Austin Long on Building a Property Management Business

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Austin Long to talk about property management, real estate, and what it takes to build something that works in the real world. Austin got into property management because he needed someone to manage his own properties. He could not find the fit he wanted, so he joined with his partners Josh and Andrew and built the team himself. What started as a need turned into a business.

Austin talks about wanting control over the parts of the business that affect both returns and tenant experience. He wants the investment to perform, but he also wants tenants to be treated right and responded to. That balance matters to him. He is not from Charleston, so we also get into how he ended up here. His wife came to the University of Charleston, and the two of them made their way from San Diego to West Virginia. Over time, they fell in love with Charleston and Appalachia.

We also talk about mistakes. Austin shares that one of his first properties flooded in the basement just days after he bought it. That taught him fast that numbers on paper do not prepare you for what can happen once you own the place. He learned to keep contractors close and stay ready for the problems that come with property ownership, from water damage to roof issues to tenant situations you never see coming.

What stands out is how early he recognized he needed to make changes. With about ten units, he decided to bring management in house so he could protect his returns and run things the way he believed they should be run. He also pushes back on the idea that landlords do not care. For him, taking care of tenants is part of the job. He believes people should have a good place to live and be treated fairly.

Austin also explains why this market stands out. Compared to San Diego, Charleston gives investors room to cash flow, even if the homes need more work. He closes with lessons on learning, avoiding desperation, and treating people well. That mindset runs through everything he is building.