Pros
Professional company with legacy in REIT means standardization that makes running a property efficient overall while still having autonomy to creatively make the business work. Standardization makes it easy to focus on priorities that will improve the community and ROI. Good training for sales/leasing consultants, service techs, etc.
Cons
Limited career growth - not a ton of opportunity as regional and corporate jobs are limited compared to larger companies outside of the industry. Work-life balance can be difficult if you live onsite and residents know you. Budget is always difficult and expectations are high with regard to turn quality, balancing clean, high quality apartment homes with budget is tricky. Not related to management, but being a community manager is difficult - you have to have very thick skin. Residents are wild, unkind and even can be dangerous in limited cases (but the result of those interactions make them feel like a huge part of CM life). You really have to be someone who does not shy away from conflict and conflict resolution by avoidance. Head-on handling of situations quickly and efficiently is a requirement to provide a clean, safe, enjoyable community for all. This skill can be built, but know yourself before taking on any role in property operations where you're dealing with people daily. This is why I ultimately stepped away after 8 years with AIMCO - I would have stayed if there'd been a career path outside of on-site management with open availability. In the end, I need a break from being "the person" for hundreds of people day in and day out.
