All Forum Posts by: Francisco Avila

Hello Bigger Pockets!

I have listened to 43 episodes of Bigger Pockets and I would like to become more involved.  I am a Navy service member, Active Duty, currently stationed in Maryland.  I have two short termed vacation rentals 18 minutes outside Disney World Orlando FL.  I have built a home in Maryland, and after listening to so many podcasts I am interested in investing in multi family homes less than 6 units. 

My question to other investors out there with commercial +5 units multi home: Is it worth building a 5-6 unit building in a multi unit zoned area? and if so, what kind of hurdles should I account for in planning my strategy?

I have read and been inspired by Lance A. Edward's book: "How to make Big Money in Small Apartments", and would like feedback from other perspectives. 

Thank you all in advance!

Sincerely, 

Francisco Avila

Hi Mindy and everybody that has responded,  

I have two short term vacation rentals (single family homes) 18 minutes from Disney World in the Orlando Florida area.  When we first set them up, my idea was to bake cakes, cookies, balloons, or just something completely over the top.  Over the year I have owned the two houses I have learned most of my guests, may not really want or need that.  I have mostly 5 star reviews on AirBnB, HomeAway, and Booking.com, I have learned to reduce my "over the top provisions" to 3 things they are not expecting: 

Sunblock Spray ($5.00-$9.00) consumable  (use what you need, if you need) Most people bring sunblock, but usually will not pack enough.  

Umbrella ($20.00, purchased in September for our own personal use, and I am still surprised nobody has stolen it) I tell people to keep it in their car until check out, in case they need it. 

Stroller (people with 5 year olds re-learn how fast their kids get tired and how heavy they become)

These have worked best for me, since I provide a 24 hour check in, I don't want cookies or cake sitting out all day for them to get there, and it reduces the work required on my property manager in getting consumables for the new guests. I hope this helps. 

Francisco Avila

Ahh Villa Clermont FL