Where do you have the most success finding tenants? How long does it usually take? How many people do you need to show the property/apartment to before someone takes it?

Give us your insight.

craigslist.com

craigslist.com and referrals.

I try to keep a waiting list if possible but I always run an ad in the local paper for a full week whenever I have a vacancy at least 2 weeks before the tenant moves out. I also send flyers to local company HR departments asking that they post it in employee break areas. I get tenant referrals from current tenants who can be your best advertising in multi-unit complexes.

Craigslist is currently working wonders... As far as the quality, it will fluctuate based on what type of property you are offering for rent and at what rental rate.

I find that local newspaper listings are generating a decent amount of traffic. Craigslist is by far my most reliable resource.

Here in Minnesota, we have really had great luck with Craigslist and our various team websites.

It is amazing to see the rental demand that is out there, not only for homes, but condos, townhomes.

Even though there is alot of properties for sale on the MLS and buyers are out in full force, it seems that properties are really renting very well too.

Word of mouth usually keeps my apartments and houses filled up. And I've been fortunate to have a lot of really good tenants. When something isn't filling too fast, I advertise in American Classifieds. Used to use the local newspaper, but they're expensive.

By the way, if you are renting a house, here is something to keep in mind if you are the owner of the home.

You are advertising a home for let's say $1,000 per month. The replies will be from people who have pre-screened themselves as affording that much every month.

As a service to the public, I make sure that everybody who responds to the ad is aware of the 1st Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. If I have a vacant rental property and I can find a good tenant for the rental property and sell a house or two, that is a huge plus.

As to your question, CraigsList and newspaper classifieds. Even though the readership for newspapers is in decline, people do go out and buy a newspaper when they are looking for a home to rent.

looks like craigslist hands down is the best resource. I know in talking with a few local management companies here in the Twin Cities they say the same thing. I would say another great tool and often overlooked is just a simple yard sign on the property.

Like everyone else, I like Craigslist for filling a rental agreement, but I also like Hotpads a lot, and Rentometer for reviewing rental pricing.
Good luck getting a signature at the bottom of that rental agreement, and by the way there's something to be said for advertising in paper news sources for lower end rental housing as well.
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Brian
Rental Agreement

Craigslist is a remarkable tool. I am constantly amazed at how will it works for a number of things. I have used it to rent houses, sell vehicles, buy appliances, etc. And its free. Just remember to re-post every few days.
Clay Branyon
North Beach Realty
www.northmyrtlebeachrealestatesales.com

That's amazing to hear everyone's success with Craigslist! Makes me feel a little more confident with getting into this myself.

I have to agree that Craigslist is a truly amazing tool for real estate professionals and really any small business. For a time I was managing 55 of my own rental units (apartments, houses etc.) and signs at the props and Craigslist was the only marketing I did to fill my props because that was all that I needed. I now use a system I've created and just this year have generated well over 3000 leads for my business.

Best,

Josh Schoenly
www.CraigslistMarketingMatrix.com

I have been managing my building for over ten years and have found only two effective ways to advertise. The first is (like everyone else) Craigslist - which is a great way to cast a wide net...
Next, I simply put a sign out front for all of the walk-by and drive-by traffic.
I've got many a qualified tenant to sign a rental lease agreement from these two sources.