Getting Started with Short-term Rental

[Dallin Jolley]

I have done a few flips and long-term rentals in the past but I am trying to get started with short-term rentals and utilizing AirBnb and/or VRBO. I am having a hard time finding many resources that describe how to get data to make informed decisions and how to analyze a deal. I am needing to find out occupancy rates for certain areas and would love general tips/advice to get started. I will end up needing to find a partner with capital since I am starting out with limited funds but have the time/work to invest, also being a licensed agent where it might be helpful. 

Just looking for general guidance, good contacts, or best way to really get started. I am located in Utah and markets are too seasonal (with exception of one area) so would need to potentially do a deal out-of-state unless I can make the numbers work for the specific market in Utah that I have in mind.   

[Robert Gilstrap]

Not knocking what @Duane Richards is saying here but rather than apply a blanket occupancy rate as a rule of thumb you really need to evaluate the area. A Ski Chalet in Utah that attracts vacationers in the winter might only be 30% occupancy but regular day to day Airbnbs are 45-50% for people who people don't know what they are doing or upwards of 80% for professionals. My point is it really depends on the target demographic and the area. If I only got 30% occupancy in Atlanta I would be out of business.