When to Shoot a MTR in the Head & Abandon the Venture

When to Shoot a MTR in the Head & Abandon the Venture

Brad GibsonPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes

I just converted a 2/1.5 townhome that has been a LTR for the last five years or so in my portfolio.

Renovated the place including kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, & fixtures, cabinets, countertops, etc.  Re-did the unit with an eye toward traveling medical professionals. Upscale furnishings, great beds, high speed internet, flat screen TVs, etc. 

Great neighborhood. B+ to A. Super quiet. Very safe. Next to one medical facility and within 10 minute drive to two additional medical facilities. Unemployment rate in the market is less than 2.8% and falling. 

Before the conversion, I could get , $1,600-$1,700 for the place unfurnished and with no utilities paid by landlord. 

Placed the unit in service a couple of weeks ago. Furnished finder. Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads. Had it placed on the MLS as well.

It is competitively priced $2475. That’s $25 less than other units of comparable size and makeup. Same neighborhood. My unit is objectively higher quality in furnishings, style, & finishes. I figured we would start lower and build a quality rep & a book of former customers for repeat business. 

No bites in two consecutive weeks. No inquiries. No showings. No matches in furnished finder. 

Reduced the listing price to $2,350 today.  We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. 

This is in no way close to the double or triple revenue above the rate for this unit as an LTR that has been cited as pretty standard return on forums and podcasts about MTR’s. 

Any lower and I’d run the risk of being upside down when someone runs the HVAC at 50 degrees during the Texas summer versus what I’d make off of an LTR. 

Need some advice or suggestions. Either this MTR thing is horse **** or I must be doing something wrong. 

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Bonnie LowPro Member
Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y

There are definitely more people moving into the MTR space every day so we're seeing more supply than demand in many areas - a lot like STRs. Many of those new MTRs are basically just failed STRs and they're trying to salvage what they can. It really seems like the product you're offering just does not fit your customer base. If you intend to keep it as an MTR you're going to have to adjust either the product itself (make it more durable and priced accordingly for your oil field workers IF they want the type of property you're offering) or find another customer type to market it to like insurance placements, families relocating or corporate rentals. Or, pivot back to LTR but it sounds like those numbers don't work for you, either. MTR is just no different than any other type of real estate investing. You have to do your research, do good underwriting, make sure you have multiple exit strategies and make sure the demand is there for your product before you launch. 

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  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    @Brad Gibson  did you post it on the travel healthcare facebook groups? Does it have laundry?   Did you look at unmatched leads in FF.  Some people have better luck using airbnb.  I have heard some areas travel contracts are falling off but I haven't heard anything about TX.

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Colleen F.:

    @Brad Gibson  did you post it on the travel healthcare facebook groups? Does it have laundry?   Did you look at unmatched leads in FF.  Some people have better luck using airbnb.  I have heard some areas travel contracts are falling off but I haven't heard anything about TX.

    Thanks for the response. Yes, the townhome has an in-unit stackable washer/dryer. Less than a year old. 

    I’ve reached out to every unmatched lead in FF. They were looking for 1 BR for less than $1200 per month according to their post. I still tried with very professional emails. No responses. 

    I’m not familiar with the facebook groups. 

    I haven’t done Airbnb yet. I’ve heard the fees are high. I’m willing to give it a shot. 
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    @Brad Gibson  Look for a travel nurse or health care worker facebook group named after your city or the nearest local city. The facebook groups are generally free to post.  You can post on the travel nurse housing/ FF one putting either pics or your listing. If you put a listing sometimes there is feedback from travelers. Some of them though want  something for nothing so take it from the source. 

    Issues you could have are a high deposit or upfront cost or some don't want to do a background/ credit check if you require that. Some do waive the background. Some credit it against rent if they take the unit. I run the license on the state Database but right now I am renting a room and so the roommate will get them out if they are a problem. 

    Furnished finder group https://www.facebook.com/group... and Nomadic nursing too. You aren't going to do as well with MTR as STR. You could do VRBO whose fees I don't think are as high as Airbnb but I haven't heard of health care workers looking there.

    I would put a limiting thermostat on the AC too.

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Colleen F.:

    @Brad Gibson  Look for a travel nurse or health care worker facebook group named after your city or the nearest local city. The facebook groups are generally free to post.  You can post on the travel nurse housing/ FF one putting either pics or your listing. If you put a listing sometimes there is feedback from travelers. Some of them though want  something for nothing so take it from the source. 

