All Forum Posts by: Melissa Haworth

Available to provide my insight and assistance!

@Zeke Flores would love to help -call me at your convenience at 469-658-2869.

Absolutely, real estate can still be a smart investment—even in this market—and the Panhandle is one of the best areas to consider right now. The demand for vacation rentals in places like Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach remains strong. These are top drive-to destinations for much of the Southeast, so short-term rentals here can generate solid cash flow, especially during peak seasons.

The area is also seeing steady growth, with more infrastructure and amenities being added to support visitors and new residents. This signals long-term appreciation potential. Plus, compared to other parts of Florida, the Panhandle is still relatively affordable, making it a great option for first-time investors or those looking to diversify their portfolio.

Another huge perk is Florida’s no state income tax and landlord-friendly laws, which make it easier to manage and profit from rental properties. And while short-term rentals are the big draw here, there’s also growing demand for mid-term rentals from snowbirds and traveling professionals, as well as long-term housing for the increasing number of permanent residents.

Yes, higher interest rates are a factor, but the strong rental demand in the Panhandle often helps offset those costs. If you buy in a prime location with desirable amenities, you’re setting yourself up for steady income and long-term growth. This area has a unique mix of affordability, beauty, and rental potential that makes it a standout choice for real estate investment.

Hey there! Southwest Florida is definitely an exciting (but competitive) market, so props to you for diving in!

What works best really depends on your goals and risk tolerance, but here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve seen happening in the area:

• STRs: These are still solid in vacation-heavy areas like Naples, Fort Myers, and the barrier islands. Just be sure to check local regulations because some spots are cracking down on STRs. Beachfront or properties near attractions tend to perform best.
• Mid-Term Rentals (MTRs): These are gaining traction, especially with traveling nurses and remote workers. If you’re near hospitals or seasonal hotspots, it’s worth considering.
• Flips: Flipping can work if you’re able to find distressed properties at a discount (good luck—it’s tough right now!) and have solid contractors lined up. Rising property values help, but make sure the numbers work with high carrying costs.
• BRRRR: Great strategy if you can still find properties below market value. You might have to dig into off-market deals, though, since inventory is tight.
• Multi-Family: Always a safe bet if you can snag a good deal. There’s demand for rentals in the area, and multi-family properties tend to hold value even in market shifts.
• New Construction: With SWFL growing fast, new construction is a big play, especially if you can tap into neighborhoods where demand is rising but inventory is still limited. It’s a longer-term game, though, with higher upfront costs.

I’d say spend some time researching your target area and connecting with local investors or meetups—they’re goldmines for market insights and networking. Also, don’t sleep on building relationships with local realtors who specialize in investments. They can be great for spotting opportunities early.

Good luck, let me know if you need any help and keep us posted on what you decide to dive into! 😊

That's a tough call, but a good problem to have—congrats on your first STR! Here's my two cents:

Paying off the condo might make sense if your main goal is to reduce risk and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with no mortgage. With a 7% interest rate and a high HOA, it could definitely help your cash flow in the long run, especially if you're looking for passive income to reinvest later. Plus, having a fully paid-off property could be a nice safety net if the STR market takes a hit or occupancy slows down.

On the flip side, if you're eager to grow, saving for another property could be the better play. A second STR in a market with year-round cash flow potential might balance out your portfolio and give you more consistent income. It sounds like Palm Desert is seasonal, so diversifying into another area could help smooth out those slower months.

It really comes down to your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Are you looking for steady, low-risk passive income now, or are you comfortable taking on more leverage to scale faster? If it were me, I’d run the numbers for both scenarios—how much more cash flow would paying off the condo actually give you, versus how much another investment could potentially bring in?

Either way, sounds like you’re in a good position. Good luck deciding, and I’d love to hear what you end up doing! 😊

Great question, and totally get where you’re coming from! The whole linens debate definitely varies depending on the type of property and the guests you’re targeting.

Some hosts are skipping linens altogether because they’re a hassle and expensive to maintain, especially in busy beach areas with quick turnovers. Plus, there are definitely guests like you who prefer bringing their own for hygiene or convenience reasons—especially those traveling with pets. In areas that are more driving destinations, it’s not uncommon for properties to expect guests to BYOL.

That said, a lot of hosts (myself included) still provide linens because it’s what many guests expect, especially for higher-end or fly-in destinations. It can make the place more appealing to a wider range of people and avoids potential complaints from guests who weren’t thrilled about packing their own bedding.

