Should I buy a long term rental or airbnb

Question

I have 50,000 to invest. I am looking to purchase a long term rental in Tampa or purchase a Airbnb in the north myrtle beach area. I am not sure what the right choice is for my first investment. Any help is appreciated

Kerlous Tadres · Answer

I would recommend a long-term rental for more stability and consistent cash flow as a first investment.

Melissa Justice · Answer

@Sean Thoele,

Hey there! Great job stacking that $50K! You’re in a solid position to get started.Tampa and North Myrtle Beach are both attractive markets, but they serve very different strategies:Tampa has strong fundamentals (population growth, job market, appreciation potential), but the entry price is higher, and cash flow can be tighter unless you're putting down a larger chunk or finding a diamond in the rough. It’s solid for long-term buy-and-hold if you’re playing the appreciation + equity game.North Myrtle Beach can perform really well as a short-term rental, especially during peak seasons. The upside is strong income potential, but just be mindful of local regulations, seasonality, and property management if you’re not nearby.If this is your first deal, I’d recommend also exploring turnkey long-term rentals in cash-flow markets like the Midwest or Southeast - places like Birmingham, Memphis or Cleveland, for example. These markets offer lower price points, solid rent-to-price ratios, and can be a great way to build a strong base of cash flow and learn the ropes without overextending on one property.Ultimately, it comes down to:Your comfort with management intensity (short-term vs long-term)Whether you’re prioritizing cash flow, appreciation, or lifestyle useYour appetite for risk and involvementHappy to chat or break down numbers if you’re comparing options. Sometimes a slightly less flashy market gives you more control and scalability in the long run. You've got a great foundation already - just take that first step strategically and keep learning!

Best of luck,

Melissa

Randall Alan · Answer

@Sean Thoele

Hi Sean,

A lot of your answer depends on what you are trying to accomplish with real estate.  Are you looking for the easier rental?  That would be the long term one.  Are you looking for maximum profit?  That would be the AirBnB.   But for that maximum profit you have a lot more moving parts... so for the extra money it takes extra effort (coordinating cleaners... inspections, repairs, constant arrivals and departures, etc).  The long term rental on the other hand you should expect to probably hear from your tenant 1-2 times a year if something breaks (presuming it was well maintained to begin with).

We have 37 long term rentals in Lakeland.  We self-manage them, and frankly it's pretty easy on a day to day basis.  Turn overs take a little more time and effort... we will go in and clean up things that need fixing... like maybe repainting the unit if the walls are looking a little worn / tired.  Being able to self-manage is an important consideration that leans towards the long term rental in terms of making a little more money.  By buying in Tampa you can watch over the property yourself.  Not so much with an AirBnB in Myrtle Beach if you live in Florida.  If you hire a property manager, not only does 10% of the gross rent (read: about 33% of your likely profit) go to the property manager, they also get form 1/2 to all of the first month's rent.  You really need to run the numbers there because if you have a financed rental you could be giving 70% of your yearly net to the property manager if there is a turnover during the year.  10% sounds 'so friendly'... but when it is 10% of gross, and you only net 20-30% of gross... it's a big chunk of the profit.

Hope it helps!

Randy

Jorge Vazquez · Answer

Hey Sean! I’ve been in the game over 20 years now. I currently own 38 long-term rentals and 2 Airbnbs, so I’ve seen both sides up close. If you’re looking for peace of mind and steady cash flow, I’d lean toward a long-term rental in Tampa—especially since you’re local. Airbnbs can make more, but they’re hands-on. You’re basically running a hospitality biz with guests, cleaners, constant turnover. Not bad if you love it, but it’s a lot.

Honestly, I’ve been seeing some of the best long-term rental deals lately—stuff I haven’t seen in years. Solid cash flow, room for appreciation, and less competition right now. With $50K, you can position yourself smart if you stick to a local market you know. Long-term gives you control and consistency without the 11pm guest texts asking where the toaster is.

Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you. Jorge

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

Florida is on sale rite now! I would suggest buying an LTR in a very price depressed area.

Christian Tateo · Answer

Hi Sean!

Congrats on getting ready for your first investment — that’s a big step! Both long-term rentals in Tampa and Airbnb in North Myrtle Beach can be great options, but it really comes down to your goals and risk tolerance.

✅ Long-term rental (Tampa) — tends to offer more stability, predictable cash flow, and less day-to-day management.

✅ Airbnb (North Myrtle Beach) — can bring in higher income potential, but usually comes with more work (guest turnover, cleaning, managing reviews) and can be impacted by local regulations or seasonality.

If you’re looking for something more hands-off to start, long-term might be easier. But if you’re comfortable with a little more involvement and want to maximize returns, short-term could be worth exploring.

If you ever want to connect about the Tampa market, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your first deal!

David Peschio · Answer

Agree with the others  - long term - it's a long game and slow and steady always wins!

Adam Lowe · Answer

Hey Sean,

Congrats on preparing for your first investment!

If you’re open to other options, have you considered house hacking as your starting point? It’s where you buy a property (like a duplex, or even a single-family with extra bedrooms or an ADU), live in one part, and rent out the other units or rooms.

Here's why it might be a good move:

1. Lower down payment if you use an owner-occupant loan (FHA or conventional 5%)

2. Your tenants help cover the mortgage, drastically reducing your living expenses

3.  Since you live there you'll get the tax benefits through Florida’s homestead exemption (lower property taxes)

4. If you live there for at least two years, you can sell and potentially pay no capital gains tax on up to $250,000 ($500,000 if married)

House Hacking could be a great way to get started. It can keep your living costs super low while you learn the game and build a solid foundation.

If you ever want to chat more about how to run the numbers on a house hack, let me know – I’d be happy to connect.

Good luck with everything!

Sean Thoele · Answer

@Adam Lowe I have a wife and two young children. House hacking is not an option. That ship sailed years ago lol but thank you

Aaron Zimmerman · Answer

It depends what you feel like you'd be better at. Do you like being in the hospitality business? If yes, go towards short term rentals. If you don't, go towards long term rentals.

I would also make sure the $50k you have will be able to afford you a downpayment, property reserves, and enough to do the renovations you want to do on the property to ideally increase the value.

Should I buy a long term rental or airbnb

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