    Issues you could have are a high deposit or upfront cost or some don't want to do a background/ credit check if you require that. Some do waive the background. Some credit it against rent if they take the unit. I run the license on the state Database but right now I am renting a room and so the roommate will get them out if they are a problem. 

    Furnished finder group https://www.facebook.com/group... and Nomadic nursing too. You aren't going to do as well with MTR as STR. You could do VRBO whose fees I don't think are as high as Airbnb but I haven't heard of health care workers looking there.

    I would put a limiting thermostat on the AC too.

    Thanks for the response & some great ideas. 

    I find it odd that people wouldn’t want to do a credit and background check. It is a significant risk for a landlord above even a LTR considering the expense of quality furnishings and short nature of the stays. 

    I will make the thermostat change. Great call. 

    I guess I’ll start exploring Airbnb. 
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    @Brad Gibson the nurses say they are background checked at work so they push back on it. That check doesn't include eviction although I think it does do credit in some cases. Some LLs are used to airbnb where deposit is not standard practice.  Some LL also think that health care workers have an integrity that you can't rely on with other tenants (being a nurse I know this isn't necessarily true). If they have good previous references that counts for something. 

    Personally with a room, my deposit is low and the tenants so far have been quiet and out and about most of the time. (I had a bigger deposit when I did APT like this.) With a 2 bedroom you are more likely to get a couple or family traveling which are less common. That said you could try the HR department at the local hospital to see if they use temporary workers. 

    For thermostat-landlordstat or a wifi thermostat.

  • Real Estate Consultant · Reston, VA · Member since 2022 · 513 posts · 521 votes
    3y

    I'm sorry that you've had some difficulties getting your unit rented. It seems like you're doing everything right but with MTRs sometimes listing on OTAs isn't enough unfortunately. Have you reached out to local colleges, hospitals, or corporations to let them know that you're a housing provider in the area? Also, networking with realtors is a great way to get leads. If you're still having trouble feel free to reach out to me. I am a MTR property manager and I offer guest placement services. 

  • Bonnie LowPro Member
    Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Sorry to hear this unit is working out for you. I don't personally see hosts making 2-3x if your guest avatar is traveling medical professionals. Mine rents for 1.5-1.75x max the LTR rate. There was a time during COVID when the demand for travel nurses was so high they were getting exorbitant per diem rates and hosts were jacking up their rents accordingly but those days are long gone. In fact, they tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Your higher end returns are in the insurance placement or corporate rentals. Where did you do your research before making this decision? Maybe look into the insurance placement option for your property, though from what I know the sweet spot for insurance placements is 3 bed 2 bath single family homes and above.

  • Bonnie LowPro Member
    Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Bonnie Low:

    Sorry to hear this unit is working out for you. I don't personally see hosts making 2-3x if your guest avatar is traveling medical professionals. Mine rents for 1.5-1.75x max the LTR rate. There was a time during COVID when the demand for travel nurses was so high they were getting exorbitant per diem rates and hosts were jacking up their rents accordingly but those days are long gone. In fact, they tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Your higher end returns are in the insurance placement or corporate rentals. Where did you do your research before making this decision? Maybe look into the insurance placement option for your property, though from what I know the sweet spot for insurance placements is 3 bed 2 bath single family homes and above.


     I meant "isn't" working out.

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jamie Banks:

    I'm sorry that you've had some difficulties getting your unit rented. It seems like you're doing everything right but with MTRs sometimes listing on OTAs isn't enough unfortunately. Have you reached out to local colleges, hospitals, or corporations to let them know that you're a housing provider in the area? Also, networking with realtors is a great way to get leads. If you're still having trouble feel free to reach out to me. I am a MTR property manager and I offer guest placement services. 

     My wife is a nurse prac in the local ER, so she has contacts with the agencies placing professionals.  I’m not sure she is as aggressive in networking as I would be. Plus any leads gleaned there seem to want the “friends & family” discount. Basically, something for nothing.

    I’m almost to the point of trolling local extended stay hotels for work trucks and calling their offices to let them know we could save them $$ on housing costs. 

    I have a network of realtors that I work with in the fix & flip as well as BRRRR strategies. In my market, most of those guys aren't that interested in rental stuff. They consider it small potatoes compared to the "bigger prize" of listing and sales commissions.

