All Forum Posts by: Brittany Stradling
Brittany Stradling has started 12 posts and replied 37 times.
Post: STR Smoky Mountains

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
Quote from @Jeremy England:
Quote from @Brittany Stradling:
Quote from @Jeremy England:
I saw this and wanted to ask how its going? Are you getting the income you thought you would? Any unforeseen expenses?
People are being pretty respectful of the space. No crazy expenses, but it is an older space and needs renovated so my cleaner keeps me updated with what needs to be done which feels pretty frequent. My occupancy is great. Income is nice but a little under what I expected. I need to work on my pricing a bit but I get nervous because of the airbnb and bust noise in the news. I'm still unsure of how high I can charge without it impacting my occupancy rate. I was told charge lower and increase prices as I get more reviews, so I'm not too upset about the income being lower than expected.
Thanks. It is quite expensive. I want to purchase one, i have the same concerns you do.
Is this your first str? Any books you would recommend on the topic?
Yes, it is! I'm mainly a podcast listener and listen to short term rental management with luke carl. Avery Carl's book is a given.
Post: Are you seeing 2019 numbers?

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
Are people seeing 2019 numbers this year or is it just my property? My property is new and I'm not sure if this is normal. I evaluated the property based on an average of 2019, 2020, and 2021 numbers, so it cannot survive based on 2019 numbers alone.
Post: STR Smoky Mountains

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
Quote from @Jeremy England:
I saw this and wanted to ask how its going? Are you getting the income you thought you would? Any unforeseen expenses?
People are being pretty respectful of the space. No crazy expenses, but it is an older space and needs renovated so my cleaner keeps me updated with what needs to be done which feels pretty frequent. My occupancy is great. Income is nice but a little under what I expected. I need to work on my pricing a bit but I get nervous because of the airbnb and bust noise in the news. I'm still unsure of how high I can charge without it impacting my occupancy rate. I was told charge lower and increase prices as I get more reviews, so I'm not too upset about the income being lower than expected.
Post: STR income count towards DTI if purchased using vacation home loan

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
My family and I are gearing up to purchase another primary residence in 2 years. Therefore, we want to ensure that we are prepared and there are no surprised. I feel like I've read somewhere that if you have a vacation home, you cannot count the income towards DTI? Is this true?
We currently have one cabin and one primary residence.
I would be using a VA home loan if that matter.
Post: What cash on cash are you seeing for MTR?

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
This is so helpful! 12% COC for a long term rental is pretty good, so I can only imagine how it performs as a mid-term. Have you ever gone back to calculate your actual COC for your mid-terms?
Post: What cash on cash are you seeing for MTR?

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
I'm curious what COC you all are seeing, particularly those who didn't get a mortgage with a 3% interest rate. I'm considering adding a medium term to my portfolio and at the very beginning of information stage. I plan on ready 30 day stay as well
Post: Indy Contractor Recommendations

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
I know everyone loves to keep their list of contractors close to their chest, but I would greatly appreciate any recommendations.
Looking for investor friendly contractors including
* Handymen
* Exterior painters
* Interior painters
* Someone who can install floor tile
* Asphalt contractors
Post: STR Smoky Mountains

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
Quote from @Doug Spence:
@Brittany Stradling Congrats! You gotta give us more info about it!
1. How did you find this deal?
2. How did you fund it?
3. Are you self managing or did you hire a company?
4. Does the home need any work to get rent-ready?
5. What will your next deal be? Are you looking for more of these in the smokies?
Thank you and sure!
1. I used a 5% down, no PMI vacation home loan from Navy Federal
2. I used my own cash for the down payment and asked sellers to cover most of the closing costs.
3. Self managing all the way. At this point in my journey, I'd rather take the time to self-manage vs writing a check. 4
4. The home is outdated but will rent as is. I need to do a few minor updates like adding a smart lock and cameras before it's rent ready. I plan to completely renovate the place during the off season.
5. I picked the smokies this time because it was safe. Next time, I want something with a little more cash flow and a lower purchase price. My next deal will probably be a mid-term rental in Indy (my next of the woods).
Post: STR Smoky Mountains

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85
Quote from @Mack Lengel:
Congrats on getting into the STR game in the Smokies!
Would love to learn more about your deal. Does your cash invested include your downpayment?
Thanks! I am excited! I am a veteran, so I have access to a lot of favorable loan products. I used a 5% down, no PMI vacation home loan from Navy federal. I also asked the seller to cover most of the closing costs. I end up having less cash flow since its only 5% down, but I just wanted to get started and have some skin in the game
Post: STR Smoky Mountains

- Investor
- Indianapolis, IN
- Posts 38
- Votes 85