Seattle & Airbnb, post-COVID

[Sean Lee]

Hey friends,

I'm looking into investing in a 3 bedroom, living in it, and Airbnb'ing out the extra two rooms.

As I'm almost ~30yo, Airbnb'ing out the extra rooms seems more appealing than renting out the two extra rooms to roommates. The flexibility to stop renting it when I want seems to be a good advantage of Airbnb in the long run.

Because of the decision to Airbnb in the long run, I've found that areas like West Seattle, North Beacon Hill, and Mount Baker should cash flow well-- having the combination of being close enough to Pike Place / downtown, but still at a decent home price.

Though, I don't know much about what I'd be getting into, with Airbnb & Seattle.

Does anyone have thoughts, guidance, or resources on the idea? Suggestions on neighborhoods are welcome too-- anywhere in Greater Seattle.

I know COVID is impossible to predict, so I'd definitely appreciate advice in both scenarios (COVID dragging out vs. resolving quickly.) 

Please critique away, and don't hold back-- I'm not attached to the idea at all. My backup option would be to purchase a smaller place for myself (maybe Lynnwood/West Seattle) and begin saving for a separate rental property.

Thanks in advance!