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Bonnie Low:

    Sorry to hear this unit is working out for you. I don't personally see hosts making 2-3x if your guest avatar is traveling medical professionals. Mine rents for 1.5-1.75x max the LTR rate. There was a time during COVID when the demand for travel nurses was so high they were getting exorbitant per diem rates and hosts were jacking up their rents accordingly but those days are long gone. In fact, they tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Your higher end returns are in the insurance placement or corporate rentals. Where did you do your research before making this decision? Maybe look into the insurance placement option for your property, though from what I know the sweet spot for insurance placements is 3 bed 2 bath single family homes and above.

    30 Day Stay was our guide to get started along with a few Bigger Pocket podcasts that espoused the virtues of MTR’s. 

    The prevailing sentiment is the returns were on 1/1 and 2/1’s. Close to medical centers. Well appointed. Black out curtains. Safe for single females. Etc. 

    West Texas is an oilfield town. Lots of itinerant workers in that industry. But roughnecks tend to be VERY hard on furnishings and housing units. Think college frat boys with lots of money and heavy equipment. 

  • Bonnie LowPro Member
    Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:
    Quote from @Bonnie Low:

    Sorry to hear this unit is working out for you. I don't personally see hosts making 2-3x if your guest avatar is traveling medical professionals. Mine rents for 1.5-1.75x max the LTR rate. There was a time during COVID when the demand for travel nurses was so high they were getting exorbitant per diem rates and hosts were jacking up their rents accordingly but those days are long gone. In fact, they tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Your higher end returns are in the insurance placement or corporate rentals. Where did you do your research before making this decision? Maybe look into the insurance placement option for your property, though from what I know the sweet spot for insurance placements is 3 bed 2 bath single family homes and above.

    30 Day Stay was our guide to get started along with a few Bigger Pocket podcasts that espoused the virtues of MTR’s. 

    The prevailing sentiment is the returns were on 1/1 and 2/1’s. Close to medical centers. Well appointed. Black out curtains. Safe for single females. Etc. 

    West Texas is an oilfield town. Lots of itinerant workers in that industry. But roughnecks tend to be VERY hard on furnishings and housing units. Think college frat boys with lots of money and heavy equipment. 


     That is quite a different niche, indeed. But there's still demand for it! Sounds like you're maybe your property and the prevailing tenant type are just not compatible. Is there anything you can do to make your property appeal to those roughnecks and oil field workers? 

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Bonnie Low:
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:
    Quote from @Bonnie Low:

    Sorry to hear this unit is working out for you. I don't personally see hosts making 2-3x if your guest avatar is traveling medical professionals. Mine rents for 1.5-1.75x max the LTR rate. There was a time during COVID when the demand for travel nurses was so high they were getting exorbitant per diem rates and hosts were jacking up their rents accordingly but those days are long gone. In fact, they tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Your higher end returns are in the insurance placement or corporate rentals. Where did you do your research before making this decision? Maybe look into the insurance placement option for your property, though from what I know the sweet spot for insurance placements is 3 bed 2 bath single family homes and above.

    30 Day Stay was our guide to get started along with a few Bigger Pocket podcasts that espoused the virtues of MTR’s. 

    The prevailing sentiment is the returns were on 1/1 and 2/1’s. Close to medical centers. Well appointed. Black out curtains. Safe for single females. Etc. 

    West Texas is an oilfield town. Lots of itinerant workers in that industry. But roughnecks tend to be VERY hard on furnishings and housing units. Think college frat boys with lots of money and heavy equipment. 


     That is quite a different niche, indeed. But there's still demand for it! Sounds like you're maybe your property and the prevailing tenant type are just not compatible. Is there anything you can do to make your property appeal to those roughnecks and oil field workers? 

    Sure. We would go with the same type of setup as our college town housing in Lubbock. Hard surfaces everywhere. Heavy duty stuff that is inexpensive & basically just hose the place down in between tenants. 

    Just more money to convert style. Wanted to try everything we could before abandoning. 
  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    Maybe the movers from your hospital are not making much or have other reasons for wanting cheaper digs.

    Do you have a mini-bar in there.. a lot of the doc's I've known like to enjoy a cocktail or two.

    Maybe there are not many customers for you offering at your hospital--have you checked that?

    And you win the Texas Title of the Day Award...(Just hold onto that Hogleg--we don't need no shoot-en' round here)... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkFmlUcpfnM

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Scott Mac:

    Maybe the movers from your hospital are not making much or have other reasons for wanting cheaper digs.

    Do you have a mini-bar in there.. a lot of the doc's I've known like to enjoy a cocktail or two.

    Maybe there are not many customers for you offering at your hospital--have you checked that?

