About
Meet Michael Katwan — Your Tri-Valley Property Manager
CA Broker Associate, DRE# 02168118. Personal management of a small, intentional rental portfolio. Bi-lingual. Born and raised in the Bay Area.
About
CA Broker Associate, DRE# 02168118. Personal management of a small, intentional rental portfolio. Bi-lingual. Born and raised in the Bay Area.
The Story
Michael Katwan grew up in San Jose. He spent a decade in technology sales — including a stint with a startup that was acquired by Cisco — before making a decision that seemed obvious in retrospect: the only industry that had interested him as much as technology was real estate.
He got his license in 2021 and went full-time in real estate by the end of 2023. Since then, he's built a practice that spans residential transactions and property management across the Bay Area as a licensed CA Broker Associate, DRE# 02168118.
The property management practice was born out of a simple observation: most landlords he met were either overwhelmed managing their own properties or dissatisfied with large PM companies that treated them like an account number. Michael built a different model — a small, intentional portfolio where every landlord gets his direct attention, and every property is treated as if it were his own.
Why It Matters
A Broker Associate license in California is not the same as a standard real estate salesperson license. It requires additional education, passing a more rigorous state exam, and meeting experience requirements. It also means operating with a higher level of fiduciary responsibility.
For landlords, this means your property manager is held to a professional standard that most independent property managers — and even many large PM companies — cannot match. Your lease agreements are reviewed by a licensed broker. Your compliance with California landlord-tenant law is overseen by a licensed broker. Your interests are protected by someone with the credentials and legal accountability to back it up.
The Model
Large property management companies can manage hundreds of doors by spreading work across junior coordinators, remote staff, and automated systems. Some do this well. Many don't. The tradeoff is personal service: when you have a problem, you get a ticket number, not a conversation.
We made a different choice. By keeping our portfolio small and selective, every landlord in our management program has direct access to Michael. When your tenant has a maintenance emergency, Michael knows about it. When your lease is up for renewal, Michael reviews it. When something changes with local rent control regulations, Michael flags it and tells you what it means for your property.
That's not the industry standard. It's our standard.
Full-Spectrum Service
Michael's practice spans the full spectrum of Bay Area real estate services. As a property manager, he watches your rental investment perform over time. As a buyer's agent, he can help you acquire additional rental properties. As a listing agent, he can help you exit a property at the right time.
Having one trusted advisor across all three functions isn't just convenient — it's a strategic advantage.
Identify and acquire rental properties and investment real estate across the Tri-Valley and Bay Area.
Exit a property at the right moment — well-timed sale or 1031 exchange into a better-performing asset.
Full-service property management or tenant placement — your investment running right from day one.
For residential transactions: michaelkatwan.com →
WHAT LANDLORDS SAY
“Working with Michael to rent out my home in Livermore was a great experience. He gave me solid advice on pricing, handled all the showings, and kept me updated the whole way. What really stood out was how quickly he brought in good tenants. If you're looking for someone who really knows the Tri-Valley and Livermore rental market, Michael is an easy recommendation.”
Phani
Landlord, Livermore, CA
“Michael helped me rent out my studio ADU in Fremont, and I couldn't be more grateful for his patience, professionalism, and dedication. He never pressured us or cut corners — stayed calm, thoughtful, and fully committed to getting the best outcome. He handled everything seamlessly, from marketing the unit to tenant screening. His knowledge of the Bay Area rental market really showed, and I always felt confident that my property was in good hands.”
Priya
Landlord, Fremont, CA
“Michael helped me rent out my home in Livermore, and he made the whole process incredibly easy. Even while I was out of town, he handled everything — marketing the rental, coordinating showings, screening tenants, and executing the lease. His knowledge of the Livermore and Tri-Valley rental market really showed. I'd absolutely recommend working with Michael.”
Venkatesh
Landlord, Livermore, CA
Start with a free landlord audit — no obligation, no sales pressure. Just an honest conversation about your property.