💫 As we head into 2026, these zip codes stand out not only for low vacancy, but also for continued growth, infrastructure investment, and tenant demand—key indicators for long-term rental performance.📍 Top Performing Zip Codes (Low Vacancy):• 28278 – 7% | Steele Creek: Ongoing residential growth, proximity to Lake Wylie, and continued commercial expansion along South Tryon• 28083 – 8% | Kannapolis: Downtown revitalization, Cannon Ballers Stadium district, and proximity to the NC Research Campus• 28211 – 8% | South Charlotte: Highly populated area with consistent redevelopment near Cotswold & SouthPark• 28092 – 8% | Lincolnton: Growing commuter appeal, new housing developments, and regional manufacturing growth• 28105 – 9% | Matthews: Historic downtown investment, retail expansion, and steady owner-to-renter demand• 28079 – 9% | Indian Trail: Rapid population growth, infrastructure improvements, and retail/commercial expansion• 28262 – 9% | University City: Light rail access, university-driven demand, mixed-use development, and job growth corridor💫 Low vacancy + active development = strong rental fundamentals.

The P&Ls themselves are system-generated from QBO and then reviewed by me and our CPA.How it actually works in practice:• VAs code transactions and reconcile accounts monthly• I review the P&L at the entity and property level for accuracy• CPA does periodic review, cleanup if needed, and tax planning• No VA is making judgment calls on accounting treatment, allocations, or tax decisionsThink of it as assembly line vs sign-off.VAs keep the books current and clean.

Insurance + local code checkBefore finalizing anything, confirm your insurance carrier is aware this is a room-rental setup and check local occupancy rules.

In these cities, don't think it terms of zip code, but in terms of blocks and their local appeal.

Not only that, but I really feel like I hit a groove on this project in terms of managing the stress, loving the process, and learning so much about building code and working with inspectors as a licensed GC here.Taking the financing variable away, my yield on cost here is just under 9%, which is pretty great especially for a 'B' area.

Even in the worst case that you don’t lead capture as part of your booking, it takes all of 30 seconds to print a QR code of your direct listing site and have it up in your rental for guests to save or take with them. 

Whenever someone uses their code, you get a notification on the app. 

A bad deal structure kills returns in any strategy.Sounds like you've cracked the code on finding markets where STR occupancy is strong enough to justify the management cut AND appreciation potential.

Sounds nice — until you’re trying to grow beyond your zip code.

I’m evaluating Indianapolis as a potential secondary market and am in the operator discovery phase.I’m looking to speak with property managers who currently manage room rentals / shared housing, or who have chosen not to manage them and can explain why.My target acquisition profile is:3–4 bedroom SFRsTypically sub-$200kNo HOAsI’m not asking for deals yet -I’m looking to understand:Which zip codes realistically support room rentalsWhat occupancy models PMs will and won’t touchWhere new investors get into troubleBrief conversations are perfectly fine — I value candid insight..