Where Did Helm Property Management Software Start?
- Christian Staton
- Sep 22, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Imagine this: You’ve just purchased your first investment property, full of excitement and potential. But now comes the hard part—managing it effectively. What if there was a DIY property management solution that could handle everything from tenant screening to rent collection, without high costs or complex systems?
I jumped ahead a little bit there, but it helps visualize the situation we were in a couple of years ago when we bought our first investment property.
This is the property where it all began—where three real estate investors came up with the idea for HELM. One of those investors? That’s me! Nice to meet you.
After purchasing our first investment property, we quickly realized we needed a platform that could help us manage it efficiently—something that offered all the essential services like:
Rent Collection
Tenant Screening
Templated Contracts
Service Request Management
Tenant Communication
The problem? We couldn’t find a property management software solution tailored for us—the “everyday” real estate investor.
We looked at all the top platforms: Appfolio, TurboTenant, RentTech Direct, and Yardi Breeze. But they were designed for professional or corporate property managers, not for individuals like us, who wanted a efficient DIY property management app without a steep learning curve or high costs.
Here’s what we discovered about these platforms:
They were expensive – Most had an average cost of $250/month or more, which was way above what we were looking to spend.
They were complicated – The interfaces were confusing, and we found ourselves spending more time trying to navigate the systems than managing our property.
They had hidden fees – Even after signing up, there were additional charges for things like tenant listings, new tenant fees, and lease renewals.
Learn more about these "old school tools."
That didn’t sit right with us. After all, we are everyday, individual, DIY, “mom and pop” real estate investors—just like many of you.
The Real Estate Market Is Dominated by the Everyday Investor
The surprising thing is that everyday investors dominate the real estate market. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
10.6 million Americans earn rental income
72% of rental properties are owned by individual investors
45% of landlords manage their own properties
16.7 million properties, featuring 22.7 million rental units, are owned by “mom and pop” landlords
With a marketplace like that, why hadn’t anyone developed a solution tailored for the everyday investor?
Our guess? Corporate property managers and large software companies want to maintain their grip on the market. They target big players with larger portfolios, leaving individuals and smaller investors out in the cold.
Building HELM: Property Management Software By Investors, For Investors
So, what did we do? We developed the property management software we needed ourselves—and we’re excited to share it with you.
HELM was designed by everyday real estate investors, for everyday real estate investors. We understand that investing in real estate is more than just a business. It’s a passion, and we’re here to make that passion easier to manage.
We’re new.
We’re innovative.
We’re just like you.
We’re revolutionizing property management.
As a fresh face in the property management software world, we’re bringing the latest technology directly to your fingertips. HELM is designed to simplify, streamline, and empower you to manage your properties efficiently and confidently.
What Makes HELM Different?
Let’s talk about what sets us apart. Here are the three key principles that guide everything we do:
Low-Cost, Transparent Pricing
Most property management software is designed for corporate investors with larger budgets, but that’s not who we’re here to serve. Our goal is to bring affordable property management solutions to the market.
At HELM, we’re all about our One-Cost-Fits-All strategy.
Our plans start at $19.99/month. No matter the size of your property or your needs, you’ll never pay more.
And the best part? No hidden fees or add-on costs.
Traditional property managers charge a percentage of collected rent, plus additional fees for everything from setup to lease renewals. We don’t believe in that. With HELM, you control all costs associated with your property—because there are no hidden fees, no surprise charges. Just one low price for all the tools you need.
Intuitive and User-Friendly
We know real estate investing can get complex. That’s why our platform is designed to simplify everything, from rent collection to tenant communication.
Our goal is to make property management accessible for every investor, whether you’re just starting or have been in the game for years.
Easy onboarding – Set up your property, connect your bank account, and start collecting rent—all in just a few clicks.
User-friendly interface – No need to struggle with complicated menus or hard-to-navigate screens. Everything is clear, straightforward, and designed for ease of use.
On-the-go access – Manage your properties from anywhere, at any time, with our app, available on both Apple and Google devices.
Full-Service Platform
We’re more than just a rent collection service. HELM offers a full suite of tools designed to help you manage your investment properties effectively.
Here’s what we provide:
Automated rent collection – Say goodbye to late payments with our fully automated system that allows tenants to pay online and set up recurring payments.
Comprehensive tenant screening – Avoid problematic tenants with thorough background checks, including credit reports, criminal history, and eviction records.
Service request management – Streamline maintenance and repairs by allowing tenants to submit requests through the app, complete with photos and detailed descriptions.
Templated contracts and documents – We offer a library of customizable, legally sound templates for leases, rental applications, and more.
Direct messaging – Communicate easily with tenants and our customer service team through our in-app messaging feature.
We’re here to take the stress out of managing your properties. By offering these tools in one easy-to-use platform, HELM allows you to focus on what really matters—growing your investment portfolio.
Real Results for Real Investors
Let’s take a look at the numbers. By switching to HELM, we estimate that the average real estate investor can save up to $2,400 annually. Here’s how:
Traditional property managers charge 10% of collected rent. For a property renting at $2,000/month, that’s $2,400/year in fees—not including setup, tenant listing, and other charges.
Average property management software costs $250/month, or $3,000/year.
With HELM, you pay just $19.99/month—that’s $240/year, with no hidden fees or extra costs. We’re putting $2,400 back in your pocket so you can reinvest in your portfolio.
Join the Revolution: Property Management Made Simple
Our mission is simple: We want to make property management more accessible, more affordable, and more effective for the everyday investor.
Whether you’re managing one property or a dozen, HELM gives you all the tools you need to succeed—without the hefty price tag, complicated systems, or unnecessary fees.
Ready to take the next step? Click here to learn more about HELM's pricing, features, and how we can help you take control of your real estate investments.
Let’s build something great together.
We’re here to bring property management to your pocket and make real estate investing more achievable than ever before.
Are you ready to #SteerYourShip?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. HELM Property Management Software, LLC does not provide legal, financial, or investment consulting services. Real estate investing and property management involve risks, and laws vary by state and municipality. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified attorney, accountant, or financial professional before making any real estate, financial, or property management decisions.
Nothing in this blog creates an attorney-client, financial advisor-client, or other professional relationship between the reader and HELM Property Management Software, LLC. Additionally, this content is intended for U.S. audiences, and legal or financial regulations may differ in other jurisdictions.
HELM Property Management Software, LLC makes no warranties or representations about the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. While we strive to keep our content up to date, real estate and financial regulations change frequently, and we are not responsible for outdated or incorrect information. Any mention of third-party services, products, or companies does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of their services.
By using this information, you agree that HELM Property Management Software, LLC is not liable for any losses, damages, or legal consequences resulting from decisions made based on this content.
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