Podcasts about strs

Taylor sits down with Nico, a former tech sales executive turned short-term rental entrepreneur, to unpack one of the most creative and strategic STR journeys we've heard.Nico shares how he:Went from selling software to CFOs of billion-dollar tech companies to flipping homes in AustinUsed STRs to offset a major tax bill after a liquidity event—and never looked backBought and converted a 110-year-old Piggly Wiggly grocery store into a cash-flowing Airbnb duplexBuilt a 12-unit portfolio, including midterm arbitrage units for corporate travelersLaunched Live in Luxury, a white-glove service for high-earning W2 professionalsPartnered with data-driven operators to scale his business and serve busy investorsLeveraged cost segregation and depreciation to legally eliminate his tax burdenIf you're looking for ways to optimize your tax strategy, generate consistent cash flow, and invest in memorable, high-performing STRs, this episode is packed with insight. Learn more: LiveInLuxury.co___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Register here for the live online event to learn about ‘Unlocking BRRRR Deals in Little Rock on Thursday, July 17th at 8PM Eastern. Keith discusses the competitive nature of short-term rentals (STRs) and the need for hosts to offer luxury amenities to attract guests. Long time investing pro, Alex, joins us to cover the BRRRR strategy in Little Rock, Arkansas, an investor-advantaged market, emphasizing its low property taxes and stable cash flow. They explain the BRRRR process, including: buying, renovating, renting, refinancing, and repeating.  The strategy allows investors to scale their portfolios with minimal initial capital, offering a 0% management fee in year one and 4% in year two.  Resources: Register here for the live online event to learn about ‘Unlocking BRRRR Deals in Little Rock on Thursday, July 17th at 8PM Eastern. Show Notes: GetRichEducation.com/561 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com GRE Free Investment Coaching: GREinvestmentcoach.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments.  You get paid first: Text FAMILY to 66866 Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search “how to leave an Apple Podcasts review”  For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— text ‘GRE' to 66866 Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript:   Automatically Transcribed With Otter.ai    Keith Weinhold  0:01   Welcome to GRE I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, anymore when you own short term rentals like Airbnbs and vrbos, you are in an all out arms race competing to provide amenities like never before. Then what happens when you take the popular burr real estate strategy and overlay it with one of the most investor advantaged markets in all of America. It's a lucrative opportunity. You'll see how and why today on get rich education.    Keith Weinhold  0:32   Mid south home buyers, I mean, they're total pros, with over two decades as the nation's highest rated turnkey provider, their empathetic property managers use your ROI as their North Star. So it's no wonder that smart investors just keep lining up to get their completely renovated income properties like it's the newest iPhone. They're headquartered in Memphis and have globally attractive cash flows, an A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, and now over 5000 houses renovated their zero markup on maintenance. Let that sink in, and they average a 98.9% occupancy rate, while their average renter stays more than three and a half years. Every home they offer has brand new components, a bumper to bumper, one year warranty, new 30 year roofs. And wait for it, a high quality renter. Remember that part and in an astounding price range, 100 to 180k I've personally toured their office and their properties in person in Memphis. Get to know mid south enjoy cash flow from day one. Start yourself right now at mid southhomebuyers.com that's mid southhomebuyers.com   Speaker 1  1:58   You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is get rich education.   Keith Weinhold  2:14   Welcome to GRE from North Conway, New Hampshire to North port, Florida and across 188 nations worldwide. I'm Keith Weinhold, and this is get rich education, happy July, the second half of the year. And my favorite month of the year is your Airbnb fancy enough, because anymore STRS short term rentals have gotten so competitive that hosts treat their properties like white lotus level hotels. Now, STRS were never passive, but they become even less so it is active income. Once upon a time, Airbnb hosts could just sort of drop a few colorful throw pillows on their fold out couch and make a killing. But no more those days are so far gone. The STR game has changed drastically. I mean, you used to be able to list a basic home with generic furniture that you got at Costco, minimal amenities, no Wi Fi, and still get it booked, but today, it will sit empty unless you offer more than just a place to sleep. You have to build an experience for Airbnb guests. Now, increasingly, hosts are doing things like adding outdoor kitchens, arcade machines, putting greens, even basketball. And now, though these upgrades do cost a lot up front, they can pay off. These amenity types can double your nightly rate, but they come with more responsibility and more to maintain. I mean, more guests are expecting a flawless experience. The trend is that Airbnbs are becoming full scale hospitality operations, and if you don't treat it like one, you're going to fall behind. So simply having a nice house that just no longer cuts it, running a short term rental today is nothing like it was even two or three years ago. You used to be able to stand out with a decent bed and colorful throw prolos, but now guests are basically comparing your place to boutique hotels. Hosts are deeply investing in design, forward furniture, layered lighting and featuring spaces that some market as what they call moments like cozy reading corners in these luxurious bathroom setups, adding things like welcome guides and even complete brand identities with a proper. Name and even a logo and a story to give the place some personality, even writing up a history for your property, even if it's not that historic. Now, these sorts of tactics, they actually do, seem to work. Guests will give you more bookings, better reviews, and guests even share the space on social media like it's somewhat of a lifestyle destination now sometimes STR hosts, they team with these other platforms to add welcome champagne in ice buckets on site, sommeliers, private chefs, daily, housekeeping on demand. 24/7 textable concierges, heated plunge pools and other amenities through you partnering with some of these platforms and these upgrades don't come cheap. The publication called the playbook, they featured an STR in Sag Harbor, New York, where the property owner invested $85,000 into overhauling the landscaping and adding a James Turrell Inspired LED light installation. But overall, these improvements boost rental revenue by an average of 40% over what the property was collecting previously. All right, so this is a case study now, though, this STR trend of offering deep hospitality and luxury amenities has turned into more of a job and less about passive income. You know, really, this is free market capitalism, because this is competition to see who can provide the best service at the lowest price, but that's what it is. So this is making real estate less of a good and more of a service. Short term rentals soaring supply, day rate compression and AI driven pricing tools. That means that the just this all nice house with good photos thing that no longer cuts it. It is an amenities arms race now, and of course, this is a national trend. It doesn't mean that it's happening absolutely everywhere. In some places, hosts are able to charm guests simply with something like a freshly baked loaf of banana bread, but the consensus is whether they spend a little or a lot, Airbnb hosts unanimously say that they've got to work harder in order to keep guests happy. It's become more of a business and less of a side hustle than it used to be. You've got more hosts leaning into higher upfront investments because they know guests will pay for a sort of turnkey, Instagrammable experience. And this really is a classic early adopter issue, just like a lot of things, Airbnb launched in 2007 by the way, so this sort of first wave of Airbnb hosts back around 2012 to 2015 they were riding a blue ocean back then. There was virtually no competition. There weren't any standards, and there were plenty of bookings, and that made a lot of hosts pretty fat and happy. But that's not where we are now, really. The bottom line is that in many markets, short term rentals have transitioned from partial passivity to all out hospitality. That's the Airbnb arms race. The average Airbnb nightly rate for North America. Do you care to venture a guess at the average nightly rate? It is approximately $216 per night, and that right there is up 26% from 2020 so it is not up as much as house prices over that five year period from 2020 really, the Airbnb rate is up about as much as the long term rental rate.    Keith Weinhold  8:58   While we're talking numbers a quarter recently ended. Let's hit on our asset class rundown. What's happened to home prices in the past year? Well, when you aggregate all these sources, Zillow, Freddie, Mac case, Shiller, FHFA, in totality, home prices are up 2% single family rents are up 3% apartment rates are down 1% due to their oversupply. The 30 year mortgage rate was 6.9% a year ago, and it's 6.8 now. CPI inflation is 2.4% expressed in year to date terms. Now the SP5 100 is up 5% in the first half of this year, ending near 6200 the dollar is down. That means that it takes more of them to buy gold, which is over $3,300 an ounce, gold is up 27% just from the start of this year, and the oil price is still depressed in the 60s. Per dollar for a barrel, Bitcoin still strong, ending the quarter at 106kthat's your asset class rundown, which we do about quarterly.    Keith Weinhold  9:57   Hey, I really enjoyed meetingside. Of you on this year's terrific real estate guys Investor Summit at sea was concluded about a week ago. It was two days on land in Miami, followed by a week of conferences and fun aboard a Caribbean cruise ship. I really got to meet you and get to know you, because we had nine days together, and as one of the faculty members, I hosted a table at dinner every night, and each night the attendees rotated around to my table, so I got to meet a lot of you and really get to know you, and you got to know me. Yeah, it was as interesting for me to meet you in person, perhaps, as it was for you to meet me, because I like to hear what you're doing in real estate, investing, in everything else. I gave a main stage presentation that was almost an hour of all me, all GRE and also served on five different panel discussions. Oh, it's such a unique event. Get this, I was kind of dressed up to give my main stage presentation, which so many of you, by the way, told me afterwards, that that was your favorite presentation of them all, all week long, because each faculty member made a main stage presentation. But what I want to tell you is, just a few hours after I presented, on the cruise ship, I was shirtless in the water throwing a football around at the beach in St Thomas Virgin Islands. What an event. Fantastic to meet a number of you in person. So far today, I hope what I've shared with you has been informative. Next. It's something informative and really actionable that you can make lucrative that's next. I'm Keith Weinhold. You're listening to get rich education.    Keith Weinhold  11:45   The same place where I get my own mortgage loans is where you can get yours. Ridge lending group and MLS, 42056, they provided our listeners with more loans than anyone because they specialize in income properties. They help you build a long term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage. Start your pre qual and even chat with President Caeli Ridge personally, while it's on your mind, start at Ridge lendinggroup.com. That's Ridge lendinggroup.com.    Russell Gray  12:16   You know what's crazy your bank is getting rich off of you, the average savings account pays less than 1% it's like laughable. Meanwhile, if your money isn't making at least 4% you're losing to inflation. That's why I started putting my own money into the FFI liquidity fund. It's super simple. Your cash can pull in up to 8% returns, and it compounds. It's not some high risk gamble like digital or AI stock trading. It's pretty low risk because they've got a 10 plus year track record of paying investors on time in full every time. I mean, I wouldn't be talking about it if I wasn't invested myself. You can invest as little as 25k and you keep earning until you decide you want your money back, no weird lock ups or anything like that. So if you're like me and tired of your liquid funds just sitting there doing nothing, check it out. Text family to 66866, to learn about freedom. Family investments, liquidity fund again. Text family to 66866.   Russell Gray  13:30   Hi. This is Russell Gray, co host of real estate guys radio show, and you're listening to get rich education with Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream. You Keith,   Keith Weinhold  13:38   welcome back to get rich Education. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, we're talking to a guest not only about an investor advantaged market, but when you overlay a certain strategy with it, this can be highly lucrative for investor returns, and we're with a long time investing pro Alex, welcome onto the show.    Alex Craig  14:04   Hi Keith, thank you.    Keith Weinhold  14:05   Well talking about top US cashflowing market, let's get right to it. Tell us about yours.   Alex Craig  14:11   Little Rock, Arkansas. It's a market that we've been in since 2012. I personally invest there. I've got about 75 doors of multi family, single family. And the reason why it works is just cash flow. Over the years, we've had investors from around the country that have owned portfolios where maybe they're somewhere in Phoenix or Dallas, where they're kind of speculating. This is not a speculation market, and that's why it works for myself. It's consistent. It's very linear, and linear is a word that we use a lot to describe. And if you're going to be a cash flow investor, and that's why I'm in it, it's you want a linear market. You don't want ups or downs, and then you want to make sure it's a growing market too. And Little Rock checks all the boxes of what you would want in a stable cash flow environment market.   Keith Weinhold  14:57   And I think a lot of our investor listeners are. Already pretty keen on that. You get a high ratio of rent income to purchase price. You have laws that heavily favor landlords over tenants. But Alex, in today's environment, people are more conscious about rising operating expenses and higher mortgage expenses, and that's really one advantage that Arkansas can give right now, is with those low property taxes   Alex Craig  15:20   Keith,it's so interesting you mentioned that because I did have a conversation with a client of ours that had a property in another market that he had mentioned how his property taxes had gone up and gone up substantially, which that's to expect. I mean, after COVID, there was a lot of markets saw a huge boost, especially with markets that saw hedge funds come in. Hedge Funds, I believe, ruined a lot of markets, raised the prices. And another reason I like Little Rock, it flies under the radar. You think is Little Rock is a small market, but it's really not. It's, I mean, the population of the city is 250,000 but the metro area, which is a 50 mile radius around Little Rock, is much bigger. And the entire, not only the entire market, metro area, feeds off little rock, really, the entire state does too. But that being said, because it's floating under the radar, the property tax have remained low. They've taken a little bit of bump over the years, because the values steadily go up, but they started low anyway. So with operating costs of insurance, insurance has gone up for a lot of for my own properties in other markets, it's going up, and it's going up in Little Rock too. I mean, it's just the name of insurance, but property taxes have remained low. They've always been low, and that's really a big help as to why this market works for us.   Keith Weinhold  16:30   Talking about flying under the radar, you're talking about, therefore evading a lot of that hedge fund money. Tell us more about the market and some of those anchors and drivers.   Alex Craig  16:40   It's a blue collar town. You've got logistics. Is a market, or is a segment of the industry that has really come on strong over the last few years, Amazon has really put a footprint in the market. Healthcare is a huge, huge market, like I mentioned earlier, not only does the region feed off the direct to the entire state, it's the hub of healthcare for the entire state of Arkansas, of course, it's government. Government provides a lot of jobs. The good thing about government jobs is they're maybe not on a national level anymore, but on a local, state level, they're very it's hard to get let go from a government job, unless now, not on a federal level, but it's very steady, so a lot of steady blue collar jobs, and that's what you want for a strong resident base, especially in the type of properties and 1000 to $1,200 price range, you want those blue collar study growing jobs.   Keith Weinhold  17:31   Yes, you do have those there. It's funny. I'm smiling a bit because I used to be a state government employee, and there's just no way that they ever would have fired me. I was so protective I had to quit in order for them to have to replace me at that job. I'm wondering about the new supply that's come on, Alex, because a number of markets have added supply. I know, for example, that Redfin reports that little rock median home price appreciation is up 7.3% year over year, and with the dynamics going on in the market recently, that typically tells us that there hasn't been that much new supply added. Is that what's going on there?   Alex Craig  18:11   No, there hasn't been a lot of new supply. I just think with little rock and every other market, the mortgage rates have gone up. Home ownership is down during COVID. It was really hard to get an investment property. For what we did, sending out our list every week. It was basically send out our properties, people hitting send and not even knowing what they were reserving. Rates were just low, right? Everybody's jumping in. It was hard to get inventory. So now what we have is, you know, higher rates that scares some people off. It pushes some people out on the market, but it also creates opportunity. I feel like this is the easiest time I've been investing in real estate since 2007 that was the foreclosure crisis, Great Recession, and it was a lot of foreclosures on the market, and that's how I built a big chunk of my portfolio. But now it's just a matter of there's not as many people in it. So for us, there's just more acquisitions for us to go out and get. There's still distressed homes on the market where individuals don't want to hire a realtor, they just want all cash offers. They're ready to get rid of them, and that's where we step in. And without as much competition like I said, we kind of fly under the radar. I feel it creates more just supply inventory for us and for me as an investor, but also for our clients too   Keith Weinhold  19:23   with that in mind, and again, a lot of our audience is already on board, knowing that little rock in Arkansas is a good cash flow market with stable, long term fundamentals, but in order to make it more profitable, you've overlaid it with a certain strategy there in Little Rock. Tell us about that.    Alex Craig  19:45   So the BRRRR strategy, yes, it's able to work now because there's not as many buyers in the market. So basically, the way the burrs strategy works is we acquire a property. I'm just going to use very round, simple numbers for simple math makes it easier on me   Keith Weinhold  19:58   and we're talking the BRRRR. Strategy that's buy, renovate, rent, refinance, and repeat. Those are the five investor steps.   Alex Craig  20:07   correct. And so that's what we do, is we buy. Let's just say the B. Let's take the B, for example, we buy a home, and we buy it for 60,000 where I'm just talking like if I own the home, and then I put $20,000 into the deal. So now I'm all into it for 80,000 and you have to remember, there's some in between, cost of closing costs. I'm just talking just very general strategy. You buy it for 60, you put 20 into it, and all of a sudden you're in it for 80, and the value comes back at 100 so you're in it for 80% of the after repair value. Most Fannie Mae lenders will do 75% so if you purchase a house outright, you put 20% down, but if you are doing a refinance, you're able they'll do it at 75% so instead of buying a home and putting it down payment upfront, you're using equity in the deal. And that's what the burst strategy is, buy renovate. So we buy it, we renovate it, we refinance it, we rent it out, and then you repeat it. So it allows for investors to scale their portfolios quicker and stretch their money a little bit further. So if you've got, I've got $50,000 and I want to invest in real estate, if you purchase a home, you're bound by the down payment. Once you put that down payment, it's, I wouldn't call it sunk cost, but that money's gone for reinvesting. The burr model allows you to stretch that money a little bit further. Now, like I said, I gave pretty basic numbers to the deal, but that's what you're going for. Some equity in the deal, and that's what we're able to provide for ourselves and for our clients.   