Congratulations!

You've taken the leap into turnkey real estate investing. Whether you've just closed on your first property or are about to sign that contract, those initial three months set the foundation for your entire investment experience. And even if you think you know what to expect intellectually, the reality might look different from what you anticipated.

At REI Nation, we've guided thousands of investors through this crucial period over our 20+ years in business. Here's exactly what to expect—and what you should focus on—during your first 90 days as a turnkey investor.

Days 1-30: Getting Your Bearings

The first month is all about establishing systems and understanding your new role as a property owner. If you've partnered with REI Nation, your property is likely already occupied, meaning rental income starts flowing immediately. During this period, you'll receive your first monthly statement from Premier Property Management Group, detailing:

• Rental income collected
• Any maintenance or repair expenses
• Management fees
• Your net proceeds for the month

This is when you want to set up your accounting systems. Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for all property-related documents, including your closing papers, insurance policies, property management agreement, and lease documents. If you’re working digitally, ensure you label every file clearly and use folders to your advantage. You don’t want to waste time hunting for the right file!

You'll also receive your first communication from your property management team. At Premier Property Management, we pride ourselves on proactive communication, but this is your opportunity to establish expectations:

• How often do you want updates?
• What's your preferred communication method?
• What decisions require your input versus what management handles independently?

Most routine maintenance under a certain dollar threshold (typically $500-$1,000) can be handled without your approval; however, major expenses should involve your approval.

Days 31-60: Finding Your Rhythm

The second month is when the reality of passive income truly sinks in. You're not fielding midnight maintenance calls or chasing rent payments (that's what your property management team handles). Instead, you're reviewing performance reports and starting to understand your property's financial patterns.

This is an excellent time to connect with your REI Nation portfolio advisor if you haven't already scheduled a follow-up call. They can help you:

• Interpret your initial financial statements
• Compare actual performance to projections
• Identify any areas needing attention
• Discuss potential tax strategies

Don't be surprised if your advisor starts discussing your next acquisition—successful investors rarely stop at one property, and by month two, many investors begin thinking about scaling.

During this period, you should also be documenting everything for tax purposes. Consider scheduling a consultation with a CPA specializing in real estate to ensure you're maximizing your tax advantages from day one.

Related: Who Passive Turnkey Investors Should Rely On (And How to Choose Them Wisely)

Days 61-90: Planning Your Future

By month three, you've settled into the rhythm of turnkey investing. You understand the monthly reports, you're comfortable with the management process, and you're seeing consistent rental income. This is when strategic planning begins.

Review your property's performance against your initial projections:

• Is rental income meeting expectations?
• Are maintenance costs in line with your budget?
• How's your property's occupancy status?
• Are there any patterns in expenses you should note?

Understanding these patterns early helps you make informed decisions about future investments. Many REI Nation investors use this 90-day mark to evaluate whether they're ready to add a second property to their portfolio.

Your portfolio advisor can help you map out a path to reach your financial objectives, whether that's replacing your W-2 income, funding retirement, or building generational wealth.

Common Surprises and How to Handle Them

Even with turnkey properties, the first 90 days can bring unexpected situations:

• Minor repair needs that weren't apparent during inspection
• Resident requests for minor modifications
• Seasonal maintenance requirements
• First-time investor jitters about normal property operations

These are standard parts of property ownership. The key is remembering that your property management team handles these situations daily—trust their expertise while staying informed.

Some investors are surprised by how truly hands-off turnkey investing can be. After years of being told that real estate investment requires significant time and effort, the passive nature of turnkey investing can feel almost too good to be true.

Rest assured, this is exactly how it's supposed to work when you have the right team in place.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

The most successful turnkey investors use these first 90 days to:

• Educate themselves on market trends
• Build relationships with their management team
• Plan for portfolio growth
• Establish good recordkeeping habits
• Connect with other investors for insights

They don't micromanage, but they stay engaged. They trust their team's expertise while maintaining oversight of their investment's performance.

Remember, turnkey investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on understanding the process, building strong communication channels, and preparing your portfolio for future growth. 

These first three months are just the beginning of your journey!

Ready to start your turnkey investing journey? Schedule a consultation with your REI Nation portfolio advisor today to discover how our proven model can help you build lasting wealth.