Questions about listing and managing my first STR

[Angelo Pompeo]

I'm in the process of purchasing an SFH for the purpose of listing it as an STR. I'm interested in managing it myself after seeing the property management fees for these types of listings. Some questions I've had.

• Do you list your property on all the big STR sites or just choose a few? If multiple, is it relatively easy to sync availability?
• Any recommendations for remote check-in tools? 
• Any good software for automating communications with guests? Canned check-in greetings, check-ups, and check-outs?
• Any recommendations for analyzing current rates? I've just been using airbnb and looking at places near a property I'm analyzing at various times of the year, or considering purchasing airdna data. It's a pretty tedious process. It feels like there has to be a smarter way. 
• Is there a good book on this? When I started flipping, I found The Flipping Blueprint invaluable. I can't find a similar brass-tacks book for short-term renting and management. Mostly just books trying to get me onboard with the idea (spoiler: I'm onboard!).
• Instead of a property management company, some people use marketing companies (for a much smaller fee) and still self-manage. Has anyone found that to be worthwhile? Or is it relatively simple to market once you do it once? 

Thanks in advance. 

-Angelo

[Jimmy Woodard]

• Do you list your property on all the big STR sites or just choose a few? If multiple, is it relatively easy to sync availability? We go with Airbnb and VRBO. It's easy to sync availability, here's an Airbnb article and a VRBO article that shows how.
• Any recommendations for remote check-in tools? August is one but there are many others in the space.
• Any good software for automating communications with guests? Canned check-in greetings, check-ups, and check-outs? Airbnb has a great tool built in to the product you can use. If you want to automate across multiple channels, Guesty works as well.
• Any recommendations for analyzing current rates? I've just been using airbnb and looking at places near a property I'm analyzing at various times of the year, or considering purchasing airdna data. It's a pretty tedious process. It feels like there has to be a smarter way. The smarter way is cross-referencing Airdna, Rabbu, and your own research. You don't need to analyze rates, that's what the tools are for and will give you directional guidance as to a revenue forecast. Your research will help you figure out what amenities your competition offers so you know what to offer that's different and helps you stand out.
• Is there a good book on this? When I started flipping, I found The Flipping Blueprint invaluable. I can't find a similar brass-tacks book for short-term renting and management. Mostly just books trying to get me onboard with the idea (spoiler: I'm onboard!). The forums have everything you need my friend. You'd be amazed how many people ask the same questions. I'd also recommend setting up a keyword alert for "airbnb" and following that to see great content.
• Instead of a property management company, some people use marketing companies (for a much smaller fee) and still self-manage. Has anyone found that to be worthwhile? Or is it relatively simple to market once you do it once? Haven't found a need for a marketing company. Airbnb and VRBO (and all the rest) are incentivized to get bookings because that feeds their bottom line. Let their marketing machine work on your behalf! You can also create your own brand on social media and get influencers to post about your property in exchange for a free stay (mixed results personally, but worth a shot).

Good luck and DM me if you have any other questions!