100% agree! I hired one of the baristas from a Starbucks I regularly visit as a Property Manager, which was one of the best hires I have ever had.

I have come from _ no judgement. I can teach someone the business _ lack of professionalism, customer service mindset, or a team player is hard . I have also experienced the prejudice conception that because of my age I am set in my ways, lack willingness to learn, fun and the gift my experience and proven track record brought on board... I worked hard , trained others to have great work ethics and techniques to be invisible .

I love hiring team members with no leasing experience because it is an opportunity for me to not only teach, but mentor someone that has hunger to learn all things multi-family. These candidates have a fresh set of eyes that I may also learn from.

My company hired me with no experience and I discovered my dream job. I'm now a community manager at a small complex of 42 units and I'm never going to do anything else!

I think there are pros either way depending on the situation you are in. If you are slammed and have little time for training than someone with experience can make a huge difference.
On the other hand, if you hire someone with no experience they don't have bad habits or other companies processes that you would need to train away. I realize training is very important but sometimes it's just the need to have someone to help that has some knowledge until you can get caught up to train more. Most of all It's the personality, attitude and work ethic that make all of the difference!!!

Prefer to hire based on the person, their desire to work for our company, experienced or not. We have hired both without experience, who became excellent employees and those with experience who are amazing at what they do.