Keep it LTR or switch it up to STR?!

[Ernes Sahic]

Hello everyone,

I would like to get some advice about STR's. I currently have a SFH in Arlington TX that is being used as a LTR. I was thinking about turning the house into a STR, but before I do I wanted to hear what some experienced STR owners think.

The house currently rents for $2195 a month. Property is 13 miles(20 minutes) from Dallas cowboy ATT stadium, Texas Rangers ballpark, Six Flags, & Hurricane Harbor. 10 miles from Arlington Museum & Music hall. 5 miles from Hawaiian Falls. A concern of mine is that the property is to far from the tourist attractions?

Below is a screenshot from AirDNA. How accurate are these numbers? Are there any other sources I can use to research STR numbers. I use Rentometer for my LTR numbers.

Current lease ends 8/1/22. Would it be a smart decision to use this property as a vacation rental instead of renting it to long term tenants? Should I try it for a year? I've lived in the Arlington area most of my life and don't feel like Arlington is a huge vacation destination. How do other locals and out of state people feel about Arlington TX as a vacation location? I know there is more work that goes into renting short term and I eventually plan on purchasing STR in other more desirable locations, so I see this property as a test run that I know I can switch back into long term if need be.

Thanks for reading my post. I'd like to read and learn more about short term rentals, so any info/secrets you can share I'm open to listening

[Andy Webb]

@Ernes Sahic - first check with the city of Arlington to be sure you are within their allowed footprint to operate an STR. They have delimited an area around the attractions you mentioned where STRs are allowed...outside of that area they are not and it sounds like you could be beyond that footprint.

Andy