    And you win the Texas Title of the Day Award...(Just hold onto that Hogleg--we don't need no shoot-en' round here)... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkFmlUcpfnM

    There has been a trend for medical professionals to start bringing trailers or fifth wheels with them to save on lodging, but not all. 

    Of the professional staff at the hospital, about 1/3 are travelers, so the numbers should be there. 

    We’ve got some complimentary wines from the Llano Estecado wineries. Do you think I should stock with hard liquor?  Maybe some 4 Roses or Tito’s?
  • Member since 2022 · 25 posts · 4 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:

    I just converted a 2/1.5 townhome that has been a LTR for the last five years or so in my portfolio.

    Renovated the place including kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, & fixtures, cabinets, countertops, etc.  Re-did the unit with an eye toward traveling medical professionals. Upscale furnishings, great beds, high speed internet, flat screen TVs, etc. 

    Great neighborhood. B+ to A. Super quiet. Very safe. Next to one medical facility and within 10 minute drive to two additional medical facilities. Unemployment rate in the market is less than 2.8% and falling. 

    Before the conversion, I could get , $1,600-$1,700 for the place unfurnished and with no utilities paid by landlord. 

    Placed the unit in service a couple of weeks ago. Furnished finder. Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads. Had it placed on the MLS as well.

    It is competitively priced $2475. That’s $25 less than other units of comparable size and makeup. Same neighborhood. My unit is objectively higher quality in furnishings, style, & finishes. I figured we would start lower and build a quality rep & a book of former customers for repeat business. 

    No bites in two consecutive weeks. No inquiries. No showings. No matches in furnished finder. 

    Reduced the listing price to $2,350 today.  We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. 

    This is in no way close to the double or triple revenue above the rate for this unit as an LTR that has been cited as pretty standard return on forums and podcasts about MTR’s. 

    Any lower and I’d run the risk of being upside down when someone runs the HVAC at 50 degrees during the Texas summer versus what I’d make off of an LTR. 

    Need some advice or suggestions. Either this MTR thing is horse **** or I must be doing something wrong. 


     Great question, I'm having the same challenges. 

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Anthony Cortello:
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:

    I just converted a 2/1.5 townhome that has been a LTR for the last five years or so in my portfolio.

    Renovated the place including kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, & fixtures, cabinets, countertops, etc.  Re-did the unit with an eye toward traveling medical professionals. Upscale furnishings, great beds, high speed internet, flat screen TVs, etc. 

    Great neighborhood. B+ to A. Super quiet. Very safe. Next to one medical facility and within 10 minute drive to two additional medical facilities. Unemployment rate in the market is less than 2.8% and falling. 

    Before the conversion, I could get , $1,600-$1,700 for the place unfurnished and with no utilities paid by landlord. 

    Placed the unit in service a couple of weeks ago. Furnished finder. Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads. Had it placed on the MLS as well.

    It is competitively priced $2475. That’s $25 less than other units of comparable size and makeup. Same neighborhood. My unit is objectively higher quality in furnishings, style, & finishes. I figured we would start lower and build a quality rep & a book of former customers for repeat business. 

    No bites in two consecutive weeks. No inquiries. No showings. No matches in furnished finder. 

    Reduced the listing price to $2,350 today.  We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. 

    This is in no way close to the double or triple revenue above the rate for this unit as an LTR that has been cited as pretty standard return on forums and podcasts about MTR’s. 

    Any lower and I’d run the risk of being upside down when someone runs the HVAC at 50 degrees during the Texas summer versus what I’d make off of an LTR. 

    Need some advice or suggestions. Either this MTR thing is horse **** or I must be doing something wrong. 


     Great question, I'm having the same challenges. 


    I may be proven wrong and everything just picks up, but I get the sense that the MTR strategy had a season and it is past or at the very least it is waning. 

    It's either that or the strategy just isn't a winner in a broad sense across many American markets. Buy & hold rentals works across the nation. Better in some areas than others, but it works. BRRR was a very broad winning strategy. Again, better in some than others, but still a winner. Fix & flip is a broad winner across just about every single market. Margins are better in some than others.

    It just seems this may not be a broad winner and was overhyped among the various real estate investing communities. 

  • Member since 2022 · 25 posts · 4 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:
    Quote from @Anthony Cortello:
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:

    I just converted a 2/1.5 townhome that has been a LTR for the last five years or so in my portfolio.

    Renovated the place including kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, & fixtures, cabinets, countertops, etc.  Re-did the unit with an eye toward traveling medical professionals. Upscale furnishings, great beds, high speed internet, flat screen TVs, etc. 

