All Forum Posts by: Gary Nelson

Hi @Kylie A., when looking at small towns, focus on markets with strong rental demand—whether from visitors, local workers, or a growing economy. Financing can be trickier in smaller markets, so work with an investor-friendly agent and lender who know the area. Might be a bit biased, but Branson is a great example of a small-town market where both STRs and LTRs can be successful. Tourism keeps short-term rentals booked, while long-term rentals offer solid returns at a lower price point with steady demand. If Branson’s on your radar, happy to chat!

Stocking your Airbnb is an opportunity to create a standout guest experience. Start with durable, high-quality basics: plush towels, soft linens, and a fully stocked kitchen with sharp knives, pans, and essentials like oil and spices. Add thoughtful touches like a Keurig or French press, USB chargers, and local travel guides. When it comes to stocking your STR with essentials, balance is key. Providing a starter supply of items like laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and toiletries is common practice and works well for short stays. For longer stays, you can set expectations in your listing by clarifying that guests are responsible for restocking once the provided items are used up. If you'd like to offer more flexibility, consider keeping extra supplies in a locked closet and making them available upon request. Feel free to message me and I can send you my tried and tested list.

I agree, start local and see if you can find anything that cash flows in your area—it's always easier to manage something close by when you're just starting out. If local options aren't a fit, expand your search to other markets with strong rental demand. BiggerPockets is a great place to find featured agents experienced with long-term rental investments—they can guide you to cash-flowing properties and connect you with resources like contractors and property managers.

Hey @Chris Wilson!

Finding good, affordable & reliable cleaners is very important, especially if you're going to self-manage. Most of the more established cleaning crews are already contracted with larger management companies, so I recommend interviewing several before making a decision. Feel free to connect with me here on BP and I can send you a short list of good folks locally. Regarding pricing, most will quote based on the size, i.e. # of bedrooms or on a square foot basis. Most owners consider this expense as a "pass thru" as they'll charge that fee to the guest at booking. If you're seeing less on comparable properties, my guess is that those owners or management companies negotiated a discounted rate to service all their properties, or some may even operate their cleaning services in-house and pass on the discount to their owner-clients. Hope this is helpful, sir!

Totally agree with your approach! Your listing title is the first thing potential guests see, so it's got to stand out. Grabbing attention while highlighting your best features is key. Mentioning unique perks like 'Game Room,' 'Lake View,' or 'Pet-Friendly' can really draw people in. I’ve also seen success with titles that create an emotional connection—something like, ‘Ultimate Family Escape with Stunning Views!’ It’s all about catching their eye and making them click.

Why not both? A collage can be a great way to capture multiple standout features of your property in one image. For example, you could showcase the family-friendly amenities, outdoor spaces, and stylish interiors all at once, similar to the one shared here (this is a listing photo, so I would recommend you change the text to fit your guests). It grabs attention, gives potential guests an immediate sense of what sets your property apart, and helps them imagine staying there. A well-designed collage can work wonders as your first photo!

Also, I would recommend adding some sort of screensaver to the TV screen and I second that a professional photographer is the way to go.

Hey there @Devin Daly! Where did you end up buying rentalst? A great starting point might be to check with your real estate agent—if they’re also an investor, they likely have a solid network and could recommend a trustworthy real estate lawyer who understands investment properties in Missouri. Feel free to reach out if you need direct resources, I can send you some templates, as well as refer over a couple of attorneys contact info for you. I’d be happy to connect and help however I can. Good luck!

If I were starting out now, I’d focus on markets that balance affordability with solid rental demand, both for short-term and long-term rentals. Of course, I’m a bit biased, but Branson, MO, checks a lot of those boxes. It’s a vacation destination with steady year-round tourism, and there are opportunities to find properties that cash flow well, especially centrally located condos or single-family homes in the $250k–$350k range.

That said, the "right" market depends on your investment goals. Are you looking for cash flow, appreciation, or a mix of both? For STRs, focus on areas with robust tourism and flexible regulations. For LTRs, prioritize markets with population growth and strong job markets.

Wherever you choose, work with an investor-friendly agent who knows the local market and can help you analyze deals. Building a solid team and choosing the right asset class are critical to getting a strong start in any market. If you’re curious about Branson or need help narrowing down your options, I’d be happy to chat!

Hey there @Yvonne Jessop! Single-family homes are a great choice right now. I think with the right buy boxes, you can set yourself up with some great deals! We're still seeing some good cashflowing houses down here in Branson as well. I'd be happy to connect and share some insight if you're interested - feel free to reach out!

Welcome, Michael! It's great to see another aspiring investor exploring the Branson market—there's so much potential here. The BRRRR method and house flipping are both fantastic strategies, especially if you're resourceful and willing to put in the work.

If you’re working with limited capital, partnering with others or exploring creative financing options like private money lenders or seller financing might be worth considering. Networking with local investors and building relationships can also open doors to joint ventures or mentorship opportunities. Since you’re in Branson, feel free to reach out if you want to chat about the local market—I’d be happy to share insights and help you get started!