AirBNB: An interesting house hack model?

[Jonathan Cope]

Tonight I am in London. London is a place I visit often and was my home for three recent years. During our time living in London, we - my family of four - visited as many places across Europe as practical, knowing we would not be here forever. We stayed most comfortably in AirBNB apartments during those visits. This evening I am staying via AirBNB with a family in their spare room. I have enjoyed listening to @Brandon Turner's advice to interested new investors about the practicality of house hacking as a first step. AirBNB reminds me of a house hack. Are any of you in BP Nation using AirBNB to begin or expand your real estate investing? If so, I would be interested to hear about your experience. Many of the people we stayed with in the past few years I know are slowly building portfolios of AirBNB rentals. Are you? Please let me know. Thank you, Jonathan

[Account Closed]

Airbnb is not a house hack IMO.  It's an income opportunity that requires running a business.  Way more day-to-day operations than a rental.  Not passive.  Additionally, it's probably just a matter of time before cities and counties seriously crack down on short term vacation rentals. Offering short term accommodations to the general public is different from other types of housing.  I love airbnb, but let's call it it what it is.  It is not part of a sharing economy. It is fees charged for services provided.  Health and safety inspections, business licenses, hotel taxes.....it's coming.