In this episode of the 256 Investor Podcast, host JD sits down with Michelle Baker, one of Alabama’s most credentialed property managers (Master Property Manager & Residential Management Professional). Michelle goes toe-to-toe with JD on life lessons as a real estate property manager, the questions you should ask when searching for one, and why every investor needs one. Michelle shares her 20+ year journey through real estate—starting in the mid-2000s housing boom, surviving the 2008 foreclosure crisis, building a preservation company, and ultimately becoming a leader in property management.
Discover insider tips on:
How foreclosures shaped today’s real estate market
The difference between Realtors and trained property managers
Key mistakes new investors make when buying rental properties
Why proper certifications (NARPM, MPM, RMP) matter for long-term success
What investors should look for in property managers in Huntsville & beyond
If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your rental investments, manage tenants legally, and avoid costly mistakes—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom.
Topics Covered with Timestamps:
03:00 | The 2008 crash, running a foreclosure preservation company, insights into property cleanouts, repairs, and equity opportunities.
06:30 | Lessons learned from foreclosures, impact on property management, and how maintenance experience shaped her career.
10:00 | Michelle’s certifications: Master Property Manager (MPM) and Residential Management Professional (RMP)—why they matter.
13:30 | The problem with untrained Realtors managing rentals; importance of understanding landlord-tenant law and fair housing.
20:00 | Common investor mistakes: poor property layouts, self-management risks, “cheapest PM” trap, and eviction realities.
28:00 | Reviews, bad tenants vs. bad investors, importance of policies, procedures, and communication styles.
34:00 | Tech changes: from paper ledgers to property management software, portals, and why everything must be in writing.
40:00 | Why investors must choose serious PMs with training; balancing vacancy rates vs. rent levels.
44:00 – | Current Huntsville & North Alabama real estate market outlook—growth, rental demand, and surrounding hot spots (Decatur, Athens, Guntersville, Arab).
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com