How to Build Your Own SimplifyEm
Replace SimplifyEm with a custom build. You don't have to be an Accountant to manage your Rental Properties
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 39 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 39 features
Automation(5 features)
Automatically charge late fees when recording late rent payments
Automate PM fees, late fees, rent receipts, late rent notices, and owner reports
Automatically send late payment notices to tenants
Automatically send rent reminders to tenants to reduce late payments
Automatically recognize and categorize recurring income and expense items with customizable rules
Communication(5 features)
Track all communication history with tenants, owners, and vendors
Online portal for property owners to view reports, communicate with managers, and manage property information
Online portal for tenants to view account balances, submit payments, view rent reminders, communicate with property manager, and manage bank settings
Send and receive text messages with tenants, owners, and vendors for quick communication
Online portal for vendors to access documents and communicate with property managers
Accounting(3 features)
Track complete billing history showing amounts due and amounts paid by each tenant
Easy tracking of cash transactions and unexpected expenses
Full income and expenses tracking with IRS tax category organization and automatic recognition of recurring items
Document Management(3 features)
Share documents with tenants, owners, and vendors through the platform
Request and collect documents from tenants through the tenant portal
Attach, scan, and store unlimited documents including receipts, leases, and property documents
Administration(2 features)
Customize worksheets and tracking for each individual property based on specific needs
Create sub-users and manage access rights for different team members
Leasing(2 features)
Collect digital lease signatures online with forms available at $10 per form or as low as $5 per form with Plus plan
Collect online applications from prospective tenants at $3 per application
Payment Processing(2 features)
Secure online payment processing with free incoming ACH payments and no merchant account required for Plus plan
Allow tenants to pay rent online with automatic withdrawal from bank accounts and instant recording of payments
Reporting(2 features)
Generate detailed reports including cash flow analysis, financial reports, and property-specific insights
Generate and send professional reports to property owners
Cost Calculator
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Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 39 features at very easy complexity.