All Forum Posts by: Emily Almufti

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful responses!

I've decided not to accept the offer of the free mobile home, but keep the Airbnb concept. It is too costly to renovate and move the structure in comparison to a new build on site.

My plan is now to buy land in northern MI, where I've done market research on short-term rentals, and build an A-frame vacation home. This is going to be the most efficient use of my money and will require a small startup for a healthy revenue generating business. The architecture of the A-frame and interior design will set this Airbnb apart from my competitors. In addition, the property is going to have many amenities, such as being waterfront, having a hot tub, and having an indoor and outdoor fire pit. 

I have found a few Airbnb hosts in northern Michigan that have multiple properties. I have checked their listings to see what they charge and how often they are booked/how far out they are booked, and more. I am very excited about bringing this idea to fruition.

Thanks for all of your input!

@Brad M. super helpful! Thank you!

@Wayne Brooks this would be in mint condition, almost like a tiny home feel more than a mobile home feel. It would have a rustic design... ideal for the deep woods type you mentioned. 

That's a good perspective. I will say, I know mobile homes depreciate typically so I normally wouldn't look into this as an investment. I am trying to come up with a creative solution as this is a family member that's looking to get rid of their mobile home. They will need to pay $2500 to get rid of it, or they would give it to me for free. I am always thinking of ways to make extra money, and don't really feel a flip would be appropriate here. That's how I came up with the airbnb idea. 

@Tiago Alencar I would be looking at purchasing a lot. There is land in upper MI for very cheap... I'm talking $10k or less. That's a good point. I could compare against the cost to build. I have heard that moving it could cost up to $5k. I'm sure someone out there is doing it, but no one that I've personally met. Regarding the bookings and cleanings/maintenance for the home, I would need to get that all squared away as apart of this project. That's good advice, maybe someone on here is already doing something like this? Please reach out if you're already doing this! :)

Hi all, I have an opportunity to get a 1970s mobile home for free! The home needs quite a bit of work. I'm talking roof, siding, and an entire gut job on the interior. My thoughts are to remodel this and put it on a nice lot with amenities on it or nearby and use it as a short-term rental (think Airbnb). Any thoughts/advice/opinions on this idea? I am based out of MI and was thinking of moving it up north near Lake Michigan. Thanks in advance!