Next investment with 30-50k

Detroit, Michigan
General Real Estate Investing
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Next investment with 30-50k

Stephen Fleming
Member since 2020 · 13 posts · 8 votes

I have a successful Airbnb that is nearly 100% passive. Brings in roughly $1,000 in my pocket each month after expenses, manager, and mortgage.

I have $30-50k to invest. I’m not sure if I want to get into another Airbnb, get into a small business (storage, rv, laundry, car wash, etc.), or something entirely different.

I’m looking for something as passive as possible.

Suggestions? Ideas? What would you do?

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Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
1mo

Many cities in Michigan and across the USA are putting limits on STRs.

These restrictions typically don't apply to MTRs => minimum 30+ day stays.

The challenge is there are FEWER people looking for 30+ day stays than a long weekend stay.

So, you really have to know the target market and dial in your marketing efforts.

DM us with any questions about MTR in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne Counties:)

[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9459 Reviews
WebsiteView Page
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  • Igor Ganapolsky
    Coral Springs, FL · Member since 2018 · 491 posts · 110 votes
    1mo

    Congrats on the Airbnb cash flow — $1K/month passive with a property manager is exactly the kind of proof-of-concept that makes the next move easier.

    At $30-50K and wanting passive, there's an option most people overlook: tax deed auction partnerships. Here's how it works:

    You don't buy property yourself. Instead, you partner with someone who analyzes tax deed auction deals and provides the bid strategy — you put up the capital at auction, and you split the profit on the back end. The county auction is the transaction, not a wholesale flip.

    I'm working on Broward County (FL) Auction #113 on October 26. There are 16 properties — mix of condos and single-family — all selling at 50-70% of assessed value. At your budget level, $30-50K covers bids on multiple properties. The spreads range from $80K to $300K+ between the opening bid and market value.

    Why this fits your criteria:
    - Passive: you provide capital at auction, partner handles the analysis and bid strategy
    - Your budget is ideal: most auction bids in this market are $30-80K for properties worth $150-400K
    - Instant equity: buying at 50-70% of assessed value means you're profitable from day one
    - Exit flexibility: hold for rental cash flow or sell immediately — the discount basis gives you options either way

    The risk is real (title research, property condition, eviction if occupied), but that's exactly why the partnership model works — you need someone who's done the due diligence on each property before you bid.

    If you're curious about the specific properties on the Broward auction list, I can share the breakdown. Several of them would fit right in your budget range.

    0Reply
    • Stephen Fleming
      OP
      Member since 2020 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1mo

      I would be curious. Would you like to contact me directly?

      0Reply
  • Igor Ganapolsky
    Coral Springs, FL · Member since 2018 · 491 posts · 110 votes
    1mo

    Great — happy to share the property breakdown with you. What's the best email to reach you? I'll send over the full analysis on the Broward County auction properties that fit your $30-50K range, along with the partnership structure details.

    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 948 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Stephen Fleming:

    I have a successful Airbnb that is nearly 100% passive. Brings in roughly $1,000 in my pocket each month after expenses, manager, and mortgage.

    I have $30-50k to invest. I’m not sure if I want to get into another Airbnb, get into a small business (storage, rv, laundry, car wash, etc.), or something entirely different.

    I’m looking for something as passive as possible.

    Suggestions? Ideas? What would you do?

    Hey Stephen, if passive is the goal, I’d probably keep it in real estate and let a solid property manager handle the day-to-day. With $30K to $50K, I’d also compare Midwest markets, where you can find lower entry points and cash flow without tying up as much capital.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
    • Stephen Fleming
      OP
      Member since 2020 · 13 posts · 8 votes
      1mo

      One plan is looking upper northwest of Michigan. Traverse City area, that way there is winter attractions in the area for year round guests with an airbnb

      1Reply
  • Nicholas FloydBusiness Member
    NY · Member since 2026 · 253 posts · 90 votes
    1mo

    One thing I’d consider before putting the entire $30–50K into the next investment is whether you can preserve some of that cash and use financing strategically instead.

    For example, if you decide on a small business or another short-term rental, business lines of credit, business loans, equipment financing, or even 0% introductory APR business credit cards for certain business expenses could potentially help you avoid tying up all of your liquidity at once. The important part is making sure the projected cash flow comfortably covers the financing and having a payoff strategy before any promotional rate expires.

    Since your first Airbnb is already producing about $1K/month after expenses, I’d focus less on simply deploying all $30–50K and more on how much additional cash flow you can create while still keeping a healthy reserve.

    0Reply
  • Motty Fekete
    Investor · Monroe NY · Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes
    1mo

    Hi @Stephen Fleming

    Congrats on the success with your short-term rental! I’d love to learn a bit more about the area you're operating in and get your recommendations on local property managers for Airbnbs in that market.

    Are you open to connecting for a quick chat?

    0Reply
  • Quinton Vidaurri
    Livonia, Wayne County · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 4 votes
    1mo

    I work for a mid term rental business focusing on fully furnished housing for rent in the SE Michigan area. The company owner is also a realtor and is constantly involved in the local real estate market. Feel like you two could be a great connection to talk about the next steps, what areas you are interested in and if you do want to deploy your funds into another rental, the possibility of partnering with the company to manage the property and give you another source of passive income. Congratulations on your AirBnb success and look forward to connecting on how we can help continue your success! 

    1Reply
  • Motty Fekete
    Investor · Monroe NY · Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes
    1mo

    Hi @Quinton Vidaurri

    Thanks for reaching out! I actually looked into Clinton Township, MI where @Stephen Fleming recently where @Stephen invested so succsefully and noticed the township strictly restricts short-term rentals under 30 days in residentially zoned areas.

    Given those local ordinances, a mid-term rental (30+ days) strategy seems like a much safer fit for that market. I'd love to connect and hear more about how your team handles MTR operations and management in SE Michigan!

    1Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1mo

    Many cities in Michigan and across the USA are putting limits on STRs.

    These restrictions typically don't apply to MTRs => minimum 30+ day stays.

    The challenge is there are FEWER people looking for 30+ day stays than a long weekend stay.

    So, you really have to know the target market and dial in your marketing efforts.

    DM us with any questions about MTR in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne Counties:)

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9459 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
    • Motty Fekete
      Investor · Monroe NY · Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes
      1mo

      Do you know the enforcment mechanism by the local municipality aginst STR? because i see active listings on Airbnb and vrbo

      0Reply
  • Dave MeyerPro Member
    Head of Real Estate Investing at BiggerPockets · Seattle, WA · Member since 2015 · 355 posts · 829 votes
    1mo

    Stephen -- congrats on the success w/ the AirBNB. All of the routes are good, but just want to call out they are each their own unique business. Starting or getting into a new business is never entirely passive. Even if you're hiring an operator you need to learn the business to know which operators to hire. So -- I'd try to not change what you know and have succeeded at too much. Can you find a passive AirBNB? A passive MTR? That is close enough to your current experience that you understand the fundamentals of the business, but can still be quite passive.

    Podcast Guest on Show #186
    BiggerPockets
    1Reply
  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    1mo

    you could buy a low-balance mortgage note that would pay you principal and interest every month. you could invest it in a fund or do some private lending directly but that amount probably would not get you very far 

    7e investments53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Motty Fekete
    Investor · Monroe NY · Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes
    1mo

    anyone here with knoledge if $1000/mo net is standart for airbnb?

    0Reply
  • Motty Fekete
    Investor · Monroe NY · Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 5 votes
    1mo

    Hi @Stephen Fleming Can you please sare or reccomand a good Property manager for Airbnb in Clinton Township, MI Area?

    0Reply
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