Podcast

Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing with Jonathan Greene

271: Creating Net Gains Through Property Management with Derek Morton

Property management may not be flashy, but it’s essential to successful real estate investing.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Derek Morton, founder and owner-broker of Netgain Property Management in Utah. Since 2016, Derek has built his company around balancing landlords’ expectations with tenants’ needs. With over 14 years of real estate experience, he shares stories, lessons, and practical strategies that show why effective property management is about more than just collecting rent.

Derek explains that many landlords underestimate what it takes to own rental property. Too often, investors assume hiring a property manager means they can step away entirely. Instead, he stresses the importance of staying engaged and managing the manager. He discusses how becoming more selective with clients improved both his business and his quality of life, and why setting expectations early with both tenants and owners prevents conflict later.

Technology is central to Derek’s approach. From maintenance platforms to financial reporting tools, automation helps his team streamline processes and reduce repetitive tasks. This frees up time for meaningful conversations and allows them to “people better” when human connection really matters. With these systems in place, Derek has scaled his business across Utah while maintaining a strong focus on service.

Jonathan and Derek also touch on the realities landlords rarely anticipate—emergency repairs, tenant job loss, and unexpected life events. Derek highlights the importance of financial reserves and has redesigned his onboarding process to include an owner’s manual, welcome box, and annual reviews. These steps educate landlords and align expectations from the start, reducing long-term issues.

Looking ahead, Derek sees rental payments shifting to match how tenants manage money. Flexible or weekly payment options, along with security deposit alternatives, are becoming more common. He believes these changes reflect economic realities and can ease pressure on tenants while ensuring landlords get paid.

Jonathan underscores that property management isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it function. Investors who hire managers still need to stay involved, ask questions, and build trust. Derek’s philosophy of preparation, transparency, and accountability shows how effective property management strengthens portfolios, reduces stress, and creates long-term net gains.

Whether you’re new to rentals or scaling a portfolio, this episode highlights the systems and mindset that turn property management into a true asset for long-term success.

In this episode, you will hear:

Common mistakes landlords make when hiring property managers
Why clear expectations with owners and tenants are essential
How technology streamlines communication and operations
The role of owner onboarding, education, and reviews
Derek’s take on the future of rental payments and landlord-tenant relationships

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