All Forum Posts by: Josh Sedivy

That's an awesome crossover of interests, your background in software engineering is a huge asset in the property management world, especially with how much technology is transforming operations, guest experience, and automation.

One thing you’ll quickly learn in this space is that even with thorough guest vetting, there will still be people who don’t follow house rules or respect policies. You can have all the systems in place like smart locks, ID checks, deposits—but sometimes issues still slip through. Having strong protocols and communication systems can help reduce the impact, but it’s definitely part of the reality.

Another major challenge, especially in the short-term rental (STR) space, is dealing with property damages caused by weather or guests—and sometimes even neighbors. Natural issues like flooding, storms, or power outages can cause major disruptions, and not all neighbors are thrilled to have STRs nearby. You might face pushback from HOAs or local governments, so being involved in community conversations and staying compliant with changing ordinances is key.

Your interest in using tech to solve these challenges could really make a difference, maybe through smarter guest screening, predictive maintenance systems, or tools that better balance owner-neighbor relations. There’s a lot of room for innovation here.

Congratulations on purchasing your first property, especially at 25 and fully self-funded! That’s a huge accomplishment. Transitioning from Airbnb to long-term rentals is a smart pivot if short-term demand is low, and it can absolutely be a stepping stone toward building a real estate portfolio. Here’s some solid advice for getting started with long-term rentals:

Before Renting It Out:

Know Your Local Landlord-Tenant Laws: Research your state and local regulations on lease agreements, security deposits, eviction processes, rent increases, etc.

Set the Right Rent: Look at comparable rentals in your neighborhood to ensure your price is competitive.

Factor in ALL your costs: mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancies, etc.

Screen Tenants Thoroughly: Always run credit and background checks., Verify income (a common standard is 2.5–3x the monthly rent).

Create a detailed application form and stick to your criteria to avoid fair housing violations.

Have a Strong Lease Agreement: Don’t use a free lease you found online without customizing it.

Include clauses for maintenance, rent due date, late fees, number of occupants, pet policy, and rules about the property. Make sure it’s legally reviewed, especially the first time.

Once They Move In:

Document Property Condition: Do a detailed move-in inspection with photos.

Provide a checklist for tenants to sign.

Maintain Good Communication: Set clear expectations early (how to submit maintenance requests, how long responses take, etc.).

Stay professional, not personal, this is a business relationship.

You’re already ahead of the game by asking questions early. Be diligent, treat it like a business, and stay consistent. One well-managed rental can absolutely lead to a portfolio of properties over time. I hope this helps!

There aren’t many easy tools right now that do this well. So if you’re thinking of building one, that sounds like a great idea, just make sure it doesn’t break site rules.

Hi there! Great to hear you're jumping into rental property ownership and congrats on taking that first big step!

Your concern is completely valid, especially as a first-time investor. Here’s some real-world advice to help you gauge how fast you might find tenants and how to set yourself up for success.

Factors That Affect How Quickly You Can Find Tenants:

1. Location, Location, Location: Are you near schools, employers, transit, or entertainment?

High-demand cities or neighborhoods often fill within 1–3 weeks, while rural or low-demand areas can take 2–3+ months.

2. Rental Price: Is your rent competitive for the area?
Tip: Check Zillow, Rentometer, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist for local comps.

3. Timing/Season: Rentals move faster in spring/summer (peak moving season).
Slower during holidays and winter—especially in colder climates.

4. Marketing Effort: High-quality photos, a compelling description, and fast responses go a long way. Make sure to list in multiple platforms.

5. Property Condition: A clean, freshly painted, well-maintained home = faster lease-up.

Bonus points for in-unit laundry, central air, parking, or pet-friendly policies.

I hope this helps!

Yes, this is becoming an increasingly common issue, especially among newer landlords or small property managers who may not yet have robust tenant screening systems in place.

Here are some important things to know and do:

Common Problems Newer Landlords Face:
-Fake pay stubs or bank statements – Easily purchased online or generated by apps.

-Falsified employment or rental references – Some applicants use friends or fake companies.

-Credit report manipulation – Providing edited PDFs instead of authorizing a pull.

 Tips to Protect Yourself:

1. Use a Verified Screening Service: Always run background checks, credit reports, and eviction history yourself through a reputable service. Do not accept tenant-provided reports or documentation at face value.

2. Verify Income Properly: Require at least 2–3 recent pay stubs and bank statements: Cross-check the employer's contact info independently (don’t call the number on the stub. Google it). If self-employed, ask for two years of tax returns or a CPA letter.

