Today's economic environment has again created a situation that includes a rise in foreclosed property, an increased demand for short term housing units, and individuals relocating to other regions of the country who are in need of rental property for housing both short and long term. This new boom in real estate rental housing has increased the demand for both professional and private real estate rental property managers. The career opportunities in the field of property management are varied. Once you have obtained a strong knowledge of property management and an understanding of the marketing requirements and the numbers necessary to achieve profitability, the ability to enter this field successfully will be within your grasp. You can start your own property management firm, making it as large or as small as you desire. You can become an on-staff property manager, marketing specialist or leasing consultant for an established firm in your area. You can obtain a position as a resident manager, which will allow you to obtain a paycheck for your efforts and reduced or even free housing within the rental building or complex. You can take your personal knowledge and skills and combine them with the strong knowledge base you are building to create a customized position that suits your specific needs and skills. Gaining a solid understanding of the fundamentals of rental property management is the first step toward successfully managing your own real estate investment portfolio or entering the field of a professional real estate property manager with more knowledge, tools, and skills than 95% of your competing managers.