Airbnb backed rental properties? Should I invest? Where? Why?

[Eric Moeller]

Hey all!

I wanted to get everyones opinion on investing in single family homes for the purpose of running a short-term rental business through Airbnb. After running numbers on a handful of projects in Vegas, Florida and even San Diego I can't seem to find an argument to NOT invest in this business model.

Has anyone focused on this niche? Are you current investing in properties to exclusively run an Airbnb business? What are your feelings? Pros and Cons? Best areas to invest?

Thank you!

[Justin R.]

I have a colleague who just started doing this here in SD.  Just one data point, but he had to abandon Airbnb and switch to short term (greater than 30 days) rentals instead.  This came after neighbors saw what he was doing and took issue with it.

Just conjecture on my part, but there are neighborhoods where short term rentals are the norm, and I would think this model could work there.  But I wouldn't personally try it in a neighborhood that isn't already compatible with it.

Always anxious to hear input from folks with direct experience...