    Great neighborhood. B+ to A. Super quiet. Very safe. Next to one medical facility and within 10 minute drive to two additional medical facilities. Unemployment rate in the market is less than 2.8% and falling. 

    Before the conversion, I could get , $1,600-$1,700 for the place unfurnished and with no utilities paid by landlord. 

    Placed the unit in service a couple of weeks ago. Furnished finder. Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads. Had it placed on the MLS as well.

    It is competitively priced $2475. That’s $25 less than other units of comparable size and makeup. Same neighborhood. My unit is objectively higher quality in furnishings, style, & finishes. I figured we would start lower and build a quality rep & a book of former customers for repeat business. 

    No bites in two consecutive weeks. No inquiries. No showings. No matches in furnished finder. 

    Reduced the listing price to $2,350 today.  We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. 

    This is in no way close to the double or triple revenue above the rate for this unit as an LTR that has been cited as pretty standard return on forums and podcasts about MTR’s. 

    Any lower and I’d run the risk of being upside down when someone runs the HVAC at 50 degrees during the Texas summer versus what I’d make off of an LTR. 

    Need some advice or suggestions. Either this MTR thing is horse **** or I must be doing something wrong. 


     Great question, I'm having the same challenges. 


    I may be proven wrong and everything just picks up, but I get the sense that the MTR strategy had a season and it is past or at the very least it is waning. 

    It's either that or the strategy just isn't a winner in a broad sense across many American markets. Buy & hold rentals works across the nation. Better in some areas than others, but it works. BRRR was a very broad winning strategy. Again, better in some than others, but still a winner. Fix & flip is a broad winner across just about every single market. Margins are better in some than others.

    It just seems this may not be a broad winner and was overhyped among the various real estate investing communities. 


     100% agree with your assessment, your properties size, price point and neighborhood situation is exactly the same as mine, so now I think I am going to switch to regular long term rental. Thanks for your post, very helpful. 

  • Realtor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2023 · 245 posts · 231 votes
    3y

    I'm a REALTOR and MTR Property Manager in the Charlotte market. It sounds like you & your property are doing the right things. I'm equally surprised at the lack of occupancy. Is your competition mostly SFHs? I find that the 2 townhome properties we currently manage do not have the same "desirability" as our SFH properties. While they remain occupied, they tend to have longer gaps of vacancy (1-3 weeks) but are still capturing a little over 2x monthly rent than that of comparable LTRs.

  • Rental Property Investor · Burlington County, NJ · Member since 2019 · 540 posts · 771 votes
    3y

    "It just seems this may not be a broad winner and was overhyped among the various real estate investing communities."

    Overhyped? We think so.

    We have three MTRs and 4 LTRs, in an intentionally diversified portfolio. We assume our MTRs will have a vacancy rate of 20%. All of our MTRs are 2BR+ and higher priced, so we're not seeking traveling nurses per se. Overall, this niche works for us, but it has required us to be very patient through vacancies.  Our LTRs have been steady low cash flow providers and our MTRs more intermittent higher cash flow providers.

    Best wishes to you.

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:
    Quote from @Scott Mac:

    Maybe the movers from your hospital are not making much or have other reasons for wanting cheaper digs.

    Do you have a mini-bar in there.. a lot of the doc's I've known like to enjoy a cocktail or two.

    Maybe there are not many customers for you offering at your hospital--have you checked that?

    And you win the Texas Title of the Day Award...(Just hold onto that Hogleg--we don't need no shoot-en' round here)... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkFmlUcpfnM

    There has been a trend for medical professionals to start bringing trailers or fifth wheels with them to save on lodging, but not all. 

    Of the professional staff at the hospital, about 1/3 are travelers, so the numbers should be there. 

    We’ve got some complimentary wines from the Llano Estecado wineries. Do you think I should stock with hard liquor?  Maybe some 4 Roses or Tito’s?

    As far as providing wines, I would say no, as you may run into recovering alcoholics, and I don't think that would change anyone's mind about renting.

    Most likely you have a local commodity and will have to price it correctly providing you have customers in the area who are looking to rent).

    Have you tried contacting the HR department at the hospital and getting their input on it?

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Stephanie Walker:

    I'm a REALTOR and MTR Property Manager in the Charlotte market. It sounds like you & your property are doing the right things. I'm equally surprised at the lack of occupancy. Is your competition mostly SFHs? I find that the 2 townhome properties we currently manage do not have the same "desirability" as our SFH properties. While they remain occupied, they tend to have longer gaps of vacancy (1-3 weeks) but are still capturing a little over 2x monthly rent than that of comparable LTRs.


