All Forum Posts by: Leslie Anne Morris

I think if you want to keep your quality of life and scale your business then you should be a passive investor.  Get a full-service property manager who knows their stuff!

I’m biased but I would vote for Smoky Mountains! The draw for most investors is that 60% of the US population is within just a days drive. Millions of visitors each year to the free park. 

Not a fan of paying any extra fees. If more hosts were doing this then it may be a different story. If a guest is fee adverse we find that in most cases they are smart enough to see our property name and overall brand name and google to find our direct booking site. 

Yes you can have the guest sign a rental agreement off platform. You can also take a security deposit off platform. You can easily google it and pull airbnbs policy if a guest ever gives you grief over it. I have this process automated through Ownerrez. It may be late for this booking but you could definitely get it set up in time for the next one. 

That should be easily negotiated by your real estate agent. Here in Tennessee it is very common to ask for the furnishings and some agents will include a bill of sale for $1. It keeps it outside the real estate transaction and makes it a separate document (for lending purposes). They may say no if they are partial to the items, however the answer is for sure no if you don’t ask. 

Make sure you use pro photography. Makes a huge difference. List when you are rent ready!

I picked the best vacation market I could find to ensure high occupancy. But there is a new tool called STR Insights that you may want to check out. AirDNA and networking with other investors and learning their markets is also smart.

I use Ownerrez which isn’t on your list but I think deserves some attention. I have not used the other tools you’ve mentioned. Ownerrez has allowed me to scale my property management company quickly. 

I just did this. But right over the state line in Tennessee. The county / city should have a department you can call (it'll be based on where the property is located). You may also need to consider HOA or subdivision regulations if you buy land in one of these places.

80 is still doable. I’m doing one now with TheLender