AirBnB: Managing myself vs Airbnb Arbitrage Model

[Anandhu Jayan]

Hello,

I'm a long time follower of this community and recently made the jump into purchasing a home in Houston with the intend of turning it into an AirBnb. At the time I made the decision to purchase this home that is currently finishing construction, I was still working in Houston. However, recently I've had to relocate to another city for a long term project. This makes it harder for me to get the property furnished, and set-up to become an AirBnb. After reading through many of the posts and talking to some people, I have three options:

1) Hire a Property Management company that specializes in AirBnbs.

2) Rent to someone who does AirBnB arbitrage. 

3) Manage it myself. 

I know there are pros and cons for all three of these options, but I would like to hear if any of you have gone through such a scenario and what path you chose. 

Thank you.

[Myka Artis]

Option 3. There are way too many tools available to self-manage your business with very little work involved. I'll list a few systems you can use to automate communications with your guests and your staff that you choose to have on board. A good cleaner can pretty much handle all the day-to-day operations of a short-term rental. If you can connect them with your handyman you are good to go. Anyway on to the tools.

1. Smartbnb (automates guest communication)
2. Yourporter (creates a direct booking interface, handles communication, and can handle turnover appointing)
3. Turnoverbnb (Handles turnover communication with your cleaner and payment)
4. Slack (handles all communication with your operations team)
5. Beyondpricing, PriceLabs, & Wheelhouse (pricing automation tools)

I have a lot of Houston connections so if you do decide to go the Houston short term rental property management company route just let me know I can get you in contact with some of the best in the area.