How much work are STRs really?

[Roy H.]

Everyone says LTRs are passive, STRs are work.

But why? What exactly makes them more work that can't be automated?

Let's assume you self-manage. The most prominent problems that I can think of are:

• Booking/screening
• Cleaning/laundry/turnover
• Handyman on-call for repairs
• Answering questions from guests
  

You can set up autoresponders to handle booking/check-in/check-out and even requesting reviews/feedback. Cleaning/turnovers can be done with online software as well. Questions from guests during their stay can be handled from your phone in seconds or even outsourced.

You can almost automate everything down to the point where the only thing you need to deal with are major events (repairs, complaints, etc.).

So if you have systems like this in place, are STRs really more work?

You're eliminating a lot of the labor and still hauling more than an LTR (I'd imagine so) even with tools.

Or do people just say that STRs are busy from a perspective without tools and automation? Or am I missing some major hassle of owning an STR? I'm still learning as much as I can.

PS: For those have who skin in the game, how many direct interactions do you typically deal with from your guests on average? What kind of questions do you get? Are they respectful of business hours or does that not exist?

Thanks for any words of wisdom.