Pensacola STR Newbie Questions

[Rob Allen]

Hello everyone,

I am preparing to close on a SFH in East Hill, Pensacola that will be primarily a STR. I currently own 3xLTR in Virginia, but I'm new to STR and have a couple questions I'd really appreciate some insight on:

- I've heard of landlords managing their own account via mostly automation programs/apps, but also hiring someone who works remotely for a very small fee to "manage" correspondence and emergencies as they may arise during a guest's stay. Thoughts on this method? It seems to be the best of both worlds. 

-Does anyone in Pensacola have a STR-focused housekeeper or handyman with flexibility and reliability that they'd recommend?

I'd appreciate any insight or advice anyone might have. Thanks in advance.

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Rob Allen, you can do it yourself. Companies than manage communication often don't do a good job and they take 10%. Not worth it IMHO.

The AirBNB and VRBO apps make it easy to communicate with potential and booked guests and frankly it is the fun part.

Just get a great cleaner who will be your lifeline to the property and have a handy person available to deal with problems that crop up. Keep up on the maintenance of the hard systems (A/C, water heater, furnace) and you will have very few issues.