How to find STR investors?

Question

Hi all! First time posting here.

I've been an LTR property owner/manager since 2011. I'd like to enter the STR/MTR arena and I think I'd be good at it, but I would need an investor for that. My kids are older now so I finally have more time available for active income opportunities. I think I'm in an ideal area for STR/MTR and I already have connections with several local contractors.

Does anyone have any tips on how to connect with local-ish investors for something like this?

Thanks for reading!

Matthew Tregoning · Answer

Alysha, your latest list of what sets you apart could become a very practical one-page service plan. For each promise, show how you’d deliver it: who answers an evening guest call, who covers a failed turnover, and how the owner learns about a maintenance issue. Your contractor relationships become much more tangible when an owner can see the handoff. That would give those local introductions something specific to talk about.

John Racine · Answer

Alysha, I'll answer the question you asked Andrew, since I'm a few steps ahead of you on this same path.

I'd start with co-hosting before raising money. Running other owners' properties builds your STR/MTR track record without anyone's capital at risk, and you already have the hard parts: 15 years of tenant management and a contractor bench.

On STR vs MTR, you may not have to choose. I run my own units and my co-host units as a hybrid: the calendar is set up for 30+ day stays, and short stays fill only the gaps of a few days to 2 weeks. In your market that could mean nurses and relocations most of the year, then nightly rates during track and field season when demand spikes. That flexibility is what owners respond to. I now have STR owners reaching out to me because they want the steadier income without giving up their peak weeks.

To get your first client without testimonials, offer a free analysis of their property's STR, MTR and hybrid numbers. If they're hesitant, consider performance-based terms for the first one. One owner with real results gives you the case study every pitch after that needs.

Jorge Vazquez · Answer

Alysha, my advice after 25+ years in real estate investing is to focus on education and relationships, not selling yourself to investors. Start posting educational content about STRs and MTRs, share reallife examples, explain what you've learned managing properties since 2011, and demonstrate your knowledge. Let your experience do the selling for you. Investors naturally gravitate toward people who consistently provide value.

Another strategy worth considering is getting your real estate license and joining an investor-focused brokerage where the agents are investors themselves. You'll surround yourself with people actively buying properties, analyzing deals, and building portfolios. Those relationships can lead to partnerships and opportunities.

I've built a portfolio of around 40 properties over the years, and one of my biggest lessons is that relationships and credibility create more opportunities than any sales pitch ever will.

Educate first, build trust, and the investors will come to you!

Jorge Vazquez · Answer

100% worth it! I was a wholesaler for almost 10 years before I had an issue with DBPR here in Florida and my attorney told me, Jorge just get your license, how hard can it be lol. I always thought getting licensed would bring more liability and headaches but honestly I was completely wrong. The minute I got my license I was able to give sellers more options, instead of just buying their property at a discount I could help them sell retail, work with investors, or find another solution that made sense for them. More options for the seller meant more opportunities for me and my income went up almost 30% that year. My only regret is not doing it sooner! I would also recommend joining a brokerage that works with investors, you will learn a lot more than just selling houses. After 25 years doing this I can tell you the license was one of the best decisions I made.

Hossein Sharifi · Answer

@Alysha Hartman the easier first step might be "let me run it" rather than "invest with me." Owners who already have an STR or MTR near you need a manager, and 15 years of LTR management plus a contractor bench is exactly what most of them are missing. Co-hosts typically earn 15 to 25% of gross bookings, and it builds an STR track record without raising any money.

If you do want a partner on a purchase, bring one property and real numbers. Pull a year of comps, cut projected revenue by 20%, and show it still covers the mortgage. Investors trust a conservative case more than an upside one. I'd also look hard at MTR for traveling nurses, since RiverBend is right there in Springfield.

Elijah Rodriguez · Answer

Local meetups, posting and connecting on here. cleaners, agents, lenders, etc are all professionals that likely know some str investors.

Brianna Camp · Answer

Hi Alysha! Since you're looking to connect with investors and other people in the STR space, you might want to check out STREXYL (strexyl.com). It has professional profiles and property listings, so it's a good way to network with other hosts, investors, co-hosts and other industry professionals who may be looking for opportunities. It's relatively new, but could be worth a look as you build your network. If you're interested, I can share the promo codes they using as well.

Alysha Hartman · Answer

I have been considering the real estate license option. Are there any programs you'd recommend? Do you think it's worth the money and time investment?

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I think it will depend on how competitive your market is. In Tampa where I am based and primarily, has between 150 and 250 active managers according to ChatGPT. What can you do better and/or cheaper than those who are currently active and operating with a track record and experience? I manage around 55 currently and that allows me a budget for some potent tools that will be hard for you to compete with as well, if you were trying to operate in my market. Just food for thought.

Alysha Hartman · Answer

Alright, I've been thinking a lot about your question! I wrote up a short list of what I think sets me apart from the competition. It also appears that there is not much local competition here. There is a decent amount of large property firms, but it being a college town, most of them have a bad reputations.

How to find STR investors?

How to find STR investors?

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