Keith Weinhold  21:38   So let's review that numbers on a little rock burp, making a $60,000 purchase with a pre renovated property. Then the investor puts another 20k into it for the renovation. So now they're all in for 80k and they get a 100k appraisal on that property, and then they can borrow, say, 75% of that there, that is the refi portion, the fourth letter of the BRRRR acronym. So therefore they've got 80k into it, and they got 75k back, meaning they would only have 5k into it, but maybe another 5k for closing costs, and now they only have 10k in to a 100k property. That's the appeal. That's what we're talking about here with the BRRRR   Alex Craig  22:22   strategy. I mean, you're exactly right. And as I mentioned, I use some really basic numbers, because when you're using, you know, 100,060 and 20 makes them very basic. It's pretty hard to find out a deal worth 100,000 these days, even when we started in the industry, 100,000 was a pretty cheap after pair value. Probably the mean value of the homes that we're dealing in is probably about 140 to 140 to 160 but same principle, based on those same logic that what we just talked about, I wouldn't say, you know, five or 10k out of pocket, but if you're talking about purchasing a deal with 25% down versus doing a bur you're probably going to be in it at 15% Out of pocket costs 10 to 15% as opposed to putting a down payment of 25% but the big thing is, you're getting money back, and you're not putting as much so just it's great for scale. I don't know if you'll talk about DSCR lending very much on your show, but that's something that a lot of our clients, and that does 80% so we have a lot of clients going that route now too.   Keith Weinhold  23:21   Okay, so you could do 80% with debt service coverage ratio loans, but to drop back in our example, to help be clear, the investor has 80k of their own skin in the game into the property, 60k for the purchase, 20k for the renovation, even though they only have 80k in it appraises for 100k that ARV, that after repair value. Why is the after repair value 100k when you only have 80k into it? Why is it more?   Alex Craig  23:49   that's based off comparable sales? So when you're in it at 80, and you're going to refinance it through a lender, they're going to send an appraiser out, and appraiser is going to pull comparable sales within that neighborhood. So just because you're in an 80 the appraiser is going to go pull three comps, very similar to that home. So if we're selling a three bedroom one bath, they're going to pull three comps at a three bedroom one bath, relatively the same size look, if it's got a carport, they're going to try to find three houses with the carport. So in theory, that's what they're doing. They're pulling comparable sales and developing new value based on recent sales.   Keith Weinhold  24:23   So it's that you have this knowledge to buy in neighborhoods and buy in certain sub markets, where, when you know that capital is added and renovations are made and a rehab period that they do tend to appraise for that value based on the comparables that are already there.   Alex Craig  24:40   Yeah. I mean, if we were to take the same house at 60,000 and didn't do any work, he would then say, well, you've got some comparables here versus 100 but you could never sell this home for 100 these are the things you have to do, and that's what we do during the first R the renovate of the acronym is to renovate the home to the condition that the. Appraisers feel that are comparable for the neighborhood, and that's a real important part, is comparable to the neighborhood. We could go in and put in a Jacuzzi tub and grain of countertops. We actually, we do put a lot of grain in, because we get it so cheap. But you could go in and fix it up to the nines, but it's not going to appraise for any more than the others, because the appraiser would say, we over improved it. So we improve it to what we know, what the kind of the standard for the neighborhood? Because you could over improve these things for sure and not get that return on that investment.   Keith Weinhold  25:28   That is a great answer. There is a specific improvement target that you know that needs to be hit. Tell us more about this burr process, because to an out of area investor, it can sound pretty intimidating if they had to manage contractors remotely themselves,   Alex Craig  25:43   there definitely is a need to have a team on the ground that you trust, that you feel comfortable with, and that's what we've done. I've been doing it in multiple markets for myself since 2007 and we built into a business model in 2010 like I said, expanded Little Rock in 2012 and we've been doing this for 15 years now for other investors. So we've got that name and that reputation of taking care of our investors, that's the important part. And we do see a lot of investors get burned, because you can find a realtor to go to help you find deals, but usually the realtor relationship is thesis to end. It's okay, I found you a deal, but then there's so many other things afterwards, and the renovations, where I see so many people get burned, and you know, we manage approximately 1200 homes between two markets, and that's where I see when property owners come to us, they've been burned the most. It's like they've paid somebody $50,000 they didn't finish the job, they didn't do what they say they're going to do. So the renovation that we're the team on the ground, we've got a in House Project Manager, we've got a network of subcontractors. We tend to act as the contractor, subbing things out. We've got in house property management. We've got all the tools, but it's really between both. In the markets in which I operate. I've got about 30 employees within property management, renovations, acquisitions, so the team on the ground is and then the back in the property management part is the long, ongoing accountability. So if something doesn't work out, that's the way we said it. If we say it's going to rent for 1200 and we rent it out for 900 Well, we really got a big egg on our face. You do a few of those, and that's how you don't stay in business anymore. And there's, and I like to say, about every five years the market corrects itself into getting the wrong players out of the business. COVID was super easy, easy to find deals, easy to sell deals. But once the market changed and it became a little more competitive and rates rose, that's the people that have been around for the long time, been in it for the long haul, that stick around. They've got the established business model and their reputation. So every five years, a good correction in the market eliminates those bad players.   Keith Weinhold  27:47   So you have this vetted, proven in play system that investors can get into besides just identifying the property, it comes with that system, those contractors or that investor just has one point of contact with you there for updates on the renovation.   Alex Craig  28:03   Yeah. I mean, I feel like we know these neighborhoods. I like I feel we know these neighborhoods like the back of our hand. We've been investing in them for a decade plus, and we know the areas you want to be in, the areas you don't want to be in. And we have a lot of investors will call us either they already own the property or they're a current client, and they'll say, Hey, I could get this deal for 30,000 and it's worth 100 and I'm like, Well, that sounds too good to be true, especially if it's on the open market. If it was that good of a deal, it's already gone. We just know the market, where to be. We know what to pay. We could, pretty much just through our experience, identify a house we know probably within about five to 10% before we even dive into comparable sales of what it's worth. We could walk through a house within probably about three to five minutes and peg the renovation costs probably within about 10% now we still order an inspection, and that's where we uncover the things that we can't see, that maybe there's a bunch of rotted out joist or a foundation problem that we didn't see. So, but there's things aside we could walk through and we pretty much know, okay, it needs a roof that's 7000 it needs an air conditioner that's six flooring, two. So that's the expertise that we bring and like. So then the management part of it, on the back end, that kind of ties it all together with accountability.   Keith Weinhold  29:22   And I know that your typical project renovation cost tends to be about 25k just for simplicity, we use 20k in that example, and your completion times are shorter than others that have inexperienced crews. So tell us about that typical renovation time. Alex.   Alex Craig  29:39   every day we're accomplishing 500 so 25,000 divided by 500 comes to 50 days, 50 days. So we'll knock that out in about 50 days. And we just have a large network of subcontractors that we've been working with for years. If you weren't in the business, I think that'd be really hard to accomplish, and there's just a lot that. Goes into it. I mean, the renovating the homes, it's the once, it's the worst, it's the hardest thing that we do. For sure, it's definitely the most scheduling, but it's where, if you don't know what you're doing, a great deal turns into, how do I get out of this?   Keith Weinhold  30:15   Right, absolutely. Now, in our example, we used where an investor puts 60k into it for the purchase to start with, because I see the burst strategy is a good strategy. If someone doesn't have a lot of capital, like they would for maybe a new build property, can one even finance that initial purchase amount?   Alex Craig  30:35   Yeah, so private lending. So that's the part that makes if you've only got 50 grand to facilitate this entire process, and you want to try to repeat it as many times as you can. 50,000 would not be enough just to pay cash. So yes, we have private lending. We set that up. Sometimes we lend it ourselves. Sometimes we outsource it to some of our strategic partners, but we'll lend the money to buy and renovate the home. A typical what that loan would look like it's about 3.3 points of loan origination. So if you've got an $80,000 loan, that's $2,400 most lenders do require for you to bring that up front, and now you're in it for an $80,000 loan at 12% which, five years ago, that sounded crazy to borrow at 12% but with for private lending, that's not bad at all, especially you want to get in and out of it quickly. So if we're renovating the home, and you know, 50 days, if you're already pre approved with your lender, and they have all your documents by the time we finish renovating the home, the appraisals lined up, and you could be in and out of these private loans in about 90 days. That love that depends on the lending side, that you're giving the lender what they need. But ideally you want to be in these things about 90 to 120 days. So $80,000 loan at 12% that $800 a month. So if you're in it for 90 days, 800 times 320, 700 plus the loan origination fee. But that's how you do it. That's the you're just borrowing money to finance the acquisition, the rehab and the refinance   Keith Weinhold  32:03   that is an option for you if you don't have the cash here to come in with these burr strategy properties. Alex, tell us more about it. Really, what I would like to know is, when an investor gets their appraisal, their after repair value, how many want to sell it for a profit, and how many want to hold it with a tenant for long term income   Alex Craig  32:26   so far, zero. Want to sell it for a profit. If you're all in it for add and then you're selling for 100 once you sell it, there are other fees involved. You got to hire a realtor. Right now is a great time to hold it's a slow real estate market. I don't think Little Rock from an aspect, is where home ownership is down. I think that's a nationwide thing. So I think if you're going into this, you certainly want to look at it from perspective. This is a buy and hold. I don't think this is the best market to get into to buy something. Flip it with a in the example, we use a $20,000 margin with buyer concessions, realtor commissions. That's a lot of work involved. And let's just say it did work out. You sold it for 100 but you had to pay 2% closing in an agent fee, and you got some holding cost. Let's just say you netted 8000 that might be good for a six month return, but I feel like there's a lot of risk. I feel like our job as what we do for our clients, is to minimize risk. So someone came and said, Hey, I want to flip it. I would say, Well, I don't think it's the best market for it right now. I think you want to get into this buy and hold.   Keith Weinhold  33:29   Yes, Alex has been doing this for a long time, and he's a specific expert right there in that local market. Buy and hold is a strategy that most likely makes sense. And he also strongly recommends pay cash if possible, instead of using that 12% short term private lending option, like he mentioned before, because that can cut out about four to 5k worth of transactional cost. And then if you do buy and hold what Alex and his company offer there in Little Rock is essentially a cash flow boost, 0% management fee in year one and only 4% in year two. So that gives you some extra cash flow runway as well. And Alex, before I ask you if you have any last thoughts, I want to announce to you the audience, that we have a live event virtually next week, on July 17, at 8pm eastern for Little Rock BRRRRproperties that Alex is CO hosting with our investment coach, Naresh, where you can find these bird deals in this cash flowing market. In Little Rock you'll see actual bird deals recently completed with full breakdowns of their purchase prices, sort of these case studies, where you can see some real numbers and what the rehab budgets are and what the actual timelines were, and what the refi outcomes were like, and explore BRRRR ready properties that are currently available to own, if you so choose, on this upcoming live event that you can attend from the comfort of your own home. Learn the full process, from acquisition to renovation to property management to the financing of them, and again, everything is all handled by local experts, so that you don't have to live with the nightmare of remotely managing contractors, which I couldn't imagine doing. So whether you're a first time investor or you're scaling your portfolio, this is your chance to get boots on the ground, insight and a proven road map to burr success and really one of the most accessible markets in the country. Again, Alex here is CO hosting the event along with GRE investment coach, Naresh Vissa. It is a free, live virtual event again next week, Thursday, July 17, at 8pm Eastern. Sign up is open now at gre webinars.com it ought to be great. Alex, teaming with local experts like you has been of real benefit to our audience. Do you have any last thoughts about either Little Rock or burrs or the events that you're going to co host with our audience next week?   Alex Craig  35:57   So here's my last thought, as you were, you know, kind of concluding and I was reviewing what we had talked about. And one of the questions we get sometimes it's a fair question. It's like, well, if this is such a great deal, why don't you keep all the deals? So we hear that from time to time, and the simple answer is, we do. We do keep a lot of deals, and we're buying more real estate now, like I said, I feel like it's the easiest time to get into real estate. So we do, we do keep a lot. We're building a very large portfolio right now, but the house flipping to investors is just another business model that we have. And Property Management too. And we love property management, and we love building investor relationships. We've had a lot of investors we've had been with us since day one that we've developed really tight relationships with. So yes, we do keep a lot of the properties, and we sell properties too, and we and helps us build our management company, which you don't hear too many people say this, but we actually love property management. That's a hard thing to love, but we actually like it.   Keith Weinhold  36:54   That is more weird than Tom wheelwright loving taxes, perhaps, but Right. But I want to deal with somebody that really loves what they're doing, especially when they're protecting our asset and probably more importantly, when it comes to property management, protecting our time. So that's right, Alex, well, our viewers and listeners are really looking forward to it next week, again, that live event Thursday, July 17, at 8pm Eastern is something that you can sign up for now at grewebinars.com. Alex, we're looking forward to it next week.   Alex Craig  37:27   Bye, Keith, thank you.   Keith Weinhold  37:34   Oh yeah. Terrific overview on why the burr strategy can be so profitable. And our event next week. Now, when you rent your primary residence, which you would typically do in a high cost area, and then you own rental property elsewhere, typically a low cost area, do you know what that's called? Yeah, there is a name for that. Last week we spoke to two listener guests in California that are doing just that. That is called rentvesting. And yes, Little Rock is surely a popular low cost market for rentvesting. I have been on the ground myself in Little Rock with Alex's associate to do an on the ground tour of properties. There you want to tap into a system where you've got the guiding hand of both experience and belief. That's what you're doing here. As like he said, Alex personally owns 75 doors there. That is belief, and he's been doing this for out of area investors for 15 years. That's the experience part real proof of concept at next week's event, you'll be introduced to this same system where you can lean on their team for acquisition, renovation and management. Little Rock has an MSA population of about 770,000 but I think more importantly today, savvy investors are conscientious of keeping their expenses down, and for good reason, since they've been up all over the place. Now, the purchase price is 140 to 160k for these BRRRR optimized single family rentals. Remember that we used 100k just for ease of an example there, usually when you buy income property, you're really in at close to 25% of the purchase price when you add up the down payment and closing costs, but this way, you're in for just about half of that at 10 to 15% another low expense is that property tax, statewide, Arkansas Property Tax is just 610 of 1% so that's half the national average. And then your management expense is definitely going to be low for the first two years, because it is 0% in year one and 4% in year two. And these are properties that you can actually be pretty proud of. You'll learn more about this. Scope of work with a renovation on the webinar, often granite countertops in the kitchen is a live, remote event. So this means that you can have any of your questions answered in real time. Should you have them? As you can imagine, demand is high for these properties, and this is a chance to get connected directly with the team that makes it happen. We might never get Alex on an event like this again, and is co hosted with our GRE investment coach, Naresh. It's next week. It's free, Thursday, July 17, at 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific. Sign up now, or your future self might not be able to forgive yourself. You can do that now at grewebinars.com Until next week, I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream.   Speaker 3  40:56   Nothing on this show should be considered specific, personal or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal real estate, financial or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of get rich Education LLC, exclusively.   Keith Weinhold  41:19   You know, whenever you want the best written real estate and finance info, oh, geez, today's experience limits your free articles access and it's got pay walls and pop ups and push notifications and cookies disclaimers. It's not so great. So then it's vital to place nice, clean, free content into your hands that adds no hype value to your life. That's why this is the golden age of quality newsletters, and I write every word of ours myself. It's got a dash of humor, and it's to the point because even the word abbreviation is too long, my letter usually takes less than three minutes to read, and when you start the letter, you also get my one hour fast real estate video. Course, it's all completely free. It's called the Don't quit your Daydream letter. It wires your mind for wealth, and it couldn't be easier for you to get it right now just text. GRE to 66866, while it's on your mind, take a moment to do it right now. Text, gre to 66866   Keith Weinhold  42:35   The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth, building, getricheducation.com.