3. Check ID Against Docs: Ensure names, addresses, and dates match across all documentation. Reverse search previous landlord info

4. Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Applicants: 
Fraudulent applicants may: Offer to pay rent upfront, Rush the process, Pressure you to avoid checks

Bonus Tip for New Landlords:

Trust your process, not your gut alone. Friendly or polished applicants can still be deceptive. Use written criteria consistently to avoid both fraud and Fair Housing pitfalls.

Airbnb arbitrage can work well, but like any strategy, it depends on your market knowledge, lease terms, local regulations, and how well you manage both guest and landlord relationships. It’s less about the model and more about how well you operate.

Owning is better for long-term wealth, you get equity, tax benefits, and more control. But arbitrage can be a smart way to build cash flow, test systems, and get started with lower upfront costs.

At the end of the day, the key is how well you manage the day-to-day, keeping everyone informed, handling the details, and staying on the right side of local laws.

Both the local weekly rental system and platforms like Airbnb/VRBO have their pros. The local system is great for reaching repeat summer visitors who expect to book through agencies and prefer week-long stays, with less turnover and more predictable income. However, it can feel outdated, with limited online visibility and less control. Airbnb or VRBO can help you reach a wider, often younger audience with better tools, dynamic pricing, and more flexibility, but with more guest turnover and hands-on management. A mix of both could work well: list through the local system for peak summer weeks and use Airbnb or VRBO to attract a wider audience during other times.

Here are some advice and tips that I can share.

1. Design with durability in mind: Choose neutral, cohesive colors that photograph well. Prioritize stain-resistant, easy-to-clean materials. Use area rugs to protect floors and add warmth.

2. Layout for flow & functionality: Avoid overcrowding rooms; leave space to move. Ensure good lighting and functional outlets in key areas.

3. Go for comfort: Invest in quality mattresses and blackout curtains.Use mattress protectors and washable duvet covers. Provide nightstands and lamps in every bedroom.

For Kitchen & Essentials

1. Stock like a real home: Full set of cookware, bakeware, utensils, cutting boards, and knives. Coffee setup (drip + pods if you can), blender, toaster, microwave. Oil, salt, pepper, basic spices, dish soap, dishwasher pods.

2. Include convenience items: Paper towels, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. Wine opener, measuring cups/spoons, scissors.

For Operational Tips

1. Document everything: Create a detailed inventory spreadsheet of all furnishings and supplies.
2. Smart home upgrades: Use keyless entry locks with remote access. Add Wi-Fi thermostats, security cameras (exterior only), noise monitors.

3. Minimize long-term headaches: Anchor all furniture to the wall. Avoid glass tables or fragile decor.

If you're local: You can DIY most of it, especially if you're on a budget. Consider hiring TaskRabbit or local furniture assemblers to speed things up.

If you're managing remotely: Strongly consider hiring a turnkey setup company or local STR design service. Alternatively, hire a local cohost or project manager who can: Receive deliveries and coordinate furniture assembly

For Lessons Learned & “Wish I’d Known”

Don’t cheap out on mattresses because bad sleep = bad reviews.
Have backups like two sets of linens/towels per bed, a backup air mattress, etc.

Don’t assume guests will be careful; plan for wear and tear.

Take professional photos, they’ll make or break your listing.

I hope this helps! :)

Great question. You're definitely not alone in feeling torn between the time-intensive DIY route and the cost of hiring a designer. Here's what I've found helpful both personally and from other operators:

1. Hybrid Approach: Consider hiring a freelance interior stylist or virtual designer for just a few hours to create a mood board and layout plan. Then, you or an assistant can handle the ordering and setup. This saves on cost while still giving you a cohesive look.

2. Use Furnishing Services: Some companies specialize in furnishing short-term rentals and offer affordable, all-in-one packages. They handle sourcing, delivery, and setup, which can save you a ton of time and energy.

3. Batch Your Sourcing: If you're still leaning DIY, skip Facebook Marketplace and stick with vendors that allow bulk ordering with easy returns like Article, Wayfair Pro, or IKEA's Business program. You can create a simple checklist and template that you reuse for each property.

4. Delegate Setup: If time is your biggest constraint, consider hiring a local task-based service just for furniture assembly and setup. This cuts your time involvement dramatically without the designer price tag.

Ultimately, the goal is to balance aesthetics with efficiency and cost and it’s very possible with the right system in place!

I’d be interested but cautious. Paying a monthly fee during slow months might not make sense unless it helps get more bookings. Also, if the amenities are more than 15 minutes away, guests might not use them much. A trial or discount to test it first would be great before committing long-term.