All Forum Posts by: Anja Schaer

Hey Christina. I get your hesitation. The current review system absolutely pushes both hosts and guests toward “5 stars or nothing,” which doesn’t give anyone a clear picture of the property. I’d still lean toward leaving an honest, factual review (minus emotion) so future guests know what to expect. If the host can’t handle constructive feedback, that’s on them - and in my experience, being professional in tone helps minimize retaliation. But at the end it’s your call.

Hey Rainbow. I use tools like AirDNA and Mashvisor for quick market overviews, but I never rely on them alone. I cross-check by manually tracking comps on Airbnb/VRBO for pricing, occupancy, and seasonality. The third-party tools are good for trends, but your own comp research will always give you the most accurate picture for a specific property. Or connect with other operators in that market/area to get some insights into their numbers so you can verify your research data.

Hey Christina. I totally agree this could push more travelers toward STRs. Privacy and avoiding nickel-and-diming are huge guest motivators. If hotels go all-in on AI monitoring, it’s an opportunity for hosts to market “human-first stays” as a differentiator.

Hey Jordan, yes - you can still do a cost segregation study the year after purchase through a “look-back” study, and your CPA can file Form 3115 (I believe that’s how it’s called, disclaimer: I’m not an accountant) so you don’t have to amend 2024. Since your cabin went into service in 2024, bonus depreciation would be based on that year’s 60% rate, while any new qualifying improvements in 2025 could get the full 100% under OB3. Just make sure you work with a CPA experienced in STRs and cost seg rules.

Hey Marc, I wouldn’t let a septic tank be a dealbreaker. I’ve owned and managed multiple STRs with septic, and they’ve been trouble-free with proper care. Just make sure to educate guests on what can and can’t go down the drains (out signs next to sink or toilets), schedule regular pumping, and get a proper inspection before purchase. With good maintenance, a septic system can last for decades.

Awesome — yes, I’d love to be a guest on your podcast! Excited to connect and chat more. Looking forward to your DM!

Thank you so much, Myka! That means a lot to me — love connecting with other investors who are already implementing this model. I hope the book adds even more tools to your playbook! Let me know what you think once you dive in. And are your properties in an urban setting as well?

Love that, Mike — sounds like you were ahead of the curve! That’s exactly what the hybrid strategy is all about: adapting to seasonality with intention. So many hosts are already doing it without naming it — I just put a framework around it to make it repeatable. Appreciate you for sharing your experience!

Thanks for sharing, John! I’ve done a bit of everything too — and for a while, I was either all-in on STRs or leaning into LTRs. What finally clicked for me was layering in MTRs strategically during slower seasons. It’s not for everyone, but for us, the hybrid mix helped fill gaps and boost income without burning out. Always appreciate your insights on here! Still curious why the MTR space is not for you?

Love that, James — sounds like your clients landed on a version of the hybrid model too. That seasonal shift from STR to MTR is exactly what helped us stabilize income and reduce burnout. Once I stopped choosing one over the other and started planning around demand, everything changed. Always great to see others adapting to local regulations while still optimizing revenue!