.✅ Books like The Airbnb Expert’s Playbook – A great intro to hosting fundamentals.✅ Online communities (Facebook groups, Reddit’s r/Airbnb) – Learn from real hosts sharing what works and what doesn’t.Focus first on guest experience, pricing strategy, and local regulations—those are the pillars of a successful STR business.I can also share my top 5 beginner mistakes to avoid if you’d like—just let me know! 

What helped me was learning the basics of each approach (buy-and-hold, BRRRR, short-term rentals, etc.) and then testing what matched my risk tolerance, timeline, and lifestyle.The cool part is that the fundamentals such as cash flow analysis, financing options, and team building apply no matter where you invest.

But I don't know that the fundamentals for a got market like Cincinnati (listed on the episode) is right for small multi-family rentals.

Focus on neighborhood fundamentals and learn to operate the real estate well.

Syndications and JVs are definitely nuanced, but sticking to fundamentals is what keeps deals solid.

You should start with ensuring that you have the fundamentals set. 

Raleigh and Winston-Salem both have strong fundamentals right now, so you’ve got options.

If you’re looking in Ohio, I’d suggest putting Columbus high on your list—it’s one of the few metro areas where the fundamentals are really strong with population growth, job growth, and huge companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Honda, and Nationwide investing here.

Even if you’re based in Fairfax, you don’t necessarily need to stay local; fundamentals like cash flow, financing, and exit strategy apply everywhere.

Pick a city with strong fundamentals, build a team in that city and start looking at deals.