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All Forum Posts by: Ryan S.

Ryan S. has started 6 posts and replied 36 times.

Quote from @Greg Janes:

Hey @Ryan S. - If you are planning on managing these yourself, be sure to get a good team in place and prepare for things ahead of time that will inevitably go wrong. Managing out-of-state STR properties can be a little challenging, but definitely possible as we've been doing it for years. Here are the things I'd be focused on as you get started: Mastering Remote Management of Out-of-State Airbnb properties.

Here are a few other bits of advice for getting started:

1. Your photos are one of the biggest items to think about. Be thoughtful of your featured photo that will show up on search results (make it unique or really attractive). Also be sure to have photos on there that show what guests can expect to experience at your property - i.e. enjoying the amenities, etc - don't just do traditional "real estate" photos.

2. Focus on what makes your property unique. With so many properties out there to choose from, what really sets yours apart? Focus on that with the photos and the description as well as your headline. 

3. Make sure you're insured. As Mike mentioned above, if you are going to offer any extras, make sure you are properly covered for any of those. It can be done and generally guests really like if there are extras included, but it does carry risk so you'll want to be sure you have it covered.

4. Use the built-in new-listing discounts the channels offer, and do some price discounts up front to start building your reviews. Focus a lot of energy on getting your first reviews for your listings and build your price from there. If you use a dynamic pricing tool, I'd recommend manual adjustments for your highest-demand times of year, but then let it take over the rest of the time.

5. Look at some of the smart devices you can install at your properties - if you are self-managing this is really important! I recently wrote an article about automating your STR with smart devices.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for all the great advice! I'll read the link you shared. Do you have any recommendations on the best Wi-Fi systems that can capture guest info so I can follow up with them for future stays?

Just wanted to share the final outcome. I ended up having to retain legal counsel, and my attorney spoke directly with the seller’s attorney, making it clear that the seller had no legal way out and that I was prepared to sue for specific performance. Fortunately, the seller came to his senses and accepted that he was obligated to close. We officially closed on Friday.

It was a nerve-wracking transaction, but I made it to the finish line. Thank you to everyone who offered advice and support along the way—much appreciated!

Thanks, Mike! That makes perfect sense. There are several local bike shops nearby that offer rentals. I’ll put together a welcome folder with all these recommendations to make it easy for guests.

Thank you, Mark, for the reply! I’m definitely going to hire a professional photographer to take pictures of both properties.

For my Naples home, I was thinking of reaching out to local wedding planners. I’m hoping it could be a great option for bachelor or bachelorette parties, or even for larger groups who want to stay together instead of booking multiple rooms at LaPlaya. I’m planning to keep bikes at the house, and a nice bonus is that LaPlaya has a fleet of electric bikes available for rent just a short walk away. I also love the idea of offering a golf cart and boat charter—great suggestions! I’m not quite sure what to expect with this property since there’s really nothing else like it in the market.

It’s interesting that you think I’ll make more money with STRs. I did a quick search and noticed there’s a lot of competition in Aspen. My place does stand out a bit since it’s a townhouse, which offers more privacy and separation compared to the typical condo, and it’s in a prime location. It’s also nicely renovated. Still, Aspen has plenty of great options, so it’s not quite as unique as my Naples property. It also lacks some amenities like a pool or hot tub, but the location is A+.

I’ve reached out to management companies, but they’re quoting fees between 20% and 40%, which feels steep. I’d rather put in some sweat equity, rent it out myself, and possibly rent it a bit less frequently but still net about the same as I would using a management company. That approach would also give me the flexibility to enjoy the property personally from time to time. I have a great cleaner and a property manager who inspects the unit after each checkout for $90, and I plan to use Hospitable to handle bookings and guest communication.

Hello BiggerPockets!

