Under contract for House hack with private suite for STR

[Ethan Evans]

Hello BP!

I am under contract for my first investment property, a house hack with a private main floor bedroom suite. I feel strongly that it's a desirable location (private wooded lot on a river, plenty of nearby attractions) and should be able to do well.

I'm planning on managing it myself but want to start off with good processes and methods. I am willing to do the turnover when necessary but want to use a cleaning crew as Plan A. This property is in the Lansing, MI area.

What are your best recommendations of what TO do, and NOT TO do? Book, blog, podcast, and software recommendations are greatly appreciated too.

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Ethan Evans, seeing as you are only renting a small suite, I would do it all yourself with the exception of cleaning. I wouldn't use My Porter or anything else that costs $$$ with only a single suite. I should be very easy to do with just the VRBO and AirBNB apps.

We have a big house and I don't use any of those software solutions. If I had more then I would look at them for more automation.

As for the cleaning. I will say that I clean our rental sometimes and I do as good a job as any cleaner. Personally, know one cares about your rental like you do. You set it up and know where everything goes. But our house is 2700 sqft and 360 miles from us so that doesn't happen too often.

IMHO, a suite in your home requires a bit more customer service. Personal communication, being there when they arrive if necessary etc. You want to get off on the right foot and great customer service and communication is the key to 5 star reviews.