Airbnb/Short Term Rental investors - I'm helping a client with global sourcing experience validate a business idea and wondering if this would actually move the needle for you...The concept: A done-for-you supply chain service that sources your recurring STR supplies (towels, toiletries, linens, etc.) directly from vetted factories in China, adds your custom branding, and ships everything consolidated to save you 20-30% vs. retail.So instead of multiple Amazon/Costco runs or risky Alibaba orders, you'd get:Branded amenities (your logo on shampoo bottles, towels, etc.)Bundled shipments every 30-60 daysQuality control and inspection handledBoutique guest experience at wholesale pricesExample: One operator projected $20K+ annual savings on 50+ units just by switching their towel and toiletry sourcing.The tradeoff: 30-day lead times vs. same-day pickup, and you'd need to plan inventory ahead.Honest question for operators with 10+ units: Are you spending $200-500+ per unit annually on supplies, or constantly dealing with inconsistent quality/stockouts?

It's partially behind the low inventory and low sales volume.

There's generally no MLS so you'd only get access to the inventory your agent has access to if you hire one.A good lawyer will help you with offer and purchase process but you can always hire an agent at that later stage if you need help.Finally, there are very good realtors in Mexico but there's nobody I wouldn't risk recommending to you given that all the properties I've purchased have been off-market through my own search or with the help of a relationship on the ground.

This is in part why housing inventory, including new construction is building up.Overall, still is good investment market but you have to go in with your eyes wide open. 

The fall/winter can also lead to higher 'Days on Market' (DOM) and competition i.e. more inventory. 

Liability protection, especially if you’re holding multiple properties.Partnership structuring, if you’re investing with others.Cleaner separation of finances, if you use a business bank account and separate books.What You Could Do Next:If your goal is to deduct more, consider whether you (or your spouse) can meet REPS or STR criteria in the future.Speak with a real estate-focused CPA to double-check how those reno and repair costs were categorized (repairs vs. capital improvements), and how your passive losses were handled.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Prices are slightly down, inventory is rising, and condos show the most risk.📊 Key Market MetricsHome prices: Down ~2–4% YoY (median ≈ $276K).Price cuts: ~28% of listings cut asking prices.Days on market: ~118–121 (up from ~103 last year).Inventory: Approaching 4–5 months of supply → shifting toward buyer’s market.Condos: More supply, longer sales times, higher HOA + insurance costs.Short-term rentals (STRs): ~60% occupancy, solid in peak months but more competition.Financing: Mortgage rates easing slightly but affordability still tight.💡 What Investors Should KnowCash flow > appreciation – Buy properties that pay today, not just someday.Condo caution – Watch for HOAs, insurance, and oversupply dragging returns.Inland & off-peak areas – Better value, steadier long-term tenants, lower entry cost.Negotiating power – Cooling market = leverage for buyers.STR playbook – Professional management, upgrades, and pricing tools are must-haves.💰 Investment Buyer OpportunitiesMotivated Sellers: Nearly 30% of listings cutting prices → room to negotiate.Single-Family Homes Inland: Lower prices + stronger year-round rental demand.Retiree-Focused Housing: Steady demand in 55+ and low-maintenance communities.Small Multifamily (2–4 units): Rising rents + less competition = strong buy-and-hold.Fix & Flip: Longer DOM = distressed sellers and below-value buys.✅ Bottom LineMyrtle Beach is shifting from a hot seller’s market to a more balanced one.

I see many opportunities in the higher-end market for ground-up construction, especially in high-demand areas where inventory is low.

What’s been working for me and my circle lately:Seller financing: solve the seller’s problem first; short-term interest-only with a balloon after value-add keeps cash flow strong.Sub-to/wraps: take over low-rate loans and keep the seller whole—huge when DSCR is tight.Hybrid: small seller carry + private second to cut cash in, then refi into DSCR once stable.Private money: secure with note + mortgage/deed, pay on milestones, send updates—consistency = repeat capital.HELOC/LOC stack: close fast, cover rehab, then refi—speed wins deals.Lease-option: control now, improve, then exercise once financing improves.

Even small improvements like proper lighting, fresh paint, and flooring can make it feel usable and increase buyer appeal.