Transition to long term - Airbnb

[Sarah B.]

Hey all! Been awhile since I posted and glad to be back.

I have extensive experience on short term holds and am now looking to get into long term holds, specifically vacation rentals Airbnb/VRBO etc.  I’m open to buying in ANY area.  I have some areas that seem to be good potential, but its a bit overwhelming when I have no experience in any of those areas.  Who currently does short term rentals of this type? How did you start, how did you choose your area? Did you start with your hometown? I live in Key West Florida which has outrageous property prices and even more outrageous insurance and it wouldn’t be smart choice to start. If you didn’t start in your hometown, what made you buy in the city you decided to purchase in? 

Any advice you can give to an experienced flipper transitioning into the vacation rental world? 😁

[Julie McCoy]

Hey @Sarah B.!  Welcome back to BP :)

@Paul Sandhu is the master at what he does, but if you don't prefer to deal with his style of tenant, I second the recommendation of the Smoky Mountains - I learned at the knee of @Luke Carl and now have three fantastic vacation rentals in the area that make me lots of money with very few headaches.  Great year-round occupancy, none of the severe weather or insurance issues you'll find in Florida (especially Key West!!!) and easy to manage from a distance (I lived in Los Angeles when I started with mine).  Also, that area is basically always at the top of any list of Best Places to Invest in Vacation Rentals.  

Happy to connect and share my experience!