Clearwater Beach Florida Investments

[Anuj Anand]

Hi, 

I've been thinking about buying a condo beach property in Clearwater Florida.  I would like to use it for some time and then rent it out when i'm not there.  I was looking for a property management company or possibly through Airbnb.  Does anyone have any experience with this? 

Thank You

[Phil Weiler]

Hello @Anuj Anand and @Ryan Parnow,

 What I know is both the County (Pinellas) and State are generally PRO Airbnb. As Airbnb automatically pays county and state taxes on booking. Most of the towns are just looking the other way and not enforcing local ordinance. However it is still a very gray area. Generally the tide is swinging in the direction of Airbnb. 

If you are looking in the clearwater beach area you should not have a problem as this is a tourist area and more of less expected. However my general recommendation for anyone looking at this option is to make sure the numbers work as a regular rental property and then if your able to increase your return with AirBnB consider it a bonus.

I just helped a buyer with a townhome in clearwater beach. They'll use the place as a vacation home for 2-4 weeks a year and then rent it out the rest of the year. 

There are 20 different ways to set up your management structure based on your strengths. But a way that I'm seeing people have success with is they manage the Airbnb/VRBO sites. Use a code instead of a key for access and then use the cleaner as there eyes on the ground. This works out well because the cleaner is in the property every time a person leaves and can immediately report the condition, send pictures or whatever you request.

There are a couple cleaning people/companies that are building niche businesses doing this. Let me know if you want some recommendations.

Happy investing!