What are the challenges, including costs, of managing remotely

[Dev Paul]

I know some people here have STR's which they claim to manage remotely. Im trying to understand challenges and costs associated with that model of managing. I mean on an average how many times in a year you need to travel/fly to your STR properties? Do you have some family or friends who live in your STR towns and help at times? Do you have reliable cleaning and maintenance person whom you hired when you first set your STR up? Im particularly interested in those cases where owner lives far away (more than 10 hr drive- need to fly than drive) and where you primarily manage yourself rather than through a management company (may be mixed model?).

Thanks

[Nancy Bachety]

1) Once a year to several times a year. Depends on whether we want to checkin or feel the need or want to have a vacation. 

2) no

3) damn right. But expect to find and replace as necessary. It’s easier than it sounds if you make connections with other hosts on places like BP or FB. 

We manage 3-4 remotely and have created the opportunity to travel between homes as desired simply by being successful at managing remotely. One is an hour drive, one is a 12 hour drive and one is a three hour flight or 18 hour drive. 

Good luck. Keep asking questions and research the tools that help you make and keep connections.