Why I Left Microsoft to Start GPS Renting (What Makes Us Different, Plus 3 Things Most Property Managers Won’t Tell You)

 

Building a Business, a Family, and a Life: The Story Behind GPS Renting

In 2007, I came to the U.S. from China with nothing but a dream and a $100,000 student loan. My parents, both teachers, couldn’t support me financially, but they gave me something even more important: a belief in education, honesty, and hard work. I landed at Duke University for my MBA, chasing the kind of opportunity people move across the world for.

Two years later, in 2009, I joined Microsoft in Seattle — and that’s where everything changed. Leaving Microsoft would later become the first step in starting a property management company built on values.

Key Takeaway

Most property managers operate behind closed doors. At GPS Renting, we build trust by aligning incentives, fixing root problems — not symptoms — and systematizing everything we do. It’s property management done professionally, honestly, and kindly.

Bryan and I came from completely different backgrounds. But one thing we found in common was a shared vision of building a life — starting with our first real estate investment. I used my entire $40,000 Microsoft sign-on bonus as a down payment, and that moment sparked something bigger.

At first, real estate was just a side hustle. We saved relentlessly — switching out my BMW for a used Corolla, buying clothes at Target instead of high-end brands, even shopping at Goodwill. Bryan taught me more about cash flow than any MBA class ever did. Every dollar we saved went into investing. And soon, friends and strangers began asking for our help.

We became real estate agents, then built a top-performing team. But there was one problem no one could solve: property management. No matter which company we referred, owners were frustrated. Finally, a client suggested we start our own property management company, one that managed homes like we did our own.

At first, I resisted. I had worked so hard for a corporate career — how could I just walk away? But then we had our first daughter. And suddenly, the question shifted from What do I want to do? to What kind of life do I want to build?

In 2017, we launched GPS Renting.

From day one, we knew we had to do things differently. Property management is often seen as cold, bureaucratic, and reactive. But for us, it’s deeply human. Our business is built on three values: Professional. Honest. Kind. These aren’t just words on a website — they come from generations of teachers in my family. Even my grandmother was a middle school principal. These values run deep.

What Makes GPS Renting Different (and 3 Things Most Property Managers Won’t Tell You)

Property management is often seen as cold, bureaucratic, and reactive. We built GPS Renting on three values: Professional. Honest. Kind. And here’s what we’ve learned along the way — secrets most property managers won’t share.

1. Most Managers Profit When Your Tenant Leaves (We Don’t)

The truth? Most companies charge a tenant placement fee every time a renter moves out. That means they benefit when there’s turnover — even though you lose money. We knew that model didn’t align with long-term success.

That’s why GPS Renting doesn’t charge tenant placement fees. We only win when your tenants stay longer, treat the home well, and renew. This approach helps our landlords save significantly every year — see how much.

2. Quick Fixes Are Expensive in the Long Run — We Focus on Root Cause

Many property managers aim to close tickets fast. But that often leads to band-aid repairs and repeat costs. We take a different approach.

At GPS Renting, we focus on root-cause maintenance — just like traditional Chinese medicine. For example, if your ceiling has a water stain, we don’t just paint over it. We figure out where the moisture came from and stop the leak. It’s the same whether we’re fixing a drafty window, a loose toilet seat, or squeaky floors.

That’s why so many landlords trust us for expert maintenance support.

3. Scalability Without Systems Is a Time Bomb

Some companies grow fast, then crumble because their systems can’t keep up. We almost fell into that trap ourselves. In 2023, we grew too quickly. Customer service dropped. Painful one-star reviews followed.

That moment forced us to rethink everything. In 2024, we rebuilt GPS Renting around a Pod Model — smaller, accountable teams — and systematized everything using my tech background.

Today, we average one five-star Google review per business day. Not because we’re perfect — but because we care, and we’ve built scalable systems for consistent excellence. Learn how we work behind the scenes.

A Mission Bigger Than Management

We’re not just managing homes. A portion of every dollar we earn supports orphanages in Nepal and the Philippines. Our long-term goal? Support 100 orphanages globally.

This mission-driven approach is part of why our clients stay with us — some since day one.

Landlords Deserve Better

We’ve seen what happens when owners try to go it alone or trust the wrong company. That’s why we offer full transparency, smart pricing, and proven systems to protect your investment.

• Considering selling vs. renting your home? We’ll help you make the right move.
• Need help navigating Seattle’s landlord-tenant laws? We’ve got your back.
• Want to maximize your rental income fast? We use data-backed pricing and local expertise.

Whether you own a single-family rental, townhouse, or are new to investing in the Seattle market, we’re here to help.

We’ve made mistakes. We grew too fast. We burned out. At one point, our customer service dipped, and we received some painful one-star reviews. That low point forced us to reflect. In early 2024, we restructured everything. We introduced the Pod Model, focused on training, and recommitted to excellence.

Today, I’m proud to say we average one five-star Google review per business day. Not because we’re perfect — but because we care, and we keep getting better.

At GPS Renting, we’re not just managing homes. We’re building something that lasts — for our clients, our team, our children, and the world.

If you’re wondering why someone would leave Microsoft to start a property management company, it’s because this work matters. It’s deeply personal, rooted in values — and built for long-term success

Get your free rental analysis now
Let’s find out how much your home could earn — and how GPS Renting can make managing it easier, safer, and more profitable.

Thanks for being part of the journey.
— Nick He

Co-founder, GPS Renting