Property managers are choosing between building their own AI tools, using what their software already includes, or doing both. At the NARPM Annual Convention in October 2026, that choice was the subject of a session with Wolfgang Croskey on the program.
What was the session?
The official convention agenda lists "Build, Buy, or Both: Two PMs Debate AI Adoption" on October 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Las Vegas time, in the Banyan AB room at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The convention itself ran October 13 to 15. The description presents two operators who made opposite choices: Wolfgang on the builder path, with custom workflows, integrations and AI infrastructure built around how his company works, and Northpoint Asset Management's chief innovation officer on the platform-first path, using the AI already available in the software to improve operations without turning a property management company into a software company. Stacy Holden of AppFolio is also listed on the session.
The description cites an AppFolio and IREM survey from 2025 of more than 1,800 property management professionals, and says attendees were to leave with a framework for placing their company on the AI adoption spectrum and avoiding what it calls the "Frankenstack" trap, a pile of tools that do not work together.
What does build, buy or both mean for an owner?
| Path | What it looks like | A fair question for your manager |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Custom workflows made around the company's own process | Who maintains it, and who reviews what it produces? |
| Buy | AI features already inside the company's software | Which of those features are turned on, and what do they send to residents? |
| Both | Built tools on top of purchased software | How do you keep the pieces from contradicting each other? |
What matters to you is that a person is accountable for the result, and that the work follows California rules for notices, deposits and screening. Our guide to vetting a property manager lists more questions to ask before you sign.
What is NARPM?
The National Association of Residential Property Managers is a trade association for people who manage single-family homes and small portfolios. Its annual convention is a national trade show and education event. It does not replace a California broker license, which Business and Professions Code section 10131 requires of anyone who leases or collects rent for others for pay.
Where does Croskey fit?
Croskey Real Estate, Inc. is a Pittsburg brokerage (DRE #01990430) managing rentals in East Contra Costa. Wolfgang is its CEO. He also teaches at the PM Systems Conference and presented in a Second Nature webinar on AI guardrails and at FUTURE 2026.
If you own rentals in East Contra Costa and want to talk through how your manager uses technology, schedule a call. Our pricing page shows what full-service management includes.
This post is general information, not legal advice. Laws and local ordinances change; confirm your situation with a California attorney.
Frequently asked questions
What was Wolfgang Croskey's session at NARPM 2026?
The official agenda lists "Build, Buy, or Both: Two PMs Debate AI Adoption" on October 15, 2026, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Las Vegas time at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with Wolfgang on the builder path and Northpoint Asset Management's chief innovation officer on the platform-first path.
Should a property manager build or buy AI tools?
The session description frames it as tradeoffs in time, cost, technical complexity, team adoption and business impact rather than one answer. For an owner, the practical test is whether a person reviews what the AI sends and whether the work follows California rules.
What should rental owners ask their property manager about AI?
Ask which AI tools touch residents or money, who reviews what they send, what they are not allowed to do, and which tools see your property and tenant information.
