How do you remotely manage your STR VR?

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Hello friends,

I plan to attempt to self manage a vacation rental shortly. I will list on VRBO / AirBNB. My fear in remote managing is not having someone there that can "fix" things when they invariably go wrong. From anything such as a light bulb to some electronic device. And then coordinating cleaning.

How do you find a cleaner that you can trust remotely? Sometimes there is literally a 5 hour window between check out and check in, how do you make sure they show up on time? What would you do if the cleaner bailed out, and your guest shows up and the place is a mess from the previous occupant?

What tools do you you use to manage your vacation rental remotely? I've read of IGMS and YourPorter.

What other software do you use? What else makes your life easy?

[Brian G.]

@Roger Poindexter the key is a great cleaner and handyman on speed dial. I use Your Porter for a channel manager for automated messaging/cleaner scheduling, Beyond Pricing for dynamic pricing (many use Pricelabs), Honeywell T6 thermostat and Schlage Smart Connect lock both connected to a Samsung Smart Things Hub and a Ring Cam. Stessa for diy book keeping. We remote manage from 2,212 miles away. We manage our business from an iPhone most of the time. It’s absolutely doable if you have time freedom to engage a periodic issue and are willing to start an active business with a solid 3 month learning curve. Once you get the hang of it, it’s like riding a bike, ie the skill you acquire will stick with you.