I'm new to short-term rentals (STRs) and currently own two exciting properties that I believe have serious potential. Like everyone here, I’m looking to maximize profits — but I do feel these properties are uniquely positioned to outperform.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Naples, Florida – 139 Seabreeze Ave

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0fevv6f9VhopkNVrtInLE20yg (Photos are a bit dated — I'm currently completing an update!)

  • Approximately 5,800 sq ft under air

  • Currently 3 bedrooms + office (being expanded to 5 bedrooms)

  • 4 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms

  • Will offer 10 beds, sleeping up to 20 guests comfortably once complete

  • Waterfront property with BIG water views

  • 500-foot walk to the beach and walking distance to beachfront restaurants

  • Prime location near LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, a major wedding venue throughout the year

  • Enhancing outdoor entertaining spaces and upgrading interior furnishings to a high-end luxury rental standard

After researching the Naples STR market, I found very few options combining this size, bedroom count, waterfront access, and proximity to the beach — creating what I believe is a rare and highly desirable offering.

2. Aspen, Colorado – 124 E Durant Ave Unit 7

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0acH8n4Owg-NjmQOg8BGx_3pQ

Just closed on this one through a 1031 exchange — extremely excited about it!

  • Approximately 1,200 sq ft, spread across three levels

  • Currently 2 bedrooms + office, planning to convert to 3 true bedrooms

  • 2 full bathrooms

  • Recently updated with high-end finishes, Venetian plaster walls, and Waterworks fixtures

  • Flat walk to Ajax Mountain(ski slopes), downtown shopping, and restaurants

  • Townhouse style — no neighbors above or below (a big plus compared to typical Aspen condos)

  • Set up with a local team (property manager, handyman, housekeeper) for smooth absentee management

  • Evaluating whether to pursue short-term rentals or monthly furnished rentals, depending on seasonal performance

Would love to hear any advice from experienced STR investors!
Particularly around maximizing nightly rates, enhancing guest experience, and best marketing/booking strategies for premium properties like these.

Thanks so much for any insight you’re willing to share — I really appreciate it!

Quote from @Peter Walther:
Quote from @Ryan S.:

Thank you, everyone, for your advice! I wanted to provide an update on the status of my situation. I hired a litigator to review my position, and they concluded that we had a very strong case. The seller had attempted to buy me out of the deal but ultimately realized they had no legal grounds to back out. Thanks to my attorney’s efforts, the seller has backed down and has now agreed to proceed with the sale.


Congratulations, I'm glad it's working out for you.  Did you find out why the seller wanted to back out?

Sellers remorse.

According to the agent involved in the deal, they think I can get these numbers... Rates:

$2,000 Daily

$10,000 Weekly

$30,000 Monthly

$25,000 Long Term Monthly

$3,000 Holiday Daily

$15,000 Holiday Weekly

I am looking for insight for anyone who has experience in this market to see how realistic that is... 

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Wow @Ryan S. can't wait to see some pics.

Have you checked to see what others are doing in the immediate area on VRBO and AirBNB?

Does it come fully furnished and ready to go or do you need to outfit the place?


 Yes. I am buying it furnished. 

Here is the link: https://www.realtor.com/rentals/details/124-E-Durant-Ave-Apt...

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Please give us a bit more info @Ryan S. Getting a great STR like you are telling us about is more rare these days so I would be interested in the purchase price etc.

30k a month is a huge number.


Price is $4,250,000. Taxes 10k HOA is 9k

The current owner never did short-term rentals. He only occasionally rented it out monthly during peak times and was getting 30k a month. 

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
Quote from @Ryan S.:
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Curious what is the purchase price and taxes/insurance/HOA?


Price $4,250,000. Taxes $10,000. HOA $9,000. Insurance $4,000

Here is the property: https://www.flexmls.com/share/BYLRS/124-E-Durant-Avenue-7-As...


 Very nice, what is annual income?


Not sure... The previous owner used it occasionally and rented it out to offset some costs. I’ve spoken with a few agents who estimate it could generate anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000 in revenue, which is a big range.