All Forum Posts by: Armani Colon

Hi Mike,

First - thank you very much for sharing these wonderful examples. I think this is a valuable reminder to newer or less-seasoned investors, that successful STR's are BUILT, not always bought.

#3, Old coach is my favorite! 

Hey @Mark Miles

I think going pet-friendly is a solid value-add idea. Many travelers are looking for that option since finding pet-friendly hotels can be a hassle. T

From my experience helping manage over 80 STRs, we’ve had great luck with pets, and it hasn’t caused any issues. Here are a few things that have worked for us:

First, have a clear pet policy. Just lay out the rules on pet size, breed, and how many pets are allowed. It helps avoid any confusion from the start.

It's worth considering adding a non-refundable pet fee or a refundable deposit. This covers extra cleaning and still keeps fees reasonable for guests. 

Also, make sure your cleaning crew is trained on pet cleaning best-practices to avoid any issues for upcoming guests.

Small touches like dog bowls or treats can really enhance the overall experience. It shows you’re not only pet-friendly but pet-WELCOME. 

Finally, create a guide with info on nearby parks, pet stores, and vets. It adds significant value and can encourage guests to book with you again considering the well thought approach for their fur-babies. 

These steps have made a difference for us. Hoping this helps and all goes well for you!

As everyone mentioned, using PriceLabs and dynamic pricing can really help boost those mid-week bookings. Lowering prices on slower days can fill in the gaps, and it’s also worth setting longer minimum stays in advance to mitigate low booking volume over time.

In my experience, mid-week travelers are usually on the road for work—client meetings, interviews, conferences, that sort of thing. Marketing mid-week as a work-friendly spot at a discounted rate could really attract that crowd.

And one more thing—your A-frame is beautiful.However, I’d definitely recommend bringing in a professional photographer. People tend to shop with their eyes, so give them something incredible to look at!

I agree with everyone that two beds in the Master bedroom might feel a bit odd. In my experience in the Poconos, 3-bedroom properties typically attract smaller groups—like couples with a kid or two, or two couples with maybe one child each. These guests usually prefer a typical bedroom setup and aren’t looking to max out on beds.

For anything under 5 bedrooms, I’d suggest not cramming in too many beds, because the type of guests booking a 3-bedroom are often the same ones who’d consider a 2-bedroom—they just want a bit more space.

However, If your goal is to simply increase bed count, maybe adding bunk beds in one room and keep a king or queen in the others. But of course, this all depends on your market and what your guests are looking for in 2- or 3-bedroom properties.

Quote from @Tina Chau:

Hey Ravi, I’m in tobyhanna township too.  Did you ever get your permit?  What ended up happening ultimately with the septic with the township? 

Hey Ravi, I’m in Tobyhanna Township too and have exposure w/ similar septic issues for STR permitting. It can be tricky navigating this process, especially with the township’s requirements. If you’re still working through it, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned—feel free to reach out!

As many have already mentioned, adding a hot tub really depends on your market competition. I'd look into AirDNA comps to see performance with/without.

In the Poconos, PA, hot tubs are standard for STRs and are a big draw. So from my experience here is what you can consider: 

Having a reliable technician or two on standby for unexpected issues. Also, very important to consider whether your cleaning team is comfortable with maintaining the hot tub and balancing the PH between each guest.

Our cleaning team empties, cleans and refills the water between each stay. Then update our guests about the process (because it can take hours to heat up to a reasonable temp), so they know what to expect. This helps with claims about dirty water etc.

Either way you go, the takeaway is being able to consistently maintain a certain level of service and being prepared to integrate this into your team's schedule/management work flows. 

Best of Luck!

Hi Brian,

First off, big congrats on your first investment! Good luck with the sale. Out of curiosity, would you recommend backflip to new investors? 

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Purchase price: $100,000
Cash invested: $50,000

Off-market Fix and Flip in Pocono's, PA.
Purchase Price: $100,000
Est Reno Costs: $50,000
Est ARV: $290,000

My partner and I found a beautiful but outdated Chalet with great bones. It will need a full-gut rehab. It is currently a 2/1, we plan to convert to a 3/1. Hasn't been updated since early 2000's. Primary strategy is to fix and flip with a back up plans being LTR or STR given that it's located in an STR Friendly HOA with low fees.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Initially we had intended on starting our real estate journey through multi-family house hacking, but this opportunity popped up first and it was hard to ignore. After touring the property and running the numbers, we decided we could not pass on it. It's a beautiful Chalet located in a good neighborhood. Comps in our market support the interest for this type of home. Naturally we are a bit nervous, but we have solid exit strategies in place which helps to reassure our confidence!

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Privately sourced and negotiated.

How did you finance this deal?

FHA + Seller Financing.

What was the outcome?

In-progress - will update throughout the process!

Welcome to BP, Pawaroon!

With your amount down, I'd say that house hacking or investing in a single-family rental are both solid options. Since you're in Central Jersey, I'll keep my advice general.

First, think about your personal strengths and how they fit into your investment strategy. For example, consider how you plan to manage being an owner and possibly a super. Are you ready to deal with tenants, handle emergency repairs, and manage the day-to-day running of the property? These are important factors to think about. 

If you choose to invest in a single-family home for rent, consider the local rental market conditions. Look into the average rent prices in the area to ensure you can net a positive cashflow. Also, I'd think about the long-term potential for appreciation and the health of the neighborhood.

All in all, I think it's great that you're at a position where you can seriously consider investing and wish you the best of luck either way you go!

Hi Brian,

I believe it is important to consider market resilience as well as sustained growth. For instance, the Poconos have remained a popular option because of its year-round tourism draw, with skiing and lodging in the winter, hiking in the fall, and camping around lakes in the summer.

As others have said, going into markets with one draw is risky.

Apart from location, having a clear understanding of STR regulations in your market is key. For example, some cities have started capping the number of short-term rentals allowed, while certain HOAs impose fees that can significantly cut into your margins.

For out-of-state investments, having a trustworthy property management team that understands local laws and has good relationships with HOAs can make all the difference. Ideally, the right company will handle everything from cleaning and booking management to on-the-ground troubleshooting for guests when needed.