What started as a favor for one struggling homeowner turned into a multi-property, multi-market STR business, and a system built on honesty, hard lessons, and smart investing.In this episode, you'll learn: • Why most first-time hosts shouldn't expect a profit (and what to aim for instead) • The $65K reno gamble that paid off, plus how to pitch owners to invest • 5 non-negotiables every STR investor needs to check before buying • How to match properties to real investor goals (not hype) • What to say when a listing has bad photos, ugly furniture, and zero bookings • How to turn stale listings into discounted wins using seller credits • The mindset shift that helped turn their lowest income year into their highest everWhether you're starting from scratch or trying to turn things around, this episode is packed with honest advice and real numbers to help you grow the right way.Don't go it alone, learn from people who've already done it.00:01:14 - Revenue Boost: Previous Owner's $30K Shows Untapped Potential 00:05:05 - Hustle Story: From Mowing Lawns to Building Wealth 00:09:37 - Mindset Shift: Realizing It Was Never Just a Job 00:13:00 - Profit Jump: Small Changes, Big Revenue Growth to $70K 00:16:54 - Unique Selling Point: Win Without a Pool 00:19:31 - Client Filter: Say ‘No' More Often to Grow Stronger 00:20:42 - Investor Clarity: Aligning with Each Investor's True Goal 00:22:45 - Negotiation Win: Securing $130K in Seller Credits 00:26:29 - Host Reality: Why Airbnb Won't Help When It MattersGuest Bio:Joe Rohne bought my first two short-term rentals in 2022, one with his wife and one with a business partner. Within three months, he shifted into cohosting and picked up 2 cabins in Branson. Joe went to the STR Wealth Conference and met a bunch of people. From there, he started his own cohost mastermind to have weekly calls and help each other grow. He grew to 12 mostly luxury cohost properties. Joe sold his first two STRs in 2024 and upgraded to a larger luxury property, and is looking to buy another this year. All this turned into him having a co-host podcast and helping others get into this space. He has been a realtor for 5+ years in St. Louis, and got his license in Florida to sell in Panama City Beach, which is where the majority of his STR business is. In August 2024, Joe got linked with Tyler and the Savvy team, and he is now building a team that services the entire panhandle. He currently has ten co-hosts and one owned property.Guest Link:facebook.com/joe.rohneGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

