⛳️ How to Find and qualify an STR Investor focused Broker and why you need one

[AJ Wong]

With an influx of STR investor demand and a shrinking 2025 STR Participation window - its vital investors align or establish a qualified team to execute. The fact is - not all real estate agents are built for rapid evaluation and efficiency of STR acquisitions or sales. If you're serious about short-term rental investing, working with a STR focused agent or broker who actually understands vacation rentals isn't just helpful — it's essential. Here's why:

Why You Need One

• Licensing & Zoning Expertise – The right agent or broker knows where STRs are actually legal (and which listings are landmines). If they (and you) are starting the search from scratch with weeks to spare, best of luck..
• Financial Background – They'll speak your language: occupancy rates, cap rates, depreciation schedules, and the STR loophole.
• Proven Track Record – $10-20M+ in STR sales means they've done more than just sell houses — they've guided investors to real returns.

How to Qualify One

1. Ask About Experience – How many STR deals have they closed in the past 12 months? (Hint: If they hesitate, move on.)
2. Test Their Tax IQ – Can they explain material participation, bonus depreciation, and 1031 exchanges in plain English?
3. Evaluate Their Tools & Resources – Do they have HOT sheets, third-party revenue projections, ground support and comps — or just MLS links?
4. Look for Alignment – The best STR brokers are investors themselves. They don't just sell the dream — they live it.

An STR investor-focused broker isn't just another middleman. They're your strategist, compliance guide, and deal-structurer all in one. Without one, you're flying blind in a market with tight zoning, limited inventory, and fast-moving competition.

I cannot emphasize enough how critical an expert in your desired area is to STR investors - being aware of and in position to act on prime STR listings. Often - our clients are able to prepare deeply insightful offers within hours or days of listings coming to market, and we have a laundry list of clients that sought our guidance after unsuccessful attempt at pursuing ineligible homes and prospects with non-specialized professionals. Think of it like this - for the moment Prime STRs are the Ferraris of investing, not just any mechanic or dealership is qualified for service or sales.

Hope this helps!

[AJ Wong]

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

100% Agree! I have been absolutely inundated with investor interest in the last 2 months.

THE STR LOOPHOLE IS HERE...