I Stayed in an Airbnb in EVERY STATE (Except Alaska)

I Stayed in an Airbnb in EVERY STATE (Except Alaska)

Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes

My wife and I recently went on a 48 state, 5 month long road trip across the United States. As real estate investors, STR owners/managers, and real estate agents, we made it our mission to stay in an Airbnb in every state and we successfully met our goal! We stayed in various types of properties to include guest suites, entire homes, cabins, converted motels/hotels and apartments, and even a "haunted house".

I share some brief insights below, but am happy to answer any questions anyone has about our experience. I can also expand on any of the details below if anyone has questions. We had an incredible time traveling this amazing country and I would love to share it with others! As STR owners ourselves, we gained so much value from the last 5 months of traveling. Here are just a few takeaways:

-How to improve our own properties (improve guest communication, streamline processes, improve ease of access/instructions, strategize ideal furnishings and amenities to include, etc.)

-What types of properties we'd like to acquire in the future to further our investment portfolio (properties with in-law suites, carriage homes, small multi-families, etc.). These were the types of properties we stayed most in, and also the type we will be looking to purchase in the future.

-Which areas of the country we'd like to own investment property in. We learned that Airbnb owners/managers are crushing it in just about every market in the US, but certain markets stood out to us that have strong travel and STR demand, are STR friendly, easy to travel in/out, and generally just places that we would like to own/manage and personally spend time in.

Also, does anyone have an Airbnb in Alaska so we can finish out our last remaining state? :)

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Investor · Anchorage, AK · Member since 2013 · 229 posts · 133 votes
3y

@Jamie Rose or @Tyler Cobb would love to hook you up. It's a big state though, so you might want to define what sort of experience you're looking for.

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  • Investor · Anchorage, AK · Member since 2013 · 229 posts · 133 votes
    3y

    @Jamie Rose or @Tyler Cobb would love to hook you up. It's a big state though, so you might want to define what sort of experience you're looking for.

  • Real Estate Agent · Smoky Mountains, TN · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 984 votes
    3y

    That is very cool!  I am working with a buyer right now and he told me his daughter wants to own a property in every state.  Admirable goal I think.

  • Robin SimonBusiness Member
    Lender · Austin, TX · Member since 2022 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    Wow, sounds like an amazing experience.  Did you write a blog or book documenting it?  You definitely need to head to Alaska to complete it ASAP

  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Connor Dunham:

    @Jamie Rose or @Tyler Cobb would love to hook you up. It's a big state though, so you might want to define what sort of experience you're looking for.


     I've never actually been to Alaska, so I will do some research. Open to just about anything!

  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

    That is very cool!  I am working with a buyer right now and he told me his daughter wants to own a property in every state.  Admirable goal I think.


    It would be quite a feat to own property in every state, but I bet tax season would be a mess! Haha! My favorite states for wanting to own more Airbnbs are probably FL, TX, AZ, SC, and maybe CO.

  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Robin Simon:

    Wow, sounds like an amazing experience.  Did you write a blog or book documenting it?  You definitely need to head to Alaska to complete it ASAP


    Not yet, but I'm thinking about it and which format would be the most practical and useful for other STR investors. Lots of options, but yes, I need to get to Alaska (will probably wait for next Summer) haha!

  • Real Estate Agent · Smoky Mountains, TN · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 984 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Marshall Leipprandt:
    Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

    That is very cool!  I am working with a buyer right now and he told me his daughter wants to own a property in every state.  Admirable goal I think.


    It would be quite a feat to own property in every state, but I bet tax season would be a mess! Haha! My favorite states for wanting to own more Airbnbs are probably FL, TX, AZ, SC, and maybe CO.


     Add TN to your list! 

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Marshall Leipprandt:

    That's amazing you were able to take five months to travel. Even more amazing is that you're not pushing a YouTube page!

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:
    Quote from @Marshall Leipprandt:
    Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

    That is very cool!  I am working with a buyer right now and he told me his daughter wants to own a property in every state.  Admirable goal I think.


    It would be quite a feat to own property in every state, but I bet tax season would be a mess! Haha! My favorite states for wanting to own more Airbnbs are probably FL, TX, AZ, SC, and maybe CO.


     Add TN to your list! 


    I did really like TN, it's just a bit more logistically difficult in my case. I have no family there like I do in those other states, but I know it's always possible!

  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
    Quote from @Marshall Leipprandt:

    That's amazing you were able to take five months to travel. Even more amazing is that you're not pushing a YouTube page!


    Haha, for real! Seems everyone is wanting to push a YouTube page. Now that I'm back full-time in RE, I can't imagine trying to carve out the time to dedicate a YouTube page to my trip. Maybe a blog!

  • So MD · Member since 2019 · 294 posts · 191 votes
    3y

    What a fabulous trip! As a former Alaskan, my best advice is get a copy of "The Milepost" now and start planning your trip now. So many options! If you can, take a month to take the ferry and drive the Alaska Highway as a big loop. The ferry will let you visit SE and plan segments to hit Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway. If you pick up the ferry in Prince Rupert you can take the Yellowhead Highway through BC.  Spectacular! If you have a week, fly to Anchorage or Fairbanks and do day trips to from there to rural towns like Seward, Denali in the interior. Should be a variety of unique AirBnbs. Have a great time! 

  • Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 5 votes
    3y

    +1 recommendation on the milepost. Almost moved that way myself.

    But if you're not taking the ferry, has Canada removed their insane rules about thru travel yet? Last I heard it was a little onerous.

    Not to hijack the thread, but I am actively looking for an STR-able property on the Kenai (Kenai/Soldotna/Sterling/Seward/Homer). If anyone has a lead, I would appreciate it. With a finder's fee if I buy, of course!

  • So MD · Member since 2019 · 294 posts · 191 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jed Brinkley:

    +1 recommendation on the milepost. Almost moved that way myself.

    But if you're not taking the ferry, has Canada removed their insane rules about thru travel yet? Last I heard it was a little onerous.

    Not to hijack the thread, but I am actively looking for an STR-able property on the Kenai (Kenai/Soldotna/Sterling/Seward/Homer). If anyone has a lead, I would appreciate it. With a finder's fee if I buy, of course!

    I believe COVID rules at the border ended Oct 1.
  • Rental Property Investor · Fairbanks, AK · Member since 2020 · 11 posts · 3 votes
    3y

    I don't own a STR but I live in fbx Ak. Feel free to direct message me with questions or if you want to run anything by me before booking. I know Homer is awesome and has great air bnbs. My friends own a STR in Talkeetna, small town with cool vibes. Girdwood is a little ski town with tons of air bnbs. Fbx area is great in fall and spring if you want to see the northern lights. Anchorage is pretty but more like any other lower 48 city and it rains a lot there. South east region looks awesome and is on my bucket list. Enjoy your trip!

  • Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Julie Fry:

    My friends own a STR in Talkeetna, small town with cool vibes. Girdwood is a little ski town with tons of air bnbs.

    Yes, STRs in Girdwood, makes sense! Do you happen to know the STR regulation there? 

    I have my eye on a funky house in Talkeetna, just not sure how well it would cashflow as an STR. Or how to convince a lender it's a good investment! lol
  • Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Glenna Wood:
    That's good, but they sure took their sweet time. Opened after tourist season of course. One wonders how they expected their tourism industry in Alberta and BC to survive so long.
  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y

    @Glenna Wood Thanks for the tips, Glenna! Much appreciated!

  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y

    @Julie Fry Thanks for the input Julie! I know it’s a huge state!

  • Real Estate Agent · Miramar Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 285 posts · 245 votes
    3y

    @Jed Brinkley Canada is on my list, but didn’t feel like messing with all of their rules this go around. Was also doing the trip in an electric car and the infrastructure up that way is much more sparse.

    I’d love to see Toronto and Montreal, but also want to see the more scenic, natural beauty out West. I actually grew up in the Thumb of Michigan where we could cross over from Port Huron, MI into Sarnia by simply stating our business and showing an ID. How things have changed!

  • Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Marshall Leipprandt:

    @Jed Brinkley Canada is on my list, but didn’t feel like messing with all of their rules this go around. Was also doing the trip in an electric car and the infrastructure up that way is much more sparse.

    Totally makes sense. I think the milepost still recommends having extra fuel with you, just in case. Not sure how you'd do that with an EV ;)
  • Jamie RoseBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Anchorage, AK · Member since 2017 · 294 posts · 182 votes
    3y

    @Marshall Leipprandt - nice work! We've got AirBnb's in Anchorage and Wasilla area - hit us up if you come through! Cooper Landing and Homer and Girdwood would be worth visiting no doubt. 

  • Member since 2020 · 1 post · 2 votes
    3y

    @Marshall Leipprandt that's awesome, traveling the country visiting a different AirBnB in every state sounds like a memorable and insightful experience and one I think I'll have to add to my to-do list. As mentioned, Anchorage, Denali area, Girdwood, and Homer are all great options for a stay in Alaska. If you stop in Anchorage I know @Jamie Rose will take care of you and if you decide to travel down to Homer let me know and we'd be happy to host you as well.

  • Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2016 · 740 posts · 529 votes
    3y

    AMAZING! how cool is that? I am ready to buy my sprinter van and do the same thing. That is the best part of owning my own STR's is that I am free to travel bc I don't spend that much time on them now that the systems are solid. I just need my youngest to graduate HS first : ) best of luck to you and I hope you started a travel blog or something to record it all!

  • Timothy ChiBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Anchorage, AK · Member since 2018 · 88 posts · 45 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jed Brinkley:

    +1 recommendation on the milepost. Almost moved that way myself.

    But if you're not taking the ferry, has Canada removed their insane rules about thru travel yet? Last I heard it was a little onerous.

    Not to hijack the thread, but I am actively looking for an STR-able property on the Kenai (Kenai/Soldotna/Sterling/Seward/Homer). If anyone has a lead, I would appreciate it. With a finder's fee if I buy, of course!


    I do not unfortunately but finding a STR in the Soldotna area would be a great idea. I spent some time there and housing was impossible to find in the fall. CAn't imagine the craze it would be in the summer!

  • Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Timothy Chi:
    I actually had a walkthru yesterday on a potential cabin. Turns out they took some strategic pics and didn't mention the sloping floors and questionable foundation. So, hard pass for me. Still looking, though!
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