What started as a favor for one struggling homeowner turned into a multi-property, multi-market STR business, and a system built on honesty, hard lessons, and smart investing.In this episode, you'll learn: • Why most first-time hosts shouldn't expect a profit (and what to aim for instead) • The $65K reno gamble that paid off, plus how to pitch owners to invest • 5 non-negotiables every STR investor needs to check before buying • How to match properties to real investor goals (not hype) • What to say when a listing has bad photos, ugly furniture, and zero bookings • How to turn stale listings into discounted wins using seller credits • The mindset shift that helped turn their lowest income year into their highest everWhether you're starting from scratch or trying to turn things around, this episode is packed with honest advice and real numbers to help you grow the right way.Don't go it alone, learn from people who've already done it.00:01:14 - Revenue Boost: Previous Owner's $30K Shows Untapped Potential 00:05:05 - Hustle Story: From Mowing Lawns to Building Wealth 00:09:37 - Mindset Shift: Realizing It Was Never Just a Job 00:13:00 - Profit Jump: Small Changes, Big Revenue Growth to $70K 00:16:54 - Unique Selling Point: Win Without a Pool 00:19:31 - Client Filter: Say ‘No' More Often to Grow Stronger 00:20:42 - Investor Clarity: Aligning with Each Investor's True Goal 00:22:45 - Negotiation Win: Securing $130K in Seller Credits 00:26:29 - Host Reality: Why Airbnb Won't Help When It MattersGuest Bio:Joe Rohne bought my first two short-term rentals in 2022, one with his wife and one with a business partner. Within three months, he shifted into cohosting and picked up 2 cabins in Branson. Joe went to the STR Wealth Conference and met a bunch of people. From there, he started his own cohost mastermind to have weekly calls and help each other grow. He grew to 12 mostly luxury cohost properties. Joe sold his first two STRs in 2024 and upgraded to a larger luxury property, and is looking to buy another this year. All this turned into him having a co-host podcast and helping others get into this space. He has been a realtor for 5+ years in St. Louis, and got his license in Florida to sell in Panama City Beach, which is where the majority of his STR business is. In August 2024, Joe got linked with Tyler and the Savvy team, and he is now building a team that services the entire panhandle. He currently has ten co-hosts and one owned property.Guest Link:facebook.com/joe.rohneGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Shipping container homes. Floating hotels. Golf-course-turned-micro-resorts. This is the future of travel—and it's rewriting the rules for real estate investors.In this Saturday edition, Rich links up with Isaac French to explore how unique stays are disrupting the hospitality game and creating wildly profitable investment opportunities. From viral builds to zoning loopholes, they break down what's working right now and how to get in early.They dive into:How one guy turned $20K shipping containers into a $1K/night Airbnb and 1.5M followersWhy floating homes are skirting hotel regulations—and crushing waterfront returnsThe ROI power of landscaping (and how it can beat depreciation)What to do with dead golf courses, empty land, and old RV parksHow to build a stay so unique, it becomes a brandIf you're bored of duplexes and cookie-cutter STRs, this is your permission slip to think way bigger.Let's build something worth talking about.Join our investor waitlist and stay in the know about our next investor opportunity with Somers Capital: www.somerscapital.com/invest. Want to join our Boutique Hotel Mastermind Community? Book a free strategy call with our team: www.hotelinvesting.com. If you're committed to scaling your personal brand and achieving 7-figure success, it's time to level up with the 7 Figure Creator Mastermind Community. Book your exclusive intro call today at www.the7figurecreator.com and gain access to the strategies that will accelerate your growth.

In this episode, Mark sits down with Shawn Moore, a 25-year real estate veteran and founder of Vodyssey, to unpack two decades of lessons in the short-term rental space. Shawn shares how he stumbled into STRs in 2006, built a thriving portfolio, and eventually launched one of the most respected coaching communities in the game: all while staying rooted in authenticity and real results over flash.You'll learn:Why post-COVID investors often learned all the wrong lessonsThe three pillars of a successful STR: location, experience, and marketingHow Sean approaches investing with long-term appreciation in mindWhy uniqueness and guest personalization are the ultimate revenue driversMistakes that cost thousands and how you can avoid themThis is one of our most honest and wisdom-packed conversations yet. Whether you're scaling or just starting out, Sean's mindset and experience will inspire you to build intentionally and invest wisely.Learn more about Sean and Vodyssey at vodyssey.com Connect on LinkedIn: Sean Moore ___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

If people just wanted a place to sleep, they'd book a hotel. But in today's competitive short-term rental market, it's experiences that drive revenue, and no one knows that better than Merit Harris.In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, Kenny Bedwell welcomes Merit, founder of Merit Badge Property Management, to dive into the business of creating standout STRs through interactive amenities, ROI-driven design, and a deep understanding of what guests actually want. From his no-nonsense approach to systems and team leadership to the design decisions that impact bookings, Merit shares a wealth of practical insights for property owners and managers alike.Whether you're co-hosting a few properties or scaling a management business, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger and design smarter.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why design and amenities must go beyond aesthetics to actually drive revenueHow to evaluate your property as an experience, not just a place to stayWhat makes a listing “sticky” and how that affects your nightly rateWhy most designers miss the mark on interactive ROIHow Merit approaches team management with outcomes—not micromanagementThe importance of systems in building a scalable STR businessHow to identify design strengths and expand creatively without losing cohesionAnd much more...Guest Bio: Merit Harris is the founder of Merit Badge Property Management, where he helps short-term rental owners increase revenue and create unforgettable guest experiences through strategic design and streamlined operations. Known for his bold mindset and system-driven approach, Merit is passionate about empowering clients and team members alike to live their “best life” while building a thriving STR business.Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramMerit Badge Property Management Follow Merit on FacebookFollow Merit on InstagramFollow Merit on TikTokDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

Is your short-term rental just blending into the crowd? In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, Kenny Bedwell breaks down one of the most powerful (and affordable) ways to make your property stand out—micro designs.Kenny explores why the typical templated design approach fails to drive bookings and how a strategic focus on a few unique spaces can elevate your listing and boost your bottom line. You'll learn how to approach short-term rental design from a marketing-first perspective—without breaking the bank.Whether you're furnishing a new property or looking to revamp an existing one, this episode offers smart, practical advice to help you create an unforgettable guest experience.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why traditional, templated setups don't maximize your STR's revenue potentialWhat micro designs are and how they can transform a propertyHow to choose which spaces to focus on—and why less is moreThree types of amenities that directly affect your revenueHow photo strategy influences booking decisionsWhy micro designs work for any budget, not just luxury listingsThe real reason most STRs fail to stand out—and how to fix itAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

In this episode, Taylor Jones sits down with the “Airbnb Data Guy” himself, John Bianchi, co-founder of STR Search and the brain behind hundreds of profitable short-term rentals. They unpack John's exact process for identifying high-performing properties, avoiding bad buys, and why analyzing revenue drivers like pickleball courts and hot tubs can mean the difference between $80K and $200K.You'll learn:How to reverse-engineer success in any STR marketWhat “table stakes” amenities top listings always haveWhy cheap debt beats a fancy kitchenHow to efficiently allocate capital for max ROIThe secret sauce behind STR Search's data modelsThis is one of the most practical and entertaining data breakdowns we've ever recorded. Whether you're buying your first property or optimizing your tenth, don't miss this one.___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Is the mid-term rental strategy a hidden gem in today's market, or are short-term rentals still king?In this insightful continuation of the MTR vs. STR conversation, host Kenny Bedwell brings back real estate investor and healthcare professional Vivian Yip to break down the realities of both strategies in today's economic climate. Drawing from her extensive experience operating properties across multiple states, Vivian walks listeners through the nuances of running mid-term rentals (MTRs), how they compare to short-term rentals (STRs), and how to adapt your investment strategy for long-term success.They also dive into key data points, guest expectations, regulations, and real-world profitability scenarios, making this a must-listen for anyone considering a shift in their rental portfolio or entering the game with a clear strategy in mind.Listeners like you are scaling faster—and smarter—by following this show. Subscribe now and level up your STR playbook. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:What type of investor is best suited for MTRs vs. STRsWhy MTRs can be more stable but not necessarily passiveKey differences in guest expectations, operations, and pricingHow to adapt your rental strategy when regulations changeWhy the STR narrative has shifted and what it means for your cash flowVivian's insight into property selection, especially in healthcare-heavy marketsHow to evaluate the real profit margins when choosing your rental typeWhen and how to pivot from STR to MTR depending on demand and seasonalityAnd much more...Guest Bio: Vivian Yip, formerly a program manager at Apple, transitioned full-time into real estate in 2018 alongside her husband, James. While raising two children and flipping homes, they discovered the power of furnishing affordable properties for extended stays—an approach that thrived during the pandemic and simplified management. Today, Vivian leads Corporate Rentals USA by Hestia, where she merges hospitality with real estate and helps investors elevate their rental income through strategic branding and smart operational systems.Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramCruHomes.com VivianYip.com Follow Vivian on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their...

