1-3 properties: solo + good cleaner
You can manage 1-3 properties solo if you have one reliable cleaner. Bookings, communications, maintenance — all you. Budget 5-8 hours/week per property.
3-7 properties: hire a manager
At 3+ properties, the operational load justifies a part-time property manager. Either employed or contracted (most go contracted at this stage). They handle day-to-day; you handle strategy.
7+ properties: build systems
At 7+ you need proper systems — automated guest comms, channel manager (or partner-only model), maintenance ticketing, accounting integration. The shift from 'side income' to 'business' usually happens here.