All Forum Posts by: Benjamin Carver

Tyler, I just did this myself. I have videos and much to say about this. PM and let's call - happy to answer questions and share my experience with you

 NW Raleigh. Near Stonehenge

 Hey! I lived in Dallas and now Raleigh. Happy to chat answer any questions you have, shoot me a PM. I even made a video because I do YT stuff for my business on the Raleigh area.

 Works really well. If they come through airbnb, they expect it. They know it functions for both. It's not listed as *only* MTR but it works out that way and I could technically set a 30 day min. 

If they are solid, they pick up after themselves in common areas, keep the dishwasher running, and treat it like a home, making it *much* easier for me to keep it clean and ready for STR guests. 1-2 a month as needed I sweep/mop/catch up however needed, clean bathroom, etc. But otherwise, a room just needs new sheets (we have extras ready to go) and towels, snacks, and then we quickly wipe and spray everything down, vacuum (doesn't always need it after every single stay) and we are out. Got it down to a science pretty much.

We have a station in a closet with 3 sets organized ready to go and a cleaning bucket with spray, wipes, dusting cloth, windex, etc.

STR turnover averages maybe every 3 days. My schedule is flexible so I try to plan it during the day when they are out at work or whatnot. But they even stop and chat with me while I'm up cleaning and I'm able to check on them, make sure everything is good and see if anything else needs replaced like TP, paper towels, etc.

We moved here from DFW originally. Looked at Colorado Springs and a few other places, but fell in love with Raleigh for the trees, access to both mountains and beach, and STR does really well here. Once we moved here, we knew we wanted a house hack here instead of renting for sure.

 Thankfully I think our seasonality in Raleigh is not as severe. But MTR is a great equalizer. Another reason I like having 1 of my rooms be a monthly guest through airbnb. One couple staying for 3.5 months while the other bedroom churns every few days

 Hey there, a cheap permit that they give to anyone. Just a way for them to make money. Durham does nothing. Raleigh does require no more than 2 listings per house. So you could put 3 bedrooms on airbnb and make one of them a medium term rental (30days-90days for example) and that would be fine.

In December, my wife and I bought an old 1984 3/2 split level home with a walkout basement in a great area of Raleigh NC and spent the next 5 months renovating it, spending a little over $40k and pouring every ounce of energy and time we had into it. Now, we are 1 month strong and counting in renting out the top 2 bedrooms on airbnb, with us living in the bottom half (completely separate) - here's how it's going so far:

Guests Stayed: 15

Reviews: 5 stars, 8 reviews, super host

Occupancy: We had 3 nights of where 1 bedroom wasn't rented. The larger bedrooms had a couple in it for the entire month, while the other turned every few nights on average. Takeaway is having at least 1 medium term guest will yes have lower rent potential but less headache and helps stabilize income.

Gross Earnings: $2,200

Expenses: $75 supplies (we clean ourselves, takes 10 minutes, and it's right upstairs no biggie)

PITI: $2,700

We paid $800 including utilities and any little repairs needed to live here.

When we move out, we expect to cashflow around $500 a month conservatively. The plan is to hold it long enough to see appreciation do it's thing AND in time we have the option to turn it into an entire house airbnb or even a long term rental for passiveness sake. Will do another update in time, cheers!

Hey! I do airbnb here in Raleigh. Reach out anytime but here are some starter tips:

1. For strong rent and appreciation I stick within 15-20 minutes max of airport/rdu

2. Avoid HOA like the plague

3. A few good cleaners is all you really need, cut out the Property Manager. I currently self-manage and even clean the units, since I'm young and hungry, and it's convenient.

Have you looked into student and or medical housing in Durham??? There are some decent spots that do well and are more affordable than Raleigh.

Also I bought during the winter during slow season, great neighborhood but horrible photos, clutter everywhere, original condition. Got it at a great price and did a sweat equity cosmetic rehab. Currently house hacking it myself with airbnb and the numbers are great. There are definitely options here.