Seeking Advice: Scaling STR Business vs. Starting a Glamping Venture

Seeking Advice: Scaling STR Business vs. Starting a Glamping Venture

Member since 2024 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hi everyone,

I'm a novice investor currently managing one short-term rental (STR) that's been performing well. The property sits on 5 acres, and after a successful first year with cash flow, I'm exploring ways to expand.

Initially, I considered building another home on the property to use as a second STR. However, I'm increasingly excited about starting a unique stays/glamping business. My vision includes developing the land into a destination with features like driveways, walking paths, utilities, and unique lodging structures.

Here’s my tentative plan

1. Place the existing STR in an LLC

2. Apply for an SBA small business loan to fund the next steps, including a feasibility study (~$10k+), land clearing, and infrastructure development.

While this direction excites me, I’m torn between pursuing this venture and continuing with a more traditional approach—buying one home per year using conventional loans.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Has anyone transitioned from STRs to glamping or similar ventures?

• What challenges or surprises should I expect?

• Does this sound like a scalable and sustainable business model?

I’m also open to partnerships or collaborations if this aligns with anyone’s interests or expertise. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated

Thank you in advance.

  • Bradley
0Reply
35 views

Most Popular Reply

Collin HaysBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
1y

Sounds like you have some interesting options, and good reasons for both!  Close your eyes and throw darts at one.

See this reply in the discussion

4 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Member since 2021 · 168 posts · 142 votes
    1y

    Hi Bradley, that’s exciting. I’ve tried to do a retreat of A-frames in the mountains but ran into land/engineering issues, multiple times. 

    Either way, i always decide to buy additional properties as opposed to developing what i have, because I’ll continue having that and can do what i please in the future. For example, i keep putting off finishing a basement as I’d rather buy more properties instead of sinking the capital into the basement, as the basement isn’t going anywhere. 

  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    Sounds like you have some interesting options, and good reasons for both!  Close your eyes and throw darts at one.

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Which strategy are you most excited about doing? I would choose the option I'm most excited about and can get behind!

  • Garrett BrownPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 516 posts · 553 votes
    1y

    Hey Bradley, welcome to the forums! I primarily do glamping in Texas and have quite a bit of experience in the space. Feel free to let me know what questions you may have. 

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.