All Forum Posts by: Cliff Benner

It was listed online. I just contacted an agent in the area and they helped me with the transaction. 

I'm in the process of buying a small, boutique motel (7 rooms in the motel and 12 stand-alone, seasonal cabins) that's on 3-acres. There is also a house onsite that the current owners live in and manage the business from. I will be looking to hire someone to run this business for me and they will be able to live in the house as part of their compensation.

My goal is to renovate the rooms and cabins and expand by adding more year-round cabins designed for longer stays. Are there any other moteliers in the BP community? If so, what lessons have you learned along the way and what tech are you using to automate. I'm looking at ResNexus with keyless entry locks. What's your experience with running a motel?

Yeah, I know states like Florida and Arizona have prohibited local municipalities from restricting non-owner occupied STRs. That is comforting, if I'm an investor.

I still feel good about investing in Colorado locations if the area has a law on the books actively allowing Airbnb. (I distinguish this from towns where you can do Airbnb but only because there's no law whatsoever.) If a city or county has a law allowing for non-owner occupied short-term rentals, and then revokes that and doesn't grandfather in existing listings, they're going to have a lawsuit on their hands. There are already two lawsuits by Breckenridge and Summit County Airbnb owners here in Colorado. And a similar lawsuit by an STR owner in Austin was successful. 

And in this way, the state of Florida is no different, right? They're a state that has said "Have at it with your STR" just like many cities in Colorado have (or had) done, but Florida could change that, too. At a certain point, you've got to make a decision based on the legislation before you.

 So far, all of the RV resorts we've completed were in Counties.  I did have conversations regarding potential projects within City limits but we've concluded that the restrictions would add a substantial development cost increase.  Given the nature of the rv parks, the outskirts of cities would be ideal along major freeways (or at least not too far from a major freeway)...of course there are different types of parks that cater to a variety of clientele which can range from seasonal workers, individuals who can't qualify for rental homes/apartments or purchase their own home.  

Many variables come into play when it comes to zoning.  I'd start with a generalized budget and determine what type of clientele one would be comfortable with working with.  

I've designed and built several RV resorts South of Houston within the past few years.  For sure one of the biggest hurdles is working with the utility provider (electrical).  I'd be happy to look at your layout and offer some suggestions and tips.