Seeking team / people with experience in Bishop CA / Eastern Sierras
Member since 2019 · 9 posts · 1 vote
Howdy all,
I am based in the Bay Area, but looking to invest in or near Bishop, CA. I would most likely try to use this property as a short term rental during most of the year, and use it myself periodically during climbing season. I'm looking to connect with:
- Anyone with short term rental experience in Bishop or surrounding region. I'd love to hear about your experience and take notes.
- An agent who I can stay in touch with.
As always, I appreciate any thoughts and input. Side note, I'll also be in the area in the coming weeks (dm for details). I'm happy to grab coffee and/or tour available homes. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Hey Benjamin, @Benjamin P Cohen
Great to hear you’re exploring Bishop! I’ve spent over two decades helping investors navigate real estate, particularly when it comes to making properties work as both personal retreats and income-generating short-term rentals. I can totally see why you’d want to invest near the Eastern Sierras; such an ideal spot for outdoor lovers, especially climbers.
Now, when it comes to short-term rentals in Bishop, here’s what you’re likely looking at based on my experience. Bishop is a relatively small market, so your competition won't be as fierce as it would be in larger tourist areas. That said, it’s a seasonal market.. peak rental demand tends to follow the climbing season and certain holidays, which is awesome for you since you'd use the property during off-peak times. One of my clients had a cabin in a similar town not far from Bishop, and he found that listing his property on niche outdoor-focused platforms, alongside the usual Airbnb and VRBO, really helped draw in climbers and hikers. I bet you’ll find something similar works in Bishop, especially if you play up the proximity to trailheads and other local outdoor spots.
Make sure you check local regulations on short-term rentals. In some areas around Bishop, they’ve been tightening the rules in the last couple of years, and I’ve heard through the grapevine that some investors were blindsided by unexpected restrictions. It’s not all doom and gloom, though.. many investors have found ways to work around these by focusing on stays of 30+ days, which opens you up to a slightly different (but still lucrative) market, like traveling professionals and remote workers who want to spend a month or two close to nature.
A buddy of mine actually worked with a client who was looking to do something similar in a town not far from Bishop. They initially ran into some zoning issues, but once they connected with the right local Realtor, they were able to navigate it all pretty smoothly. That’s why I always recommend having someone who really knows the local lay of the land.. avoiding the headaches before they even start is priceless.
If you're looking for an agent in the area, I know a phenomenal investor-friendly Realtor who specializes in this exact type of property in Bishop. She's helped several of my colleagues close deals that allowed them to make great returns, while still having their own vacation spot when they needed it. If you're serious about investing here, I'd love to connect you two-she knows the ins and outs of this market better than most and can help you avoid some common pitfalls.
Also, definetly hit me up if you're in the Phoenix area. I’d be more than happy to grab that coffee and chat more about what you’re looking for...whether it’s a mountain-view cabin or something more central. It's always fun sharing war stories with fellow climbers too!
Looking forward to hearing more about your plans.
Pat and Jasper
Turning investment visions into REALITY in Phoenix, AZ - Ranked #1 for residential real estate growth and opportunity by PwC
Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply. Great point regarding regulations. I had a look here and it does look like typical STRs are in fact prohibited, though > 30 days looks to be allowed. Makes sense now that all the listings on Airbnb were either hotels, guest houses, or rooms rented from someone's primary residence. That already helps a lot to understand what the rules are. I'll have to update my strategy accordingly.
I'd love to connect with your Realtor friend, and if I'm ever in Phoenix I'll be sure to let you know!