New STR outside of Duluth, MN

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New STR outside of Duluth, MN

Brittany KuschelBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Duluth, MN · Member since 2016 · 100 posts · 89 votes

We are nearing the home stretch to roll out our first STR just outside of Duluth MN. As a full-time real estate broker and long-standing investment enthusiast who sometimes struggles with paralysis by analysis due to the amount of information available on particular subjects of interest (all REI, of course), I am struggling with some decision fatigue for how to focus and effectively dial-in our offering in a way that is both algorithm and direct book friendly. As we near the final stages of construction for what will be our first STR, I'd love to connect with other investors across the Country that fit into one or both of the two boxes below to share/brainstorm/network:

- small STR rental owner (sleep count of 4 or less) that is located just outside of a medium metro (property is located about 20 minutes to Duluth, MN); and/or

-STR owners with a studio or ultra small 1 BR or efficiency style STR offering that is fully on-grid (sorry for the non-grid folks...interested in exploring/connecting on that more at a future date)

Some subjects of particular interest:

-direct booking setup/site recommendations/web hosting, etc.;

-pricing strategy - is utilizing a web service for this a must;

-upsell options when self-managing;

-pet friendly or not?

-charge for EV and/or oversized trailer/camper/extra vehicle parking?

-pitfalls to avoid when hosting on/near your primary residence

Kuschel Realty Group LLC545 Reviews
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John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
10mo

I have always successfully set my own pricing. I do use the built in pricing tool that Vrbo has and use Vrbo analytics that show occupancy and pricing trends of nearby properties.  I tweak prices all the time based on supply and demand.

I have to shave Airbnb prices from my Vrbo prices to get a few bookings through Airbnb annually. 

We make several thousand dillars per year in pet fees. Over have of the traveling population travel with Fido so it makes good business sense to not exclude the majority of travelers and make some extra money from it.

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  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10mo

    Congrats! I do not see too many Duluth posts here, so if you have any specific questions relating to that I'd recommend a local host group on Facebook.  Otherwise your bulleted questions are a little vague-ish so I would recommend reposting them individually with more detail to elicit a stronger response.  Congrats again and best of luck!

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    10mo

    I have always successfully set my own pricing. I do use the built in pricing tool that Vrbo has and use Vrbo analytics that show occupancy and pricing trends of nearby properties.  I tweak prices all the time based on supply and demand.

    I have to shave Airbnb prices from my Vrbo prices to get a few bookings through Airbnb annually. 

    We make several thousand dillars per year in pet fees. Over have of the traveling population travel with Fido so it makes good business sense to not exclude the majority of travelers and make some extra money from it.

    1Reply
  • Andrew Street
    Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes
    10mo

    This is super exciting — congrats on getting so close to launching your first STR! I know exactly what you mean about the "paralysis by analysis" phase. There's just so much info out there, and when you're trying to set things up the right way from the start, it can feel overwhelming fast.

    I’d definitely love to connect and brainstorm with you. I manage and work with a mix of small and mid-sized STRs, and a lot of what you’re dialing in — direct booking setup, pricing tools, upsells, and even the whole “pet-friendly vs not” debate — are things I’ve tested across different markets. Happy to share what’s worked (and what to avoid).

    Your location just outside Duluth sounds like a great setup, especially for a smaller-capacity property. Those tend to perform really well with the right positioning.

    Feel free to DM any time — always happy to chat shop with another investor!

    This is super exciting — congrats on getting so close to launching your first STR! I know exactly what you mean about the "paralysis by analysis" phase. There's just so much info out there, and when you're trying to set things up the right way from the start, it can feel overwhelming fast.

    I’d definitely love to connect and brainstorm with you. I manage and work with a mix of small and mid-sized STRs, and a lot of what you’re dialing in — direct booking setup, pricing tools, upsells, and even the whole “pet-friendly vs not” debate — are things I’ve tested across different markets. Happy to share what’s worked (and what to avoid).

    Your location just outside Duluth sounds like a great setup, especially for a smaller-capacity property. Those tend to perform really well with the right positioning.

    Feel free to DM any time — always happy to chat shop with another investor!

    0Reply
  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    10mo

    This is a testament that STRs can be a good investment ANYWHERE!  Best to you in your endeavors!

    [email protected]806-672-7102
    SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review
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  • Account Closed
    Interior Decorator · Member since 2025 · 82 posts · 42 votes
    10mo

    Don't forget to invest in come intentional curated design for your STR! It's important — that and good photos!

    0Reply
  • Mike GrudzienPro Member
    Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    Connect locally with Host groups to have a go-to knowledge-base and local support.

    0Reply
  • Alex F.
    Investor · Plymouth, MN · Member since 2020 · 157 posts · 102 votes
    10mo

    Congrats on your STR. We own/manage two STRs in Duluth and a really small 500 SQ feet efficiency in Tofte.

    All 3 are doing well.  The small efficiency we did add an indoor sauna.  This seems to attract a number of repeat guests both in the summer and winter.  

    As for pricing we use pricelabs as it is aware of local occupancy and also events.  

    Feel free to DM.  

    0Reply
  • Tim SwierczekPro Member
    Lender · White Bear Township, MN · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Brittany Kuschel:

    We are nearing the home stretch to roll out our first STR just outside of Duluth MN. As a full-time real estate broker and long-standing investment enthusiast who sometimes struggles with paralysis by analysis due to the amount of information available on particular subjects of interest (all REI, of course), I am struggling with some decision fatigue for how to focus and effectively dial-in our offering in a way that is both algorithm and direct book friendly. As we near the final stages of construction for what will be our first STR, I'd love to connect with other investors across the Country that fit into one or both of the two boxes below to share/brainstorm/network:

    - small STR rental owner (sleep count of 4 or less) that is located just outside of a medium metro (property is located about 20 minutes to Duluth, MN); and/or

    -STR owners with a studio or ultra small 1 BR or efficiency style STR offering that is fully on-grid (sorry for the non-grid folks...interested in exploring/connecting on that more at a future date)

    Some subjects of particular interest:

    -direct booking setup/site recommendations/web hosting, etc.;

    -pricing strategy - is utilizing a web service for this a must;

    -upsell options when self-managing;

    -pet friendly or not?

    -charge for EV and/or oversized trailer/camper/extra vehicle parking?

    -pitfalls to avoid when hosting on/near your primary residence

     @Andrew Street is being modest and can't promote himself on here, but I can. Andrew can answer all your questions. He is a pro's pro and has VAs on staff who used to work for Airbnb, so he knows all the ins and outs. I'd contact him and get a Zoom meeting set up.

    0Reply
  • Matthew Tregoning
    Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 475 posts · 175 votes
    6d

    How did the first season go? On the near-home setup, I’d spell out which outdoor areas and parking spots are theirs, and whether they should expect to see you around. Being nearby can be reassuring, but guests need to know how much privacy they’re booking.

    0Reply
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