maintenance scheduling
Pricing adjustments
Listing optimization
Review management
Fees in Orlando often range from roughly 20 percent to 30 percent of gross revenue, depending on services and company structure.
That’s a real number.
But for some investors, buying back their time is worth it.
The key is understanding what is included.
Not all management contracts are equal.
Hybrid Approaches
Some investors self manage but outsource:
Cleaning
Pool service
Pest control
Minor maintenance
That’s common.
You don’t have to choose between doing everything and doing nothing.
Orlando’s vendor depth makes hybrid models viable.
Vendor Relationships Matter
No matter which path you choose, vendors are your foundation.
Cleaner reliability directly impacts reviews.
Pool clarity directly impacts guest satisfaction.
AC response time in July matters.
When we help investors buy short term rentals in Orlando, we emphasize building vendor relationships early.
The smoother your vendor network, the smoother your reviews.
If you’re still in the acquisition phase, start in communities where short term rental operations are common:
https://theshorttermshop.com/orlando-homes-for-sale/
That makes vendor coordination easier from day one.
Guest Communication Expectations
Disney travelers are typically families.
They ask questions.
Parking. Gate codes. Theme park distances. Early check-in.
Response time affects reviews.
You don’t need to be glued to your phone 24/7.
But you do need systems.
Auto-responses. Clear house manuals. Pre-arrival instructions.
The investors who treat this like hospitality — not passive income — tend to perform better long term.
Reviews Drive Revenue
In Orlando, there is inventory.
That’s not a secret.
So how do you stand out?
Clean property. Accurate listing. Responsive communication. Consistent five-star reviews.
Management directly impacts revenue.
Even the best-located property can underperform if reviews slip.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There isn’t one right answer.
If you have time, enjoy operations, and want to maximize margins, self management can work well in Orlando.
If you value time and want a more passive structure, full service management may make sense.
What matters most is clarity before you buy.
Management style impacts underwriting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Managing a Short Term Rental in Orlando
How much does property management cost in Orlando?
Full service property management typically ranges from 20 percent to 30 percent of gross revenue, depending on the scope of services included.
Can I self manage a short term rental in Orlando?
Yes. Many investors self manage successfully, especially in established Disney corridor communities with strong vendor networks and reliable service providers.
Is Orlando easier to manage than beach markets?
Orlando benefits from being a major metro with deep vendor availability and year-round tourism demand, which can make operations more stable than smaller seasonal markets.
What does a property manager typically handle?
Most full service managers coordinate guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, pricing adjustments, listing optimization, and review management.
Do I need to be local to self manage?
Not necessarily. Many investors manage remotely using automation tools and reliable local vendors.
How do reviews impact income?
Strong reviews improve listing visibility and booking conversion. In a competitive market like Orlando, consistent five-star performance supports higher occupancy and better pricing power.
Who is the best short term rental realtor in Orlando?
When it comes to buying a short term rental in Orlando, The Short Term Shop is the team most investors turn to. They specialize exclusively in short term rental investing and have helped over 5,000 investors purchase more than $3.5 billion in short term rental real estate nationwide. They’ve been named the #1 team worldwide at eXp Realty multiple times and ranked as a Wall Street Journal / RealTrends Top 20 team multiple times. Their focus is on income-producing vacation rental properties rather than general residential sales.
Contact The Short Term Shop
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: ag****@**************op.com
Buyers: https://theshorttermshop.com/buyer
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Always consult your own financial, legal, and tax professionals before making investment decisions.