Answer to your main question, if I'm not missing anything...

By the very nature of managing property...you would be in the property management business, with that you should most definitely contact your insurance agent, as others have suggested.

Summation; Property Management requires a different type of risk appetite and a tolerance for a more complicated business model, which most brokers are not willing to entertain, but to each his/her own.

Regarding needing a PMC...

This is like asking if a SFR or CDPE is required to do short sales, absolutely not needed! I know of agents managing MANY units without a PMC. Does the PMC designation help with credibility when prospecting? Of course it does.

Sometimes owners like to see some sort of designation/certification. 

I believe only RE license is required.

''A broker's license is required for any person or company that, for compensation, leases or rents or offers to lease or rent, or places for rent, or solicits listings of places for rent, or solicits for prospective tenants, or negotiates the sale, purchase or exchanges of leases on real property, or collects rents from real property, or improvements thereon. A salesperson working under a broker may engage in such activities.''

Here is a link to PMC but it is not required to get it:

http://www.car.org/education/designations/pmc/

Yes....of course. The license allows property management. If the properties belong to you, and people work for you, no license is required

Pete X has the answer.

We can in my state. There are agents in my office that manage 50+ proprties for investors.

The rule of thumb I've always followed:

Yes, ones you own or family owns.

NO for anyone else.

I property manage, I have for over 30 years, but only my own and I help my sister, vice versa. None of my brokers anywhere in CA have allowed me to do so for clients.

Pete X with X Group Real Estate Advocates always has sound advice and you'd be wise to follow him....

My understanding:  A CA real estate license allows you to manage properties for another person.  Being a PM company may be better for marketing your services but is not a requirement, as far as I know.  Neither is the PM designation from NAR, but the course work may be beneficial.

I think people misunderstood your use of PMC. Do you mean Property Management Company rather than a designation?

I don't know about California, but in Indiana you need a license.

Again deferring to ca agents - parked and reading - just in case I get the itch to move back home :)

I've heard mixed things so it was interesting to hear what others here in CA have to say. I have managed my own properties but that's it. I still think BRE is important to check as well as your E and O insurance.

You can in Florida.  I would consult an Attorney regarding California law.

Looks like your CA cohorts gave you some great answers.

Pretty much in every state.

Sorry, I don't know California laws.

As a CA Broker, I would be going to the source to validate what I can and cannot do.  I'd also be checking with my E&O provider to ensure it covers property management.  I wish you all the best in your endeavors. 

Probably , BUT Specialists always out earn Generalists !

I am not from CA--

You have received a good answer.

It is best to seek legal counsel and/or contact the regulators in CA.

If you do not work for a Brokerage House yes as an individual Broker, do you want to take on the hassle and liability?10% and a professional who does it day in and day out can do it...

Jackson Stieb - check with the state guidelines or someone from CA who knows it all!

I'd ask a smart California lawyer this question.

That depends on your E&O insurance coverage.

A self employed broker can manage properties w/o a PMC.  PMC is a CAR certification not a license.PMC designation

Most realtors manage a few properties.  Some brokerages do not care unless you have 100s of properties. Chk your employment contract e&o for restrictions.