Was looking to start airbnb arbitrage - Who applies for the STR license?

[Arsh M.]

Looks like Austin requires a license for short term rentals. I assume the owner of the property would be the one who has to apply for this. Is there any way I can perform the license process instead of the owner to help make the process easier for the owner that agrees to do arbitrage with me?

Additionally, the government website for the licenses are saying they are bogged down and it will take 8-10 weeks for response of applications. Realistically how can I pitch to people looking to rent out their houses and apartments if every person I try to convert from a long term landlord to STR landlord will be required to spend $750 on an application fee that takes 8-10 weeks just to process?

Any experienced Airbnb arbitrage people that could help me out?

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Arsh M., I can tell you that no owner will be willing to wait up to 3 months just for a response let alone an approval. That is thousands in lost revenue.

Arbitrage is a job and not investing. Austin is a tough place to do STRs if you are an owner let alone someone doing arbitrage.

Here are some of the regs - https://www.austintexas.gov/si...

Also, I am pretty sure you will need a real estate brokers license. Here is a good primer on what is required and why - https://www.wolterskluwer.com/...