Where are short-term rentals thriving, and why? In this data-packed episode, AirDNA's Chief Economist Jamie Lane reveals surprising trends in booking windows, top-performing markets, and how STRs are evolving post-pandemic. If you're wondering where to invest next or how to outperform the competition, this one's a must-listen. Ready to unlock smarter, data-driven decisions? • Discover how STR supply trends have shifted from urban cores to rural hotspots—and what that means for your portfolio • Learn the top 3 metrics investors should be analyzing before choosing their next STR market • Why booking windows are shrinking—and how to adjust your pricing strategy without panicking • The channel advantage: how Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO attract very different guest types • Forecasting future growth: Jamie Lane's surprising predictions for STR demand and global travel This episode unpacked the power of data in driving STR success. Whether you're scaling or just starting, insights from AirDNA can guide your next move with confidence. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with fellow investors—your smarter portfolio starts here. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Are mid-term rentals really the safer bet—or are short-term rentals still the reigning champion when it comes to maximizing cash flow?In this episode, Kenny Bedwell dives into the often-debated comparison between MTRs and STRs. He breaks down the financial, operational, and strategic nuances of each model, offering a balanced look at the pros and cons. From tax savings and revenue potential to guest expectations and personal preferences, Kenny lays out a clear framework for making the right investment choice based on your goals.Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale to commercial-grade properties, this episode will help you think beyond the hype and make data-informed decisions.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:What makes STRs more dynamic—but also more volatileThe role of "experience" in STR marketing vs. MTR expectationsHow future financing may be based more on revenue potential than creditWhat buying the right “moat” means for long-term STR successThe tax advantages of STRs over MTRsWhy STRs are a stepping stone to owning commercial or hotel propertiesAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

Ruchi Tripathi, Vice President - Product Management for AMLOCK, AzentioFinancial crime compliance is evolving—and even minor lapses like missed STRs can spark major regulatory fallout. Legacy tech adds to the challenge, creating blind spots in AML frameworks. Ruchi Tripathi, VP – Product Management at Azentio's AMLOCK, speaks with Puja Sharma on applying the ‘Broken Window Theory', tackling tech debt, and adapting compliance to regional needs.

Mark Lumpkin sits down with Shaun Shirazian, the new CEO of Lodgify — one of the biggest tech names in the vacation rental industry. Shaun shares his journey from hosting in San Diego to leading a global company from Barcelona, and breaks down the major shift happening in tech: from Software as a Service (SaaS 1.0) to Service as Software (SaaS 2.0).You'll hear about:How Lodgify plans to make hosting easier through automationWhy customer obsession is at the heart of Lodgify 2.0What's changing and what's not in the STR industryHow Sean's first 100 days shaped the future of the companyInsights on global markets, regulations, and what's next for hostsWhether you're a new host or scaling your portfolio, this episode is packed with real talk, future-focused insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at a major player in STR tech. Don't miss it!Contact Shaun: shaun.shirazian@lodgify.comFollow him on LinkedIn: Shaun Shirazian Learn more about Lodgify: lodgify.com__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

In this episode of the Bourbon Road podcast, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are joined by Joe O'Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, for an in-depth exploration of their unique Nevada-born spirits. This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of estate distilling, where Minden Mill grows 85% of its own grains right in the challenging high-altitude climate of Nevada, just a stone's throw from Lake Tahoe . The conversation kicks off with a tasting of the Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye. O'Sullivan details its 80% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% barley grain bill, all grown on-site . A standout feature of Minden Mill's process is their innovative solution to Nevada's harsh aging climate. Due to a staggering 3% angel's share loss per month in the dry local environment, they employ a climate-controlled rickhouse that precisely mimics the temperature and humidity of Bardstown, Kentucky. This 94-proof, 4-year-old rye delivers a distinct "candied orange" flavor profile, a direct result of its unique terroir and estate-grown winter rye . The hosts are immediately impressed by its sweetness and complexity, noting it drinks well beyond its age . Next, they dive into the Nevada Straight Bourbon, a four-grain whiskey featuring a special heirloom "earth tones" corn. Unlike the sweet yellow dent corn, this starchy variety is compared to a potato raw but transforms through the distilling process to produce a remarkable "cherry cola" note . This bourbon, also 4 years old and 94 proof, is aged in the same Kentucky-mimicking conditions and utilizes wooden foeders for fermentation, which adds a layer of complexity similar to a sourdough starter. The hosts praise its unique, cool, and fresh sweetness that coats the palate. The final tasting features the 5-year-old American Single Malt, a category O'Sullivan is deeply passionate about, having been mentored by Steve McCarthy, the pioneer of the first American single malt. This expression is a testament to technological and traditional craftsmanship. It's produced using custom Forsyth stills and a thermal oil calandria heating system that achieves a Maillard reaction, creating high-ester, flavorful whiskey right off the still. The aging process is just as intricate, taking place in a rickhouse that emulates the chilly, coastal climate of Ballindalloch, Scotland, and uses a combination of new American oak, used bourbon barrels, STRs, and Oloroso sherry casks . The result is a whiskey with a nose of deep, sweet honey-pear and butterscotch apricot. Throughout the episode, O'Sullivan shares insights into their water source from the Sierra Nevada snowpack, their in-house malting facility, and the collaborative spirit of the American whiskey industry. He also gives a glimpse into the future of Minden Mill, including experimental heirloom corns like Jimmy Red and upcoming special releases finished in unique casks like orange wine barrels . Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast  Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

In this episode, we dive into the world of real estate investment and business optimization with John Lewis, the founder of The Virtual Legacy. With a passion for helping others, John streamlines how coaches, consultants, and agency owners book top-tier sales appointments and convert them into lucrative clients effortlessly – all without resorting to paid ads or tedious sales calls… How does The Virtual Legacy turn its clients' passions and expertise into profit? Join us now to discover how John has helped countless entrepreneurs through wisdom, encouragement, and professional advice on their entrepreneurial journeys. Tune in to explore: How John got into the business world. Why wholesaling is a foundational step in the real estate game. The opportunities that exist within short-term rentals (STRs). Factors to consider when seeking viable STR investment opportunities. You can learn more about John and his work with The Virtual Legacy here! Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9

Are you an Airbnb host or short-term rental investor wondering what legal pitfalls could derail your entire business? In this must-listen episode, I sit down with powerhouse attorney and STR host Katie Johnson—who's not just navigating the short-term rental industry, she's on the front lines fighting to protect it. What began as a side hustle hosting on Airbnb quickly escalated into a legal battle when her Michigan township tried to shut down vacation rentals with a sweeping ban. Katie shares her eye-opening journey from new Airbnb host to legal advocate for over 100 property owners—and why this fight could affect every short-term rental operator across the country. We're talking: The biggest legal mistakes Airbnb hosts and STR investors make Why surface-level research isn't enough when buying a short-term rental property How deed restrictions and local zoning laws can quietly kill your cash flow And why having a STR-savvy real estate attorney is no longer optional Katie is on a mission to educate, empower, and protect Airbnb hosts and vacation rental owners who feel like they're at the mercy of shifting regulations. This episode isn't just about legal fine print—it's about defending your right to host, protecting your real estate investment, and understanding the legal foundation your STR business must be built on.If you're serious about growing a profitable, long-term Airbnb business, this legal deep dive is your non-negotiable wake-up call. Don't miss it. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:19] A short introduction about our guest Katie Johnson and how she got started in the short term rental space [04:22] What is a Deed Restriction and why should short term rental owners be on the lookout for them [07:05] Michigan's interpretation of residential zoning in relation to rental types [08:04] What should you do if you encounter unclear language in a Deed Restriction or zoning rule [08:54] Katie explains how deed restrictions are typically created and is there a way to get it removed [11:05] Katie weighs the risks of self-research versus hiring an attorney for deed restrictions [14:01] Katie shares her firsthand experience challenging a short-term rental ban in Park Township, Michigan [16:44] Katie outlines the process of organizing short-term rental owners in response to a local ban [18:00] How the short-term rental owner coalition quickly scaled, structured funding, and secured major legal support [22:18] Katie outlines the ideal mix of skills and roles needed to build an effective nonprofit board for STR advocacy [24:52] Katie's experience navigating post-lawsuit challenges to preserve STR rights in Park Township [27:10] Katie's shares her personal and professional transformation through STR litigation involvement [29:33] What does Katie advise hosts who are facing similar scenarios involving local restrictions or ordinances [32:37] Katie's advice for women in STRs to protect themselves and their businesses [34:49] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Getting organized and banding together, finding an attorney, a local attorney, ideally, that knows the board or knows the town that you're dealing with to help you navigate through this process, is the best advice I can give anyone.” “Finding people who are doing the same things, finding people who are thinking big like you, that's been immensely helpful.” “If the numbers work, you should buy it like you can buy everything you can. So I wish I had started buying earlier.” “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Let's Connect! Website: katiejohnsonplc.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

In this episode of The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, Marcin Drozdz breaks down the exact playbook he used to raise over $100M for multifamily deals—even in challenging market conditions. He shares why multifamily remains the smartest path to financial freedom, how to raise capital without prior experience, and what new investors must focus on to close their first (or next) deal faster. If you want to scale with other people's money and build lasting wealth, this episode gives you the blueprint.Key TakeawaysHow Marcin Built a $100M+ Capital Raising MachineFocused on relationships, trust, and long-term partnerships—not flashy sales pitches.Built credibility without relying on a massive personal portfolio upfront.Scaled by consistently delivering value to investors first.Why Multifamily Beats Other Real Estate StrategiesOffers superior scalability compared to flips, single-family rentals, and STRs.Combines cash flow, appreciation, and tax advantages into one asset.Remains resilient through recessions and high-interest rate cycles.How to Raise Capital Without a Track RecordYou don't need your own cash—you need the right frameworks for raising it.Start building soft commitments from investors before your first deal.How to position yourself confidently even as a newer operator.Avoiding the Biggest Mistakes New Investors MakeWhy waiting for the “perfect deal” or “perfect timing” is a recipe for failure.The danger of trying to figure it out alone without mentorship or a proven system.How successful investors create momentum by taking imperfect action.Marcin's Advice for Scaling a Real Estate PortfolioFocus on building a strong personal brand and investor network early.Surround yourself with experienced operators and communities that accelerate your learning.Play the long game: Reputation and relationships compound faster than anything else.Connect with MarcinDownload Marcin's "Unlimited Investor Leads" BookWebsiteInstagramLinkedinFacebookConnect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael's Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor...

