All Forum Posts by: Andrew Street

Great questions! Setting higher rates than the comps can definitely help attract guests who value quality, but it’s important to stay competitive within your market. For ID verification, I typically rely on Airbnb’s built-in process, as it’s seamless and keeps everything within their platform. If you need additional verification, you can kindly request a government-issued ID, but it’s best to communicate this upfront in your house rules.

Happy to connect and share more insights! 

Hey Pete - That's awesome to hear about your success over the past six months! The current market definitely has some great opportunities for strong ROI and equity growth. Finding the right market is key since every area has its own unique dynamics. It's always exciting to explore other booming markets and see what makes them stand out.

Happy to connect and chat more about this!

Congrats on preparing your property for an STR in San Diego! You're correct—Airbnb and Vrbo don't do credit checks, but many hosts screen guests through reviews, verified IDs, and guest profiles. You can also request a security deposit for extra peace of mind.

Happy to connect and share more tips!

Hi Mike - For STRs, a smart TV with internet is usually plenty since most people just log into their own streaming accounts. If you want to go the extra mile, adding something like Netflix or Disney+ is a nice bonus, especially for families or higher-end guests, but it’s not a must.

Cable TV? Honestly, most people don’t expect it anymore unless you're catering to older guests or sports fans. Keeping it simple with a smart TV works, but one popular streaming service could make guests feel extra taken care of without much effort on your end.

Let's discuss more. I'd be happy to connect! 

Hey Max - Managing an STR usually takes around 5–10 hours a week. Most of the time is spent answering guest inquiries, scheduling cleanings, and handling the occasional issue that pops up. Tools like automated messaging and keyless entry can really streamline things.

Happy to connect if you want to swap tips or chat more!

Hey Chris - It's awesome that you're taking steps toward building something for your family! Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal—it means you're taking this seriously. Connecting with local lenders or experienced investors can really help you get clarity. Maybe start with small meetups or forums in your area (or Gulf Shores) to learn from others' experiences.

Remember, every pro was once a beginner! Keep researching, but don’t let fear hold you back—small, intentional steps add up!

Happy to connect and share advice to help you move forward!

Hi Nick - If you’re looking for a property manager or cleaner, start by asking around in local Facebook groups or on Nextdoor—you’d be surprised how many recommendations you can get. Apps like TaskRabbit or Handy are also great for finding help. Local cleaning companies might already handle Airbnb turnovers, so it’s worth calling a few. You could even post an ad on Craigslist or ask a real estate agent for leads. And don’t forget to check out Airbnb host groups—hosts love to share tips and contacts.

For setting up your place, a smart lock is a must—it makes check-ins so much easier. Add outdoor security cameras (just let guests know they’re there) and maybe some motion-sensor lights for extra safety. Inside, make sure the Wi-Fi is solid, the furniture is comfy, and the kitchen has all the basics. Throw in a few nice touches, like coffee or board games, to wow your guests.

Keep extra linens, cleaning supplies, and essentials like toilet paper handy so turnovers are quick and easy. Don’t skip safety stuff either—make sure you’ve got working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit. Oh, and check your local rules about short-term rentals so you’re good to go.

Ready to dig deeper anytime!

Hi Victoria - First, the timing could be part of the issue—rentals often slow down before the holidays, especially in college towns like Fayetteville. Also, check if there are a lot of similar properties available; if there’s more competition, it could be harder to stand out.

 Expanding your marketing to platforms like Craigslist, Apartments.com, Facebook Marketplace, and even Instagram could help get more eyes on your listing. If you don’t have one already, try adding a video or virtual tour to attract more interest.

Make sure your photos are high-quality and show the best features of the home. If it’s empty, consider staging it with a few key pieces of furniture. Highlight any unique features like a backyard or updated kitchen. Offering incentives like one month free or waiving fees might also help speed things up.

I'd be happy to connect and share more! 

Hey Raza! You're right about Cincinnati's short-term rental rule requiring the operator to live within 50 miles of the property. It's designed to ensure someone nearby can manage things responsibly.

Your plan to hire a local person for emergencies and other tasks is a great workaround. Just make sure they're reliable and familiar with STR operations. You might also want to double-check if having a local property manager satisfies the city's requirements or if the operator still needs to meet the residency rule.

Good luck with your Airbnb arbitrage—Cincinnati can be a great market! 

Feel free to reach out—always happy to connect and share ideas!

Hey Himateja,

Welcome to the STR world! It sounds like you've done your homework. The tax savings could definitely be a big plus for you, but the negative cash flow is something to keep in mind. Kissimmee is still a strong STR market, especially with Disney nearby, but competition has increased.

The smaller pool and backyard might be a concern for some guests, but the privacy from the freeway could be a nice bonus. If you're okay with short-term negative cash flow and manage the marketing well, the tax benefits could make it worthwhile.

Happy to connect and chat more about the area!