    Thanks for the response. The competition is really not from SFR's from what I can gather on Furnished Finder & Airbnb. The competition is would seem to be from higher end apartment complexes that have moved into the furnished spaces as well as some mom & pop guest quarters that have moved into the MTR space.

    There is widespread use of "man camps" across the Permian Basin.  Think dorms for workers. Many are very nice and provide chefs, cleaning service, & great recreational rooms.  The rules on those are sensible, but restrictive.  No illegal drugs or alcohol.  No fighting.  No outside guests (meaning women/men who aren't workers).  You know, basic things to keep the peace.  That's not the market we are competing among.  Those man-camps are usually out in the rural areas to be closer to the work areas & privacy is significantly diminished.

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Scott Mac:
    Quote from @Brad Gibson:
    Quote from @Scott Mac:

    Maybe the movers from your hospital are not making much or have other reasons for wanting cheaper digs.

    Do you have a mini-bar in there.. a lot of the doc's I've known like to enjoy a cocktail or two.

    Maybe there are not many customers for you offering at your hospital--have you checked that?

    And you win the Texas Title of the Day Award...(Just hold onto that Hogleg--we don't need no shoot-en' round here)... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkFmlUcpfnM

    There has been a trend for medical professionals to start bringing trailers or fifth wheels with them to save on lodging, but not all. 

    Of the professional staff at the hospital, about 1/3 are travelers, so the numbers should be there. 

    We’ve got some complimentary wines from the Llano Estecado wineries. Do you think I should stock with hard liquor?  Maybe some 4 Roses or Tito’s?

    As far as providing wines, I would say no, as you may run into recovering alcoholics, and I don't think that would change anyone's mind about renting.

    Most likely you have a local commodity and will have to price it correctly providing you have customers in the area who are looking to rent).

    Have you tried contacting the HR department at the hospital and getting their input on it?


     Thanks for the input.  The local commodity thing is the gist of my original question.  If the pricing power doesn't seem to be there for MTR's to merit the risk (furnishings, utilities, & broader vacancies), what time frame and adjustments do you give, before simply going to LTR?

    What margin should be seen for an MTR to justify the added expense and bigger labor commitment to compete in the space?

  • Brad GibsonPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Midland, TX · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 180 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Ron Brady:

    "It just seems this may not be a broad winner and was overhyped among the various real estate investing communities."

    Overhyped? We think so.

    We have three MTRs and 4 LTRs, in an intentionally diversified portfolio. We assume our MTRs will have a vacancy rate of 20%. All of our MTRs are 2BR+ and higher priced, so we're not seeking traveling nurses per se. Overall, this niche works for us, but it has required us to be very patient through vacancies.  Our LTRs have been steady low cash flow providers and our MTRs more intermittent higher cash flow providers.

    Best wishes to you.


     Thanks for the response.  I think this helps me.  We are experienced operators.  We have over 30 doors across the three communities we work in along with fix & flip, as well as new spec construction.  We rolled the dice with a new niche & it appears to have come up snake eyes.  Just wanting to try all options before eating the investment and converting it back.

  • Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    3y

    I suppose the whole purpose of being a traveling or contract professional is to make money, and SAVE money.   It's gotta be an affordability issue, especially if they're working long hours.   Many traveling nurses I know stay in their own RVs, campers, trailers. 

    Our MTR is vintage affordable,  but we have luxury LTRs that fill quickly and stay at a high occupancy rate.  

    I might furnish a not as nice rental as MTR and do this one long-term,  unfurnished.   So yeah, take this out back to shoot it, but just the furnishings👍

  • Bonnie LowPro Member
    Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    There are definitely more people moving into the MTR space every day so we're seeing more supply than demand in many areas - a lot like STRs. Many of those new MTRs are basically just failed STRs and they're trying to salvage what they can. It really seems like the product you're offering just does not fit your customer base. If you intend to keep it as an MTR you're going to have to adjust either the product itself (make it more durable and priced accordingly for your oil field workers IF they want the type of property you're offering) or find another customer type to market it to like insurance placements, families relocating or corporate rentals. Or, pivot back to LTR but it sounds like those numbers don't work for you, either. MTR is just no different than any other type of real estate investing. You have to do your research, do good underwriting, make sure you have multiple exit strategies and make sure the demand is there for your product before you launch. 

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