All Forum Posts by: Anja Schaer

Hi Tom, at 26 with $120K, you’re off to a great start! For your Cleveland Heights/Lakewood duplex, self-managing a long-term rental (LTR) beats hiring out for short-term rentals (STRs) given your coaching schedule—AirDNA 2024 shows Cleveland STRs averaging $120-$150/night, but management fees (15-25%) and time sink could erase that edge. LTRs net $300-$500/unit monthly with minimal effort, per local Zillow trends.

I'm Anja, an STR/MTR host and co-host in North Atlanta (North Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Paulding). I self-managed an LTR duplex in Gwinnett early on—$800/month profit—before scaling to STRs with a team. Start with LTR, automate tenant screening (e.g., Avail), and bank cash for your house hack. STR later when you've got bandwidth. What's your retirement timeline? Let's strategize!

Hi Tom, self-managing a long-term rental (LTR) beats hiring out a short-term rental (STR) for profit-to-effort—50 hours/year (Nathan's estimate) nets $300-$500/month per unit (2024 Rentometer), while STRs at $150-$250/night (AirDNA 2024) lose 20-30% to fees, cutting gains. With STR managers, check their local know-how, guest reviews, and fees—hidden costs like cleaning add up.

I'm Anja—we co-host for STR/MTR owners in North Atlanta (North Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Paulding). My Cobb LTR triplex nets $1,200/month self-managed, and co-hosted STRs clear $3,000/month. Where are you located? I'd love to suggest a manager or optimize your plan!

Hi Jacob, a Newark MTR with a 30-day minimum has big potential—Airbnb’s 2024 data notes a 20% MTR surge in urban hubs like yours, fueled by hybrid workers and relocators. Fill your calendar by targeting niche groups like airline crews or local agency partners (per Vaughn), listing on Airbnb (dynamic pricing, 30-day min) and Furnished Finder, and aligning leases with demand (30-90 days for corporates).

I'm Anja, a North Atlanta STR/MTR expert (North Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Paulding). My hybrid model flipped a Cherokee duplex to MTR for nurses, jumping income from $2,500 to $6,000/month, gap-free. Pre-screen via Airbnb for longer stays and discount 60+ days. Who's your ideal guest? Let's brainstorm!

Hi Nam, welcome to BP! Decatur’s a prime pick for your multifamily near Emory—2024 Mashvisor data shows 3-5 unit rents at $1,800-$2,200/unit, with strong demand. Also consider Druid Hills (walkable to Emory) and Kirkwood (bike-friendly, MARTA)—both promise steady cash flow and access.

I'm Anja, a Metro Atlanta STR/MTR host & co-host (North Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Paulding), familiar with Decatur's trends. Hit Atlanta REIA meetups for investor-friendly agents who snag off-market gems—top deals vanish quick, per Andrew. Prep with BP podcasts (#933's a gem), mock deal analyses, and financing options (portfolio loans suit your stock assets). I turned a tired Cobb 4-unit into a $6,800/month winner with $9K in upgrades. Up for light rehab? Let's dive in!

Hi Itay, boosting your Cleveland STR's appeal is key as occupancy rates climb—up 13% in 2024 per AirDNA. Cleveland leans practical (ADRs $120-$150), but standout design lifts bookings 25%, per Airbnb's 2023 data. Start free by studying top local listings for lighting and cozy vibes, as John suggests, then add a Cleveland twist (e.g., skyline art) to create an experience.

I manage STRs and mid-term rentals in North Atlanta (North Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Paulding). For your budget, pair a $50-$100 Havenly consult with DIY upgrades. In Gwinnett, $200 in lighting and an accent wall spiked one condo’s occupancy to 85%. What’s your property’s style? Happy to brainstorm!

The biggest challenge I face as an STR owner is maintaining profitability with rising costs, taxes, and platform fees eating into revenue. As an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta, I’ve found mid-term rentals (MTRs) with corporate housing partners to be a great way to stabilize income and reduce turnover, offering 2-3x long-term rent.

Staying fully booked during off-seasons is also tough, but using dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs and diversifying into MTRs helps maintain a steady cash flow when short-term bookings slow down.

Hi Ashley, Congrats on getting started with your STRs! Since you’ll be managing remotely, I recommend using property management software like Hospitable for automating messaging, bookings, and cleanings, along with PriceLabs for dynamic pricing. Smart tech like Schlage Encode locks and a smart thermostat will help you manage access and climate from afar, saving you time and stress.

As an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta, I also suggest exploring mid-term rentals (MTRs) through corporate housing partnerships. This model can offer 2-3x the rent of traditional leases with less turnover and more stable income. Focus on clear, engaging listings with good photos, and keep an eye on guest reviews to build a solid reputation.

Hey Eric,

Great to see you’re thinking ahead on costs! Here are a few things to consider:

1. Management Fees: If you hire a property manager, expect to pay 15-25% of your gross revenue. If you self-manage, you’ll save that but it’s a lot of work.
2. Expenses: Don't forget STR insurance, cleaning, utilities, consumables, and maintenance. It's smart to set aside about 5-10% of your revenue for unexpected costs.
3. Hybrid Co-Hosting Model: As an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta, I'd recommend exploring corporate housing partnerships for mid-term rentals. You can earn 2-3x the long-term rent (like $7,300/month instead of $2,300). It’s a great way to reduce turnover, keep wear and tear low, and generate steady income.

This could be a good fit if you're using the property occasionally. Let me know if you want to dive deeper into any of this!

Hi Katie,Welcome to the STR community! It's awesome that you're partnering with your brother and focusing on regional vacation markets for your first property. Avery's book is a great start, and having a checklist will definitely keep you organized!

I have free checklists I’m giving out to help you along the way! Send me a DM if you're interested in getting one. Always happy to help from my experience as an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta!