All Forum Posts by: Brooklyn McCarty

Personally, I think you really only need a camera on the entrance/driveway area.

Just so you can see who is coming and going IF you need to. Cameras are not there for reality tv purposes, if you watch them it will drive you absolutely insane.  

We manage 5 STR's from out of state - 5 hours away and 14 hours away. My first piece of advice is to read Bigger Pockets Book; Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth By Avery Carl and also Long Distance Real Estate Investing by David Greene.

Overall, once you have a good cleaner and a good handyperson in play you are good to go. The key is to invest in STR friendly/tourist heavy destinations. Places like The Smokies, Gulf Shores, PCB, Cascade Mountains. Drive to vacation markets like the beach and national parks are typically always a good place to start. 

I don't think you have to go all out with decor. Most just appreciate a tree and a few simple decorations. 

PCB is a great market! You need @January Johnson or @Napoleon DeCiutiis. They are experts when it comes to PCB. 

Merry Christmas!

I would suggest self management. Read the Bigger Pockets book Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth written by Avery Carl. For a single family home, you won't be spending more then 30-60 mins a week on it once you get it up and running. That book will teach you everything you need to know. 

I don't have back up cleaners. When hiring a cleaner, I do make sure they are not a one man or one woman show. Our very first cleaner was a one woman show and I learned my lesson. 

This is not necessary. Just provide them with a comfortable, clean place to stay. 

This is going to be vary from each market and also from each management style! No two managers are created equal. 

If you have your mind made up the STR world is over saturated and you're not going to make any money at it - then that's probably true.

If you have your mind made up you are going to be the best in your market, provide 5 star stays every time and make this thing work - then that's totally true. 

Overall they are going to function very similarly. They both offer free trials. Give them both a test run and see which one fits your style best.