Running Multiple Airbnb’s

[Jonah Parker]

I currently have the money to start an Airbnb arbitrage business but now that I’m ready to get started I’ve encountered some hurdles pertaining to short term rental restrictions. I was hoping I could get some help from you guys with some questions if any of you operate in Philadelphia or just know the answer.

1. Since the limit is 180 days out of the year to rent out short term do you just shut down once you reach the cap for the year? 

2. If the rule is the Airbnb needs to be your primary residence is there no possible way to operate more than 1 property? 

3. If you are renting out multiple rooms as separate listings does 1 day count as anyone staying in any room? 

4. What are cities that have favorable regulations for Airbnb and a good market since I don’t have to operate in Philadelphia? 

[Avery Carl]

@Jonah Parker my recommendation is to find an actual vacation rental market where the regulations are favorable. Most of the major metro areas have rapidly changing STR regulations. I also don't really recommend arbitraging because you essentially have very little control over your business, the landlord controls it. If it's a way to get some cash flow going so you can buy your own rentals I get it, but (in my opinion) arbitrage just isn't a long term sustainable business model, there are too many variables.