All Forum Posts by: Kevin Lefeuvre

Nothing justifies the request for exact address when the location on the map is almost that detailed on both VRBO/HA and Airbnb. (I place the pin on another street but still in the circle).
On a similar note, locals are the worst clients for me. You know those who want to rent several weeks because of remodeling etc... and want to see the property. I accepted a few of those during the first years... and all waste of time.

 Oh cool!

Glad you liked it.

I'm on their mailing list and saw this newer model being announced. Will get them when I have some extra time to upgrade.

@John Oden thanks for sharing your experience. Totally agreed. I did evaluate FF last year, and forgot to mention them in my post maybe I thought they are so vertical and towards the low end (smaller homes, more affordable). They are not for my market. But it's great to see you confirm.

@Channon Dade thanks for the details. I was not aware of the 30 day guarantee. Last year I did talk to a rep who was not willing to give a test period. Also, to be honest, their site is not attractive. But your experience proves they should have something there. Funny thing is when I started this business a few years ago, I started with airbnb. Coming from a tech background, airbnb platform is well designed and works smoothly, compared to the old/ugly VRBO at the time (not that much different today, hahaha). But a few years later, I can tell now that VRBO is bringing me higher quality clients, and represents, in terms of $, similar amount as airbnb. So appearances maybe deceptive :-) Thanks for sharing your experience Channon. I may end up going with them if I can't test the waters in a cheaper way.

From my first searches, I thought subet.com seems to have a good coverage, so I paid $20 for one month to test... will see...!

Hey everyone,

I am trying to reduce my dependence on vrbo/airbnb, by using furnished housing sites in addition to the "vacation rentals" platforms.

I see corporatehousingbyowner.com ($230 to give it a try), sublet.com ($20/mo to try),  mynewplace.com,  monthlybyowner.com , ...

Anyone has experience with any of these? Any recommendation?

 Interesting. 

So you don't believe everything you read and have to check every single thing? lol

congrats @Anton Ivanov ! Fantastic story.

Most people get the first house hacking right as you did in 2013 with your Duplex, with an 8% down VA loan and the income as shown by your salary (or self employed from a non RE work).

What I didn't see in your story, is how you financed your first "investment property". You probably had already a high DTI, and no significant cash in hand:

• 2014 - 2015: Ready to buy more properties, but real estate in San Diego is too expensive and cash flow almost non-existent. Started looking out of state. Decided it was too risky to try to buy/rehab myself, so ended up buying 4 turnkey SFRs in Atlanta and Birmingham. Cash flow was good and prices started appreciating over the years, so still happy with these homes.

What type of loan? Where did you get the down from? How much down? Who financed?...

Also How did you get your first commercial loan?

@Carrie Giordano thanks for the detailed response. Very helpful feedback.

I run a STR business with properties in SoCal, so I am familiar with every single challenge you mentioned about STR. Like you I was considering BB since I could use it myself as well. I understand the need for maintenance is higher due to snow, which makes sense. I don't understand why insurance premiums are high there. Is it due to theft with many vacant properties? Or risk of fire ?
And what is the regulation? What does the city need to see in order to issue a STR permit?

My findings @Dong Yan :

You are either super busy and hopefully making a lot of money in your main activity to pay the premium to one of these GCs to get the job done from A to Z, 

or 

play the GC yourself and get your hands dirty by becoming the project manager and the coordinator, and get the permits and draw the plans etc, and then hire the plumber, the electrician, the tile guys, individually so that you keep the costs low.

I went the 2nd route in my project that I love, but since this is NOT my job, it took me more time than it should.

@Carrie Giordano did you finally invest in BB? How did it work for you?
@Alyssa Golden may I ask what's the outcome after a year of STR in BB?