Estimating Occupancy Rates for Short-term rental

[Eric Byington]

Hi all, 

New member here and posting for the first time! My partner and I just bought our first property in Denver and we have a cottage on the property that we're going to use as a rental. We're debating whether or not to go long-term rental vs. short-term (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations or strategies for estimating occupancy rates. I've scoured other properties and looked at their booking calendars, but I don't feel like I'm getting a solid grasp on what the annual occupancy rate might look like. 

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions! 

Eric