All Forum Posts by: Brian Seelos

@Jenessa NeSmith Wow. That is all such great info. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me. We just bought a duplex in a nice area of the town we live in, and will be living in one unit and full-time Airbnbing the other unit. Like you, we have experience staying in Airbnb's and think it's a great model for a side business. We are really excited about the opportunity and fully expect some challenges ahead. Thanks again for the info.

@Jenessa NeSmith Congrats on the success you have had so far. We are hoping/planning on similar results.

• Why did you decide to only go with Airbnb?
• Do you plan to use other platforms in the future?
• Do you list the properties not owned by you under your Airbnb profile, or under the owners and then co-host?
• What kind of content do you have on your website? Is it a blog or a site listing your rentals?
• What do you include in the personal trip itineraries and recommendations? This sounds like a really neat idea.

Thanks so much for your feedback. We are trying to figure this out as we go, so it can be a little daunting.

@Richard Ibeh Thanks for the Input Richard. We are thinking of using an on-demand liability policy through Slice for bookings.

I am actually in the process of evaluating a number of software options. So far, Lodgable, Tokeet, and 365 Villas seem like good tools with upside.

We discussed including extras (snacks, drinks, wine, soaps, etc.) and adding those costs to the cleaning fee.

Hey @Jenessa NeSmith, @Tyler Work, @Tim Thornton

This has been a really informational thread. My wife and I are in the process of starting our STR management company. I do have some questions, if anyone wants to help me wrap my head around this.

• How have you setup your business structure for liability and tax purposes?
• Do you use any liability insurance products for the rentals that you do not own?
• Is your commission inclusive of any booking fees charged by the sites? Or do you pass those fees along and then get your 20%?
• Do any of you use management software?
• What extras do you provide? Wine, snacks, beverages, etc.
• Outside of the rental sites, what kind of marketing do you do to keep the listings full?

Thanks for all your help.

Sounds like a plan.

@Antoine Martel, @Luke Bauer, @Georgui Kasaev  Thanks for the input guys.

Does anyone have experience with foundation issues with buying foreclosures? We're looking at an auction property, that is "as is" but has visible foundation problems. I've never had to deal with foundations before, and was wondering if it was going to be more trouble than its worth.

Does anyone in Athens, GA have a contractor recommendation? We're looking for someone who can handle a total rehab/on-going projects.

Thanks for the info Georgui

Thanks so much Jonathan. I'll check him out.