Rabbu? Good, bad, nada? It's tie to Airbnb. Other STR marketplaces?

Question

I've got an oceanfront STR triplex for sale.  It's listed on Crexi and Loopnet, but that ignores probably 80% of the buyer market for our place.  (I'm new here, so no self promoting)

Rabbu seems to fill that seam, but also seems flaky.  Emir is everywhere and nowhere as nothing happens in an attempt to get some actual date on listings, sales, etc. before I buck up, if ever.

Nothing yet.  If anyone knows any independent STR sales directories, please tell.

Thanks,

Rob

Myrtle Mike Thompson · Answer

@Jeff Costa  That's correct.  Their website features some active short-term rentals with actual income history, but it seems the vast majority of the properties on there are simply pulled from the MLS and assigned a projected "Annual Revenue" and "Gross Yield".  I quickly found a house located in my own neighborhood.  First of all, the HOA for my neighborhood prohibits leases shorter than 12 months.  Second, the Annual Revenue figure they gave of $90k is grossly over-inflated.  Even if the property could be operated as an STR, I'm not sure it could pull in even half of that figure.  So yes, this is all sort of misleading for the consumer.  Once you click on a listing you have to scroll way down to find this FAQ:

"Are short-term rentals allowed in Myrtle Beach?

Regulations vary widely in geographic areas, and sometimes come down to the particular street, and/or permitting requirements. Rabbu has not verified the regulations in this area and Rabbu is not stating an opinion on whether/if this property can be operated as a short-term rental. Our preferred agents are the best way to learn this information."

You can see they push potential buyers towards one of their preferred agents.  So at $100/lead these agents get the privilege of breaking the disheartening news that the property that person is super excited about is not eligible for STR.  Sure, it's an opportunity for the agent to pivot and share other options with the buyer, but for me it feels a little too bait & switch.

Jeff Costa · Answer

Its certainly deceptive and seems like its just serving as a lead magnet for Rabbu. No bueno.

Jeff Costa · Answer

@Myrtle Mike Thompson: Is the product gap that anyone can create an STR directory, but the real challenge is that these listings need to be informed by the local codes, bylaws, and statutes that actually govern whether a property can legally function as a short-term rental.

Without that regulatory layer, users could be misled into purchasing properties they can't legally operate as STRs. They might buy thinking they have a viable rental business, only to find out they're violating local zoning laws or missing required permits. The gap is the disconnect between property availability and regulatory compliance that leaves buyers vulnerable to costly situations.

Did I get that right?

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

I subscribe to STR Scout, which has emails with active listings that go out to 35,000 subscribers, and also has a FB group called STR Homes for Sale with 100k members (look for the link at the top) https://newsletter.strscout.com/

Rob Fin · Answer

It's no surprise that an Airbnb offspring/affiliate/ or whatever it is like Rabbu is full of illegality as that was at the base of the Airbnb and VRBO black market biz models anyhow.

Jeff Costa · Answer

@Rob Fin: I will vibe-code it with you!

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Triplex can still be purchased with single family financing, why isn't it listed on MLS? Also putting out to local STR specialized agents can help a lot.  I am in Tampa (where is this? I see its tagged Orlando) and have a list of 250+ buyers I email weekly both on and off market STR properties.

Rob Fin · Answer

I'm in discussions with the listing broker in order to be able to be more involved.  That should be finalized today.  I'll reach out after.

Have you found Rabbu either functional or helpful?  It certainly should be.

The STR market is enormous and needs it's own marketplace as it doesn't seem to entirely fit in either commercial or residential marketplaces.

Thanks for the input.

Rob

Myrtle Mike Thompson · Answer

I agree about the void.  I don't know of any better platforms, so there's probably an opportunity there for someone.  To post on BP, I believe you would select "Find Deals" at the top navigation bar and then "Community Listings (FSBO)".  From there you can click "Add Listing" and then enter all the property details.

Rabbu? Good, bad, nada? It's tie to Airbnb. Other STR marketplaces?

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