Most people can barely handle one business.Buck scaled two.In this episode, we break down how he went from managing one unseen unit in Nashville to running a 70-property short-term rental operation and a digital marketing agency at the same time.No fluff, just systems, AI, and strategic growth.What you'll learn:How he jumped from 5 to 20 units with one key clientThe team structure and cashflow strategy that saved them in winterUsing AI + Hormozi to craft irresistible offersThe “$10 / $100 / $1K / $10K” time block systemWhy smart maintenance = higher reviews and retentionIf you're building a real business, this one's a blueprint.04:48 – How One STR Outperformed 4X and Sparked a Business 10:55 – Cleaning & Tech Enabled Remote STR Scaling 13:27 – Investor Stepped In During Cash Flow Crisis 15:05 – Zig When Competitors Zag: Break Industry Norms 17:00 – 5-Star Guarantee: No Commission Without Reviews 20:01 – Flat-Fee Maintenance Boosts Property Standards 24:00 – Focus on $1K and $10K Tasks to Scale Faster Guest Bio:Buck Cumbo is the owner of www.seamountainvacations.com. He is managing nearly 50 million dollars in assets amongst 60+ properties in the Myrtle Beach area. Buck have also recently been brought on as Brand Director at www.theonehundredcollection.com.Guest Link:http://www.instagram.com/captain_buck_Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Most people can barely handle one business.Buck scaled two.In this episode, we break down how he went from managing one unseen unit in Nashville to running a 70-property short-term rental operation and a digital marketing agency at the same time.No fluff, just systems, AI, and strategic growth.What you'll learn:How he jumped from 5 to 20 units with one key clientThe team structure and cashflow strategy that saved them in winterUsing AI + Hormozi to craft irresistible offersThe “$10 / $100 / $1K / $10K” time block systemWhy smart maintenance = higher reviews and retentionIf you're building a real business, this one's a blueprint.04:48 – How One STR Outperformed 4X and Sparked a Business 10:55 – Cleaning & Tech Enabled Remote STR Scaling 13:27 – Investor Stepped In During Cash Flow Crisis 15:05 – Zig When Competitors Zag: Break Industry Norms 17:00 – 5-Star Guarantee: No Commission Without Reviews 20:01 – Flat-Fee Maintenance Boosts Property Standards 24:00 – Focus on $1K and $10K Tasks to Scale Faster Guest Bio:Buck Cumbo is the owner of www.seamountainvacations.com. He is managing nearly 50 million dollars in assets amongst 60+ properties in the Myrtle Beach area. Buck have also recently been brought on as Brand Director at www.theonehundredcollection.com.Guest Link:http://www.instagram.com/captain_buck_Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

In this episode of the STR Investing Podcast, Taylor sits down with Pedro Rivera, Head of Acquisitions at Summer OS, to explore how his unique background in hotel acquisitions and build-to-rent communities shaped one of the most powerful tools in the short-term rental space.Pedro shares:The key differences (and surprising similarities) between hotel and STR investingWhat institutional real estate gets right—and wrong—about short-term rentalsHow Summer OS was born out of frustration with unreliable data and plug-and-play toolsWhy accurate competitive sets, lot size, and submarket awareness are critical for STR successWhat most investors miss when projecting revenue and tracking performanceWhy operators must keep their hands on the wheel—set-and-forget doesn't workWhat's next for Summer OS, including real-time variance analysis and revenue trend forecastingIf you're scaling your STR portfolio, building underwriting systems, or struggling to trust the data, this episode is a goldmine.Explore Summer OS: https://www.summeros.com__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

What does it take to grow from managing one small rental to overseeing 40+ short-term properties in just seven years? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Steeg, a short-term rental entrepreneur who's built a thriving business across Boston's North Shore. His journey is nothing short of inspiring—from starting with a modest two-family property to managing a diverse and growing portfolio. Alex shares how his early career in residential advising unexpectedly prepared him for the world of property management. Alongside his wife Rachel, he began with traditional long-term rentals before discovering the game-changing potential of short-term stays—unlocking significantly higher cash flow and more flexibility. Today, Alex manages everything from cozy studios to expansive 22-acre estates, and he's in the middle of renovating a 10-unit inn in Ipswich. He dives into the strategies that helped him scale, the lessons learned along the way, and how intentional planning and adaptability have fueled his success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your own STR business, this episode is packed with real-world insights and inspiration. Things we discussed in this episode: Alex Steeg's career transition from seminary and residential advising to short-term rental management The founding of Shoreway Management by Alex and his wife Rachel, growing to over 40 properties Their strategic approach to real estate investing, starting with a two-family property in 2018 The game-changing impact of short-term rentals on their cash flow and business growth Alex's recent purchase and renovation of the 10-unit Ipswich Inn, managing a complex commercial property renovation The importance of complementary skills in a spouse-run business, with Rachel handling operations and Alex focusing on client relations Their geographical focus on managing properties along Boston's North Shore, including towns like Marblehead, Salem, and Gloucester Being named a top-rated short-term rental management company by AirDNA The challenges and benefits of working together as a married couple in a business Their involvement with Smart Stay coaching and helping other aspiring real estate investors and short-term rental operators Get in touch with Alex: Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/alex.steeg86/ Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexsteeg/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shorewaymgmt.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbManagement #EntrepreneurJourney #PropertyInvestment #BostonRealEstate #BusinessCouple #RentalManagement #SmartStayCoaching #RealEstateSuccess Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.Diana and Josh, two married architects, were forced to reimagine their future after losing both their fathers in 2021.What began as a journey to escape the W-2 grind became Terra Palm Springs, the city's first true wellness boutique hotel.They reveal how they: • Pivoted from flips and BRRRRs into commercial real estate • Used their design and construction edge to underwrite with vision • Created immersive guest experiences that transcend hospitality • Built three synergistic businesses to scale with intention • Took bold action while honoring their deepest personal “why”This story will move you, inspire you, and give you a real blueprint for building a brand, and a life that matters.What You'll Learn: • How to spot your unfair advantage (and actually use it) • The key to underwriting without inflating projections • What makes a boutique hotel truly stand out • How to transition from short-term rentals to hotel ownership • Why generosity is the secret weapon in hospitality00:00 - Action drives clarity 00:35 - Process-proven growth 01:36 - Power couple feature 02:20 - Life-changing loss 05:55 - Strategic shift to scale 07:26 - Expert system builders 09:50 - Value-add obsession 10:56 - Underwrite with confidence 14:30 - Unapologetic branding 16:42 - First-of-its-kind wellness hotel 21:00 - Team-powered execution 25:40 - The real estate awakening 28:00 - Finding purpose through pain 31:30 - Create your unfair advantage 36:00 - Future-built freedom 43:00 - Hospitality secret: give generously Guest Bio:Diana and Josh Dobken have 15+ years of experience in the architecture and construction industries. They strategically invest in value-add opportunities where they can use their design expertise to maximize their return on investment. Additionally, Diana and Josh co-host 35+ MTRs and STRs across multiple states for other real estate investors, bringing their hospitality standards and design sensibility to each property we manage.Beyond property investment, Diana and Josh also manage comprehensive operations teams for hotels, with them overseeing director of operations roles and guest experience management. This hands-on operational experience gives them invaluable insights into how design decisions impact day-to-day functionality and guest satisfaction.Their most current project involves the Architectural and Interior design of Terra Palm Springs, the first wellness Boutique Hotel in Palm Springs featured in Vogue, Forbes, Hotels Above Par, and selected as part of Travel and Leisure It List of 2025' 100 Best New Hotels in the World.Guest Link:http://www.instagram.com/d.i.fiGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.Diana and Josh, two married architects, were forced to reimagine their future after losing both their fathers in 2021.What began as a journey to escape the W-2 grind became Terra Palm Springs, the city's first true wellness boutique hotel.They reveal how they: • Pivoted from flips and BRRRRs into commercial real estate • Used their design and construction edge to underwrite with vision • Created immersive guest experiences that transcend hospitality • Built three synergistic businesses to scale with intention • Took bold action while honoring their deepest personal “why”This story will move you, inspire you, and give you a real blueprint for building a brand, and a life that matters.What You'll Learn: • How to spot your unfair advantage (and actually use it) • The key to underwriting without inflating projections • What makes a boutique hotel truly stand out • How to transition from short-term rentals to hotel ownership • Why generosity is the secret weapon in hospitality00:00 - Action drives clarity 00:35 - Process-proven growth 01:36 - Power couple feature 02:20 - Life-changing loss 05:55 - Strategic shift to scale 07:26 - Expert system builders 09:50 - Value-add obsession 10:56 - Underwrite with confidence 14:30 - Unapologetic branding 16:42 - First-of-its-kind wellness hotel 21:00 - Team-powered execution 25:40 - The real estate awakening 28:00 - Finding purpose through pain 31:30 - Create your unfair advantage 36:00 - Future-built freedom 43:00 - Hospitality secret: give generously Guest Bio:Diana and Josh Dobken have 15+ years of experience in the architecture and construction industries. They strategically invest in value-add opportunities where they can use their design expertise to maximize their return on investment. Additionally, Diana and Josh co-host 35+ MTRs and STRs across multiple states for other real estate investors, bringing their hospitality standards and design sensibility to each property we manage.Beyond property investment, Diana and Josh also manage comprehensive operations teams for hotels, with them overseeing director of operations roles and guest experience management. This hands-on operational experience gives them invaluable insights into how design decisions impact day-to-day functionality and guest satisfaction.Their most current project involves the Architectural and Interior design of Terra Palm Springs, the first wellness Boutique Hotel in Palm Springs featured in Vogue, Forbes, Hotels Above Par, and selected as part of Travel and Leisure It List of 2025' 100 Best New Hotels in the World.Guest Link:http://www.instagram.com/d.i.fiGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

In this episode, Mark Lumpkin sits down with Jay Ullrich, STR operator, tech founder, and CEO of HostBuddy.ai - to unpack his journey from cold-calling landlords and scrubbing his own units to managing 45+ short-term rentals and launching one of the most advanced AI guest communication tools in the industry.Jay shares:How he built a thriving STR property management company without outbound salesWhat he learned scaling from 1 arbitrage unit to 45+ managed homes in San DiegoWhy HostBuddy.ai was born out of late-night guest message fatigue, and how it worksHow today's AI tools can help you reduce stress, automate communication, and increase profitsWhy HostBuddy stands out from every other AI chatbot in the spaceThe challenges of scaling and how to maintain trust as you growHow to test HostBuddy live on their site (no signup required!)Whether you're just starting in cohosting or you're managing dozens of units, this episode is packed with firsthand experience and future-focused insights that can save you time, money, and headaches.Try HostBuddy's AI for yourself → https://hostbuddy.aiConnect with Jay: jay@hostbuddy.ai | @hostbuddy_ai on Instagram—Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share, and leave a review for the STR Investing, The Podcast so more hosts can scale smarter.__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

With the short-term rental market evolving rapidly, simply following the old playbook won't cut it anymore. In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, Kenny Bedwell breaks down what the future of STR investing really looks like—and it's not for the faint of heart. From industry-wide professionalization to a rising demand for uniqueness, he outlines what successful hosts need to know (and do) to stay competitive.Kenny shares his insights into how STRs are becoming more commercial and why that calls for more strategic, long-term investment thinking. This episode is a deep dive into shifting your mindset to hospitality professional—and building properties that people will rave about.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why STR investing today requires a different approach than even a few years agoHow the industry is becoming more commercial and what that means for hostsWhy five-star reviews are no longer the gold standard—repeat guests areHow to build properties that can't be easily replicatedWhat “stacking amenities” really means—and how to do it wellThe importance of targeting your ideal guest with intentional designWhy your cash-on-hand matters more than your lender's pre-approvalHow to create a STR investment that will stand the test of timeAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

Nashville isn't dead. But you can't play the same game everyone else is playing. The regulations are tighter, the market is flooded with copycat four bedrooms, and most agents don't know how to underwrite these deals. The good news is there are still real opportunities if you know where to look. In this episode, I break down exactly where the real plays are in Nashville for 2025. Whether you are buying inside Davidson County or going just outside the lines to build true super properties, this will show you where the smart money is moving.00:00 – Why Most Investors Get Nashville Completely Wrong01:03 – The Real Problem: It's Not Oversupply, It's What You're Buying03:52 – The Big Mistake Everyone Makes with Nashville STR Design05:40 – What I'd Tell My Own Family If They Wanted to Invest Here07:24 – How to Attract Higher-End Guests Without Bachelorette Drama08:35 – The Hidden Opportunity Outside Davidson County10:41 – How to Play the Game with 5+ Bedroom Super Properties12:47 – Why "Turnkey" Listings Are Usually a Trap14:31 – The Power of Pairing Side-by-Side STR Units16:04 – The Next Wave of STR-Friendly Developments in Nashville

