I’m currently learning the ropes of real estate investing and planning my first house hack — but more than anything, I want to learn directly from experienced investors in DFW by adding value first.My background is in branding, social media strategy, and tech — things like web design, digital marketing, content systems, and automation tools.

I can't imagine how much extra time is spent without having automation.

I would take brokers out to dinner, get to know their families, and find common interests, like I did with the fly-fishing broker I talked about at the start of this chapter.To streamline the underwriting process and ensure consistency, I implemented a model or spreadsheet.

Lodgify✅ Free plan (basic)Super easy site builder, payment processing, mobile friendlyFree version has Lodgify brandingBeginners, single cabinBoostly (WordPress templates)✅ Free templates (DIY)Customizable, SEO-friendlyManual setup (tech skills needed)DIY-savvy hostsZeevou Direct✅ 100% free planDirect booking pages, iCal sync, no commissionBasic customization, smaller user baseBudget-focused hostsYourPorter (now Hospitable)✅ Free for 1 propertySimple direct booking site, automated guest messagesLimited customization1-2 property ownersSmoobu✅ Free plan (limited)Quick setup, channel sync, booking enginePaid plans unlock more toolsSimple, no-frills site🥇 Best Free Overall: Lodgify (Starter Plan)✅ Free starter version includes a direct booking website, calendar, and inquiry form.⚙️ Stripe/PayPal integration so you can accept payments directly.🖼️ Easy drag-and-drop website builder — no coding.💻 Mobile responsive & SEO-friendly (helps you show up on Google).🚀 Upgrade only if you want custom branding, automated emails, or channel sync.👉 https://www.lodgify.comPro Tip: Even the free plan looks professional — and you can link it from your Airbnb messages (“Book your next stay with us directly for 10% off!”).

Screening is your first line of defense in reducing rental risk—cutting corners there can cost far more down the road.Cheaper report costs usually mean cheaper data: automated pulls, incomplete records, and no human review.

Don’t just “check a box” with automated results.

You still need to do the local legwork - tour other local houses, meet potential referral partners, and implement your policies & procedures consistently to bulid and maintain a great reputation.

Without automated systems in place, managing an RV park can quickly become a part-time job.

You can check out Avalara - https://www.avalara.com/us/en/...They automate stuff like this.

Here’s the problem with doing “automated analytics” sight unseen.