Advice on my STR pitch and overall Rental Arbitrage advice (Alexandria VA)

[Fakaradin Floyd]

Hey everyone, I'm a 24 year old Software engineer that's always wanted to get into real estate, I graduated college about a year and a half ago and wanted to hit the ground running when graduated. I moved to North Virginia from NYC and saved my money. 

I wanted to buy a property live in it and then rent it out later on but in the DMV areas the housing market is extremely hot and people bid 20k over asking price on houses that only have 900sqft so I decided to get into Airbnb Rental Arbitrage not only because I'm unable to get a house but mainly because I've always wanted to get into Airbnb Rental Arbitrage but never really gave much thought to it. But I know 

I have all the legal side set up LLC, Business Checking account, Business Credit card, and getting my permit for STR since you need one in Alexandria VA.

I just find it really hard to message landlord/apartment complexes/management companies since I'm very experienced and was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what to say and how to go about pitching my business model to landlords.

Right now what I email them is along the lines of 

"I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to inquire about the subletting policy for corporate leasing opportunities I am interested in exploring the potential for flexible rental arrangements within your properties.

Could you please provide me with information regarding your corporate leasing policy and whether it allows for subletting or alternative rental arrangements? I am eager to understand the parameters and any necessary requirements to ensure compliance with your guidelines.

If the corporate lease allows subletting or alternative rental arrangements I would love to come in and check the property as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to discuss potential options that align with your organization's leasing policies.

Best regards"

Any advice helps!

TL;DR Having a hard time pitching airbnb arbitrage to landlords because of lack of experience.

(P.S If you have any leads on properties that allow this business model in the area, contacts that are open for mentoring, and so on feel free to PM me)

[Dave Stokley]

First of all, I suggest you search the forums as arbitrage has been discussed ad nauseam. Most people don’t think it’s a good strategy, and I tend to agree.

That being said, the problem with your message is that it’s filled with BS mumbo jumbo because you’re afraid to be straight-forward about what you’re doing. Nobody knows what the hell “corporate leasing” and “alternative rental arrangements” means. It’s a quick DELETE for me as a business owner. Just say it! “I want to rent your place and put it on Airbnb.”

You also need to explain what’s in it for them. Are you going to pay them more? Are you going to pay them a year of rent upfront? Are you going to give them a cut of the profit? I’m guessing the rental market in Alexandria is very strong so you’d better make it worth it.