Fouad spent 20 years in banking and 11 more consulting banks before walking away from corporate life when his wife's income surpassed his.What happened next?A wild ride through the world of short-term rentals, driven by family, strategy, and a long-term vision few operators ever reach.In this episode, Fouad breaks down:How a personal medical emergency forced him to buy his first AirbnbWhy most operators price listings wrong—and how he uses math insteadThe real difference between luxury and comfort STRs (and why he runs both)His custom tech stack using Go High LevelAnd the real reason he's scaling to $12M/year before exitingThis one's for the operators who want to scale smart, stay profitable, and build something sellable.What you'll learn:How to scale with dual verticals (luxury + comfort)Why you must reverse-engineer around your exitHow banking lessons apply directly to STRsWhy pricing = math, not emotionHow Fouad thinks about purpose and legacyReady to build a business that banks would beg to fund?Fouad shows you how.03:30 – Breaking the Golden Handcuffs: Why He Left Corporate07:00 – First STR Deal: Starting Small With Big Vision10:00 – Smart Risk: Learning to Bet on Yourself13:00 – From 1 to 10+ Units: Scaling With Confidence17:00 – Wealth Mindset: Thinking Like an Owner, Not an Operator20:00 – Cash Flow vs Time: Redefining Success Metrics24:00 – Building a Business, Not a Job: Systems and Team Growth27:00 – Lessons From the Field: What He'd Do Differently30:00 – Purpose-Driven Investing: Time, Family, and FreedomGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this inspiring episode of In The Lab, we're joined by Brian Hatcher, founder and CEO of Hatch Capital, and Aaron Appleton, his trusted partner in Hatch Capital property management and founder of Mirror Haus Collection micro resort. Together they've moved from managing short-term rentals to curating branded micro resort experiences— both collectively and individually building their own respective brands Orenda by Brian Hatcher and Mirror Haus Collection Hauss by Aaron Appleton. Brian Hatcher is the founder and CEO of Hatch Capital, a real estate investment and consulting firm focused on experiential hospitality and lifestyle-based asset creation. Brian started in the real estate space by house hacking and building data-driven systems that evolved into a vertically integrated business as seen in our previous episode Real Estate Hacking: Serial House Hacker to Developer. Now, he leads development efforts on branded micro resorts designed to deliver intentional guest experiences and long-term value.Aaron Appleton is the Founder/CEO - Mirror Haus Collection, a real estate entrepreneur, strategic operator, and creative mind behind several real estate ventures. He has a background in short-term rental management and is now spearheading operations, team culture, and design strategy for the duo's micro resort developments. Aaron brings a strong emphasis on intentionality, vision, and brand alignment to every aspect of their projects, pushing the limits of what hospitality can look and feel like.In this episode, we dive deep into the power of vision, mindset, and aligned partnerships. Brian and Aaron share how their journey began with managing short-term rentals and evolved into developing bespoke micro resort experiences that serve both investors and guests. The conversation highlights how vision clarity, execution discipline, and long-term alignment create meaningful and sustainable business models.We explore the mindset shifts required to level up in real estate—from chasing cash flow to building brand equity and hospitality that lasts. Ruben, Brian, and Aaron also reflect on personal growth, the impact of mentorship, and why leaders must be intentional with their direction, community, and legacy. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:20:42 Brian talks about having a vision as an important part of leadership24:38 Aaron talks about redirection. KEEPING IT REAL:04:00 – Presence, mindset, and living where your feet are05:00 – Knowing who you are vs. who you're not07:00 – Avoiding goal paralysis by letting go of the “how”09:30 – Defining a clear vision and creating from intentionality11:00 – Visualization and the neuroscience of future-building14:00 – Breaking free from society's agenda and asking what you want16:20 – Core values: Health, wealth, love, and happiness18:50 – The balance between manifestation and doing the work20:10 – Levels of leadership and visionary communication22:00 – Blocking out noise to stay on mission23:40 – Redirecting vs. exiting: Knowing the difference26:00 – Why micro resorts are the next evolution beyond STRs30:30 – Building irreplicable hospitality brands33:00 – The global vision for boutique experiential stays36:00 – Success clues, mentorship, and modeling behaviors38:00 – Giving flowers, building community, and reflecting legacyCONNECT WITH THE GUESTBrianWebsite: https://hatch-capital.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hatcher-82034450/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hatch_capital/AaronWebsite: https://hatch-capital.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-appleton-86228323b/#MicroResorts #ExperientialHospitality #VisionaryLeadership #RealEstateDevelopment #ShortTermRentals #STRtoResorts #MindsetMatters #BuildWithPurpose

Fouad spent 20 years in banking and 11 more consulting banks before walking away from corporate life when his wife's income surpassed his.What happened next?A wild ride through the world of short-term rentals, driven by family, strategy, and a long-term vision few operators ever reach.In this episode, Fouad breaks down:How a personal medical emergency forced him to buy his first AirbnbWhy most operators price listings wrong—and how he uses math insteadThe real difference between luxury and comfort STRs (and why he runs both)His custom tech stack using Go High LevelAnd the real reason he's scaling to $12M/year before exitingThis one's for the operators who want to scale smart, stay profitable, and build something sellable.What you'll learn:How to scale with dual verticals (luxury + comfort)Why you must reverse-engineer around your exitHow banking lessons apply directly to STRsWhy pricing = math, not emotionHow Fouad thinks about purpose and legacyReady to build a business that banks would beg to fund?Fouad shows you how.03:30 – Breaking the Golden Handcuffs: Why He Left Corporate07:00 – First STR Deal: Starting Small With Big Vision10:00 – Smart Risk: Learning to Bet on Yourself13:00 – From 1 to 10+ Units: Scaling With Confidence17:00 – Wealth Mindset: Thinking Like an Owner, Not an Operator20:00 – Cash Flow vs Time: Redefining Success Metrics24:00 – Building a Business, Not a Job: Systems and Team Growth27:00 – Lessons From the Field: What He'd Do Differently30:00 – Purpose-Driven Investing: Time, Family, and FreedomGuest Bio:Fouad Bazzi is a professional in the short-term rental (STR) industry. His activities include owning, managing, and building new build-to-rent properties, as well as consulting and educating others in the STR space. He also owns a pool servicing company that specializes in serving STR properties.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/fouad_airbnbGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

What if you could give your guests a memorable, screen-free experience and stand out in a crowded short-term rental market—without adding a $10K hot tub or building a pickleball court?In this episode, Mark sits down with Rachel from QR Clue, a former property manager turned entrepreneur who's on a mission to turn everyday rentals into unforgettable guest experiences. QR Clue is a ready-to-go, interactive mystery game—part escape room, part storytelling adventure—that guests play using subtle, QR-coded items placed throughout your property.You'll learn:The “aha moment” that sparked QR Clue's creationWhy this amenity can be installed in any STR (with just a kitchen + bedroom)How hosts are using QR Clue to drive more bookings, 5-star reviews, and guest data collectionWhy it's designed only for vacation rentals (sorry, hotels

In this week's Hosting Hotline, we're answering a question we hear all the time: Should I consider midterm rentals (30+ day stays)? If you're wondering whether it's the right move for your property, this episode will help you break it down.We cover the pros, cons, and what it really looks like to add midterm rentals into your hosting strategy—including Sarah's firsthand experience with listing on Furnished Finder during the off-season.We break down:What counts as a midterm rental—and how it's different from STRs and LTRsThe pros: lower turnover, longer stays, consistent income, and guest qualityThe cons: more hands-on screening process, less automationWhy midterm guests are not just short-term guests staying longerHow to test the waters using platforms like Furnished FinderWhat amenities, furniture, and stocking levels midterm guests expectHow to check demand in your market before jumping inA $30-off listing code to get started risk-free on Furnished FinderWe're also joined by Tanya Shin, Chief Growth Officer at Furnished Finder, who shares trends they're seeing (hint: it's not just nurses anymore) and the best way to see if your city is midterm-ready.

In this week's GMH EU, the crew dives into Spain's summer tourism tension as the government cracks down on over 9,000 illegal short-term rentals in Catalonia and considers a steep VAT hike on STRs to combat housing shortages. Meanwhile, anti-tourism protests heat up across hotspots like the Canary Islands, and new travel rules now require non-EU visitors to show proof of insurance. On the tech front, AI booking engines are evolving to offer real-time pricing and availability, potentially reshaping OTA models. We also spotlight Spain's most affordable beach towns and a curated list of top-rated legal Airbnbs still worth booking. ---- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠order here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GoodMorningHospitality.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special live episode, Mark and Taylor sit down in person to riff on one of their shared obsessions: sales. But this isn't your typical sales 101 chat. It's raw, real, and full of battle-tested strategies that have helped them close deals from cars to real estate to STR investments.Here's what they dive into:Why “assuming the close” only works if you believe in your productThe “cancer pill” mindset that will transform how you sellHow to uncover and use the power dynamic in two-person sales conversationsThe underrated brilliance of Men's Wearhouse sales strategyWhy you should never book client calls at 12:00 or 12:30“Choice of two positives,” “calendar closes,” and other tricks you'll want to stealWhen and how much pressure to apply—and how to make it match your personalityThe one universal reason someone doesn't buy from youWhy storytelling beats pitching every timeWhether you're running sales for your STR business, pitching investors, or just trying to close more life deals—this episode will sharpen your edge.Biggest takeaway? Sales is just a transfer of emotion. So be real, believe in your offer, and go close.__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

What does it take to turn a direct booking website into a real revenue driver?In today's episode of the Cash Flow Positive Podcast, Kenny Bedwell is joined by Gil Chan, tech founder, short-term rental host, and the creator of CraftedStays—a platform that helps STR hosts easily build customizable direct booking sites without breaking the bank.Drawing on his background in e-commerce, Gil walks through the parallels between retail and hospitality, explains how to structure a site that actually converts, and shares his strategies for guest vetting, trust-building, and long-term nurture campaigns. He breaks down what most hosts get wrong about direct bookings, and what to focus on instead—starting with knowing your ideal guest avatar and optimizing every piece of the guest journey around them.From lead magnets and email flows to the psychology of brand visibility, this episode is packed with insights on how to grow your direct bookings sustainably—without trying to master every marketing channel at once.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:Why e-commerce and STRs are more similar than you thinkWhat your direct booking site must include to build trust and convert visitorsHow to structure your site around your “guest avatar”What most STR owners misunderstand about branding and professionalismHow to handle guest vetting on direct booking platformsWhy starting small (with the right tools) beats outsourcing everythingGil's favorite ways to collect and nurture guest emails automaticallyWhat a good year-one direct booking rate looks like—and how to scale itAnd much more...Guest Bio: Gil Chan is a short-term rental host, tech entrepreneur, and founder of CraftedStays—a platform that makes it easy for hosts to build fully integrated, conversion-focused direct booking websites. With a background as a product director in e-commerce, Gil saw the gap between STR operators and the tech tools they needed to take control of their businesses. After building the first version of CraftedStays for his own properties, he left his six-figure job in tech to grow the company full-time. Today, Gil helps hosts across the U.S. build their brands, attract the right guests, and increase revenue—one click at a time.Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramConnect with Gil on LinkedInCraftedStays.co The Ultimate Guide to Direct BookingsBooked Solid Podcast

