Best Resources to Acquire and Launch My First STR Investment

Hi Everyone,

I'm reaching out to gather insights and feedback on a few short-term rental (STR) resources I've been vetting over the past few weeks. My goal is to acquire and launch my first STR within the next 60–90 days to qualify for the STR tax loophole this year.

I have a total investment budget of $125K all-in, and I’ve received a wide range of opinions on how best to deploy that capital. I’d love to hear from anyone who has worked with any of the following individuals or companies—or who has thoughts on which might be best suited to help me get started.

Resources I’m Considering:

1. Michael Cheng (Instagram STR Influencer)

• Offers a paid mentorship/coaching program.
• Two options:
  
  • Done-for-you: $25K
  • Do-it-with-you: $15K
• Includes training on self-management and ongoing learning.

2. Bill Faeth (Instagram STR Influencer)

• Offers a “do-it-with-you” coaching program for $9K.
• Includes access to industry experts, curriculum, and coaching calls.
• May partner with STR Search to help source properties.

3. BnB Turnkey (Michael Elefante)

• Full-service solution: property sourcing, design, listing, and co-management.
• Minimum all-in budget: $250K (includes down payment, closing costs, underwriting [$20K], design [$30K], contractor work, and furnishings).
• Targets a minimum 15% cash-on-cash return.

4. My BnB Accelerator (Nick Korum)

• Do it for You: Property sourcing for $25K ($10K upfront, $15K at closing).
• Focus on creative financing (seller financing, subject-to, hybrid).
• Targets properties that are 95% turnkey or underperforming Airbnbs with upside. ($600-$700k 10% down or seller financed; furnished smaller improvements like hot tub, putting green, astroturf, et)
• Strategy: qualify for STR tax loophole, then transition to co-hosting or property management.

5. STR Search (John Bianchi)

• Do it for You: Property sourcing for $18.9K upfront.
• Also supports Techvestor.
• Data-driven approach with a focus on self-management.
• Targets smaller properties ($300K–$450K 10% down remaining for new furniture, sauna, fence, firepit, backyard ammenties, etc.) with room for value-add improvements.

6. STR Insights (Kenny Bedwell)

• Do it for You: Property sourcing for $14K ($7K upfront, $7K upon finding a property).
• Data-driven, self-management focused.
• Hybrid between STR Search and My BnB Accelerator.
• Targets properties needing minimal enhancements.

7. The Short-Term Rental Shop (Avery Carl)

• Driven all by You: Realtor network focused on STRs in major vacation markets.
• Offers free resources and agent connections.

8. Savvy Realty (Tyler Coon)

• Driven all by You: STR-focused realtor network, similar to The Short-Term Rental Shop.

9. Gather STR (Justin Thompson)

• Driven all by You: Offers creative financing deals in key vacation markets.

Other Tools & Resources I’m Exploring:

• Deal Sources: The Offer Sheet Daily, STR Report, BnB Flow
• Analysis Tools: BnB Calc, Chalet, Rabbu, AirDNA, Mashvisor

I’d greatly appreciate any feedback, personal experiences, or recommendations as I narrow down who to work with in the coming weeks. 

Thanks in advance for your help!