All Forum Posts by: Alice Horn

One advantage of having the smaller properties and diversifying your inventory is that you will even out your cash flow over the months. larger properties tend to do very well over a more limited time period, while the smaller ones are more spread out. Don't neglect theming, even for a smaller property. Yes, there is more inventory but many of the smaller homes are more "generic". We have seen highly decorated smaller homes book well. Feel free to reach out if you would like some income comparisons.

@Nicole Elianna are you looking to invest locally or interested in branching out? The Orlando market may have a larger supply of homes uniquely suited for rent-by-the-room. Just starting to research this myself but thought I would reach out in case you would like to chat.

Quote from @Nick Huffman:

I was actually looking into this for one of my properties as well. Looks like there is a couple of different homes on it in orlando but not fully rented which I think there just isn't the market for it yet here?

With hospitality workers, Amazon warehouses, teachers, nurses, college students and many others desperately in need of affordable housing, the market itself is enormous. I believe it's more likely that brand awareness for the Padsplit platform isn't there yet and most people are looking to FB, Craigslist etc. to find rooms or affordable places to live. Having said that, I feel this will catch on, just because the need is so vast.

@Pamela Gates there are plenty of smaller units (condos, townhomes) that are not in condotels. The conventional wisdom is that these will never perform as well as a pool home. There is more inventory, they will compete with hotel rooms...etc. 

BUT we have seen some exceptions with exceptionally themed condos. If that is a route you would like to explore, feel free to reach out!

Hey @Kirk Roberts that sounds like a great long term goal! I would imagine you are looking for a quieter community, more of a residential feel, closer to Disney but not TOO close to the Rte 192 traffic and craziness. At the same time, you would like to maximize your investment until you move in F/T. I think one of the older resorts that still do allow short-term (Airbnb rentals) would fit the bill. Lake Berkley or Terra Verde come to mind, they are peaceful yet still fairly close to the parks. Feel free to reach out and I can send our map of communities, and then we can also take a deeper dive in the HOA's and other criteria!

Have fun with your search.

Hey @Tyler Gibson! Sure, sounds great. I’ll send you an email.

Quote from @Ingo Bothe:

Thanks everyone for the replies and insights. Invaluable to hear different views early on to get a better understanding of the market.

I am currently considering 2 approaches, potentially in parallel with a smaller 100% STR to learn the ins and outs of the market on a more professional setting. Second approach would be to also buy a nicer vacation home for the family. Renting it out only the peak months to stay in the 180 day range and taking advantage of the more favorable financing options.

Would be great to get the contact to a couple of tried and tested hosting managers.

 Sent you a DM. Happy to help you run the numbers on the various approaches.

Hi everyone, 

I attended BPCon last year here in Orlando and PadSplit was one of the hot topics. BUT...I haven't seen much discussion about PadSplit here on the forums. If you are a PadSplit investor, how has it been performing for you? What is your experience with the platform? How is their customer support? I'm curious to hear your actual experiences!

If you are using PadSplit here in Central Florida (the Orlando/Tampa I4 corridor and surrounding areas) would especially love to hear your experience! Seems like there is a big need around here for workforce housing from Amazon employees, hospitality, nurses and more.

Always looking for new strategies for our investors, and for us. 

Quote from @Sejin Kim:

Hello, fellow investors! 

Thank you for all the comments and advice! 

My husband and I are trying to buy our 2nd property in Florida as a vacation home.  While we  are not using it, we plan to rent it. 

Of course, we are going to get a vacation home loan. We were very positive about our plan, however, with the current interest rate being high, and the market is still somewhat competitive, I am not sure if we can have positive cash flow..... 

For us to have positive cash flow, we will need to offer a much lower price than the sellers are asking.. So, now I am not sure, what to do... 

We don't want negative cash flow... So, any advice? I am trying to do brainstorming, but I can't think of any good way to work it out... 

Currently, we live in CA and we visit Orlando a few times..

Thank you. 

Hi Sejin - Orlando is a dynamic market right now, and with RE prices lowering opportunities are starting to pop up. We work with many investors who fit your exact profile- they are looking for a solid investment property which they can also use and enjoy to make family memories.

Happy to brainstorm with you about these priorities and chat about the various STR communities, home sizes, theming (super important) and other factors that lead to a successful property. We can also run the revenue/occupancy reports you’ll need to make an informed decision. Feel free to reach out.

Quote from @Jerry Boward:

Landlord and getting educated in short term rentals.

Welcome Jerry! Orlando is ground zero for short term rentals. Happy to jump on a call and chat about the market here, as well as STR trends overall.