In this episode, What Else Should I Be Asking?, we unpack two often-overlooked yet critical topics that every short-term rental investor needs to understand before buying their next property. First, we dive into the importance of local regulations and zoning laws—how they can make or break your investment and why you must do more than a quick Google search. Then, we break down the financing side of STRs, including loan types that work best for vacation rental properties and how to avoid common pitfalls with second home and DSCR loans. If you're serious about building wealth through STRs, this episode will help you ask smarter questions and make more confident decisions. Are you considering buying a short-term rental? This episode is your checklist of what you didn't know you needed to know. www.strhomefinancing.com

Cory Schisler isn't just building beautiful hotels and restaurants — he's rethinking what hospitality actually feels like. He's worked with brands like Proper and Viceroy, co-founded The Madrona in Healdsburg, and has a sharp eye for the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways hospitality has evolved (and where it still needs to catch up). In this episode, we unpack: – The early experiences that shaped Cory's hospitality worldview – How to balance timeless service with modern guest expectations – The tech that actually enhances hospitality (and the kind that kills it) – Why QR code menus might signal the beginning of the end – What's next: the rise of micro-resorts and the white space between STRs and hotels Cory also shares how he approaches concept development, the difference between good and great creative partners, and what it really takes to build a team culture where guests feel seen — and staff feel proud. This one's packed with insight for anyone thinking about the next generation of hospitality brands. Learn more about Cory here. Explore The Madronna Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

It started with a simple problem: take the trash out, bring it back in. But that tiny pain point? It turned into a full-blown logistics revolution for short-term rental hosts nationwide.Taylor Jones dives deep with Alex Shapiro, co-founder of Can Monkey, the tech-powered trash service that's now serving over 5,000+ properties across 28 states and 475 cities. What began as a favor for a friend became one of the most unexpected wins in the short-term rental game.Inside this episode:How a random lunch and one smelly STR mishap sparked a business ideaWhy homeowner rejection opened the door to a thriving STR marketThe secret sauce behind Can Monkey's explosive growthWhat it really takes to manage a trash route across hundreds of citiesThe unexpected power of timestamped trash photos (yep, they can save you from fines)What makes a great “can runner” (spoiler: it's not driving a BMW)The surprising blend of tech, trust, and trash - and why it matters for STR opsCan Monkey's next chapter: 10,000 properties and software that could shake up the spaceIf you're in the STR world or just love stories of scrappy entrepreneurship, this episode delivers a goldmine of insights, operations hacks, and growth strategies you'll wish you heard sooner. Hit play now, you'll never look at trash day the same way again.Learn more at canmonkey.comContact Alex: alexander@canmonkey.com or connect with him on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.In this episode, Bill sits down with the legendary Avery Carl, CEO of The Short Term Shop and one of the top-selling STR agents in the country, to talk all things vacation markets, lowball offers, and smart investing in a high-interest economy.From scoring a $1.275M home on 30A for just $815K to breaking down why luxury STRs are struggling while one-bedrooms in the Smokies are thriving, Avery holds nothing back.

In this episode of the Real Estate Education and Investing Podcast, Erin Spradlin and James Carlson, tackle two critical issues affecting property investors: Furnished Finder's new "worry-free waiver" program and a concerning short-term rental ban in Woodland Park, Colorado. They analyze Furnished Finder's deposit alternative which charges hosts $60-80 monthly for protection up to $3,500 in damages, highlighting numerous limitations including cosmetic damage exclusions and comparing it unfavorably to traditional landlord protection policies. The hosts argue that security deposits serve not only as protection but also as an essential tenant screening tool—if prospective tenants cannot afford a deposit, they likely cannot afford the rental itself. The second segment examines Woodland Park's citizen-led ballot measure that completely banned STRs without grandfathering existing permit holders. What's particularly alarming is a recent court ruling suggesting property owners have little chance of successful legal challenge, setting a potentially dangerous precedent unlike previous regulatory changes in Colorado communities which typically preserved existing STR permits. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of working with knowledgeable professionals who understand local STR laws and can help investors navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Contact James: james@jamescarlsonRE.com Contact Erin: Erin@erinspradlin.com For more information visit: https://www.jamescarlsonre.com/ https://www.erinandjamesrealestate.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing,we dive into the booming world of short-term rentals (STRs) and explore how savvy investors are leveraging platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to maximize cash flow, diversify geographically, and reduce risk.   From vacation properties to workforce housing, the hosts break down how investors of all sizes can scale intelligently by choosing the right locations, designing a memorable guest experience, and taking advantage of seasonal markets.    Whether you're new to STRs or looking to grow your portfolio, this episode is full of practical advice and fresh ideas to expand your impact in the rental space.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:05 How STRs can earn 2–3x the monthly income vs. long-term rentals 02:07 Avoiding competitive metro markets through location flexibility 03:25 Underrated markets: Wyoming, Buffalo, Acadia, and snowmobile trails 05:21 Lower maintenance burden for STRs vs. traditional property managers 07:22 Guest experience: why it matters and how to differentiate your STR 08:23 Becoming a Superhost: reputation, reviews, and responsiveness 09:45 What is PadSplit? 10:38 Targeting the workforce for your STRs 12:31 The value of guest feedback: guestbooks, quick fixes, seasonal upgrades 14:00 How smart home tech can help improve your STR 16:14 How shorter tenancies reduce strain and increase adaptability   Quotables   “With a short-term rental, you can actually generate two to three times more income than a long-term lease.”   “You decide your level of involvement—from doing it yourself to having a full-service team handle it all.”   “Diversification isn't just about property type. It's about location, lease length, and tenant type.”   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

This week I can't wait for you all to hear from Dawn Asher from The Olive Jar, an experiential marketing and branding studio for STRs. We've all heard over and over and over again how critical branding is… but how do you actually brand your listing when you don't have the budget and resources that giant million dollar brands do?! Dawn has decades of experience in this field, and she's responsible for a lot of the special moments that have made you feel connection with some of your favorite brands. After a big career shift and leaving the corporate world to move into entrepreneurship, Dawn has found a way to bring her years of expertise to the world of STRs. She walks us through: 1. How to create a brand for your listing 2. How to make your listing more memorable 3. How to make your guests feel an emotional connection with your property 4. And most importantly, how to do this affordable and with a small team! Read to the blog post about Level Up Your Listing mentioned in this episode. Connect with Dawn here Book a free call with The Olive Jar Subscribe to the newsletter Thank you to my sponsors! Lodgify - ⁠Link⁠ Receive 20% off Lodgify's most powerful plans with code NoVacancy20 at checkout Proper - ⁠Link⁠ Visit the link to claim your free risk assessment with Proper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airbnb's new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy has left a lot of hosts wondering: Can you still use tools like StayFi to collect guest emails?Today on the Hosting Hotline, Natasha calls in with a smart and timely question—and we bring in the best person to answer it: Arthur Colker, CEO of StayFi.In this episode, we cover:How Airbnb's updated policy affects communication and guest data collectionWhat it means to have guests “opt in” under the new rulesWhy StayFi's WiFi marketing and email tools are still compliant (and important!)How to use this moment as an opportunity for a full business compliance checkOur own experience continuing to use StayFi for both our urban STRs and new glamping propertyIf you're focused on building your direct booking strategy while staying fully compliant, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.Resources:The Hidden Truth: Why Most Airbnb Hosts Fail (And How to Succeed) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more host strategies and support!Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency PolicyLearn more about StayFi and get 50% off your first 3 monthsMentioned in this episode:Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayMake More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

Are you ready to find your next cash-flowing short-term rental property — and actually know it's a winner before you buy? In this episode, We sit down with John Bianchi, the self-proclaimed "Airbnb Data Guy," who's helped uncover over 200 profitable STR properties. John pulls back the curtain on how to spot the best markets, why understanding local regulations is critical, and how effective marketing can make or break your rental's success. You'll learn John's two-step method for market selection, dive into real-world property analysis (including a live review of Jason and Rory's property in Laconia, New Hampshire), and get practical tips like the "20% rule" and how to maximize your property's potential with strategic photography. Whether you're investing your first dollar or expanding your growing portfolio, John's data-driven insights and no-nonsense advice will give you the edge to make smarter, more profitable decisions. Get ready for a deep-dive that's packed with actionable strategies you can use right now! Things we discussed in this episode: John Bianchi's two-step method for picking STR markets: check regulations and apply the 20% rule (annual revenue = 20% of purchase price). Why professional photography and marketing are key to standing out — especially when showcasing unique amenities and outdoor spaces. A deep dive into Jason and Rory's Laconia, NH property: challenges with cash flow and market fit. The risks of buying in areas without clear STR regulations. How STRs offer cash flow, equity growth, and major tax benefits. Why you can't fully trust AirDNA's rentalizer tool — and how to do better comp analysis manually. John's story: from building STR Search to helping identify 200+ profitable properties. How waterfront locations and standout features boost income. Diversifying investments: blending STRs with other vehicles. The deeper "why" behind STR investing: creating freedom and generational wealth. Get in touch with John: LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bianchi/ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy/ Website - ⁠https://strsearch.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #STRInvesting #AirbnbDataGuy #ShortTermRental #RealEstateInvestment #PropertyInvesting #PassiveIncome #RentalMarkets #InvestmentStrategy #RealEstateData #STRTips Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠Website⁠ and on ⁠Instagram⁠ and⁠ YouTube⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠Website⁠ and on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠Website⁠ and on ⁠Instagram⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠on LinkedIn⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're digging into a question from Penny, a host of two jaw-dropping luxury rentals in Hocking Hills, Ohio. With properties clocking in at over 10,000 and 13,000 square feet, a saltwater pool, and four separate apartments, Penny's homes are stunning — but she's stuck on one big question: how should she charge her cleaning fee?Should she bake the fee into the nightly rate or break it out as a separate line item? What's the “right” way to do this, especially when hosting large groups or events?In this episode, we walk through:Why understanding your actual cost to clean is step oneHow to assess guest perception of your fee and reduce sticker shockWays to use dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) to stay competitive and track market cleaning feesWhy breaking down booking feedback and sales data is criticalWhen it makes sense to blend cleaning fees into your nightly ratePlus, we revisit a real-world case study from Episode 321 with Monique from PriceLabs, where she adjusted her pricing to recover cleaning costs and stay competitive in her market.Whether you're hosting luxury travelers or managing smaller STRs, this is a must-listen if you've ever wrestled with how to present your cleaning fee to guests.Resources:Follow these incredible Hocking Hills properties:The CliffsThe Box HopDunlap Hollow CabinsFollow our land journey in Hocking Hills:@richhollowretreatCheck out Penny's luxury homes:@woodland_retreatsListen to Episode 321 – PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing vs. Airbnb Cleaning FeesStart using PriceLabs (our preferred pricing tool): https://pricelabs.co/users/sign_up?referral=RTj8a0Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | 5 Red Flags Your Airbnb Cleaner Isn't Doing Their JobMentioned in this episode:Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today