What I’ve started doing is offering the option—guests can bring their own linens for a small discount, or I provide everything and factor it into my pricing. It seems to work pretty well, and I’ve found that being super clear in the listing about laundry practices (like hypoallergenic detergent, high-temp washes, etc.) helps ease concerns for guests who are a little germ-conscious.

If your guests are mostly drive-in travelers like you, though, going linen-free might actually make sense as long as you’re upfront about it. Curious to hear what others are doing too—this is one of those topics that always seems to have a split opinion! 😊

Hi John,

Welcome to the world of real estate investing—it sounds like you’ve got an amazing foundation to build on, even if you’re just starting out. With your background in computer science, math, and finance, you’re bringing some valuable tools to the table. I also love that you’re thinking about how tech and machine learning could create efficiencies in real estate—there’s so much untapped potential in that space!

For someone in your position, starting small but strategic might be the best move. With $30K available, you could look at partnering with your parents to co-invest in a property. It's a lower-risk way to get your feet wet while you're learning. House hacking might also be worth exploring—buying a duplex or small multi-family property, living in one unit, and renting out the others. It's a great way to start building equity while offsetting living costs, and programs like FHA loans can make it easier to get in with a lower down payment.

Since your parents are open to diversifying into real estate, that could be a big advantage, especially with the equity they have tied up in their property. Tapping into that equity through a HELOC or cash-out refinance and reinvesting in higher-performing assets could improve their ROI significantly. If you do decide to work with them, you could set up a clear partnership where they're equity partners and you handle the management and operations. It keeps things professional while giving you room to grow your expertise.

I admire your perspective on keeping your parents’ resources separate from your own—it’s smart to want to succeed on your own terms. At the same time, using those resources strategically now could help you build momentum for your own portfolio faster. It’s all about finding that balance.

As for incorporating tech into real estate, there are so many opportunities! From using data to identify emerging markets to building tools that automate property analysis or management, your skills could really give you an edge. Even creating a simple model to evaluate potential deals or predict returns could be a fun way to combine your interests while gaining hands-on experience.

The most important thing is to start somewhere. Even a small first step will teach you so much, and with your analytical mindset, I have no doubt you’ll make smart decisions along the way. If you ever have questions or want feedback on a plan, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help. Best of luck to you! 😊

Hi Terrence, welcome to the world of rental property investing—it’s an exciting journey, and you’ve picked a great spot to start! Pensacola has a lot of potential, and I’ve seen investors do really well in the area with both long-term and short-term rentals.

Since you’re just getting started, here are a few tips that might help:

1. Know Your Market: Pensacola's mix of military families, college students, and tourists means there's a steady demand for rentals. Do some research to figure out what type of property—long-term rental (LTR) or short-term rental (STR)—best suits your goals. For STRs, properties near the beach or downtown tend to perform well.
2. Start Small and Smart: If this is your first property, focus on something manageable. A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.
3. Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.
4. Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.
5. Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential. Include all expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management fees if you’re not managing it yourself.
6. Network Like Crazy: You’ve already made a great first step by joining this group! Connecting with other local investors can help you learn the ropes faster and avoid common pitfalls.

If you have any specific questions—whether it’s about neighborhoods, property types, or what to expect—I’d be happy to help. Wishing you tons of success as you get started! 😊

If you ever consider the gulf coast, specifically the Emerald Coast such as Destin or Panama City Beach I would be happy to help. I am an investor and an agent specializing in helping out-of-state investors find exactly what they're looking for! 

Hi there! It sounds like you’ve got an exciting plan mapped out, and I love that you’re thinking of starting a property management business while building your own portfolio—that’s a smart move. I’ve worked with a lot of investors and property managers in both Texas and Florida, so hopefully, I can help you sort through the options.

Florida Vibes

Florida could be a fantastic choice if you're leaning toward short-term rentals. The tourism demand is strong year-round, especially in beach towns like Panama City Beach or Destin. STR-friendly markets make it easier to get started and grow your business, and the lack of state income tax is a huge perk. Plus, if you're also thinking about a lifestyle element, who doesn't love living near the beach?

For family life, there are great communities with good schools and a lot of kid-friendly activities. Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, or Niceville (yes, that’s the real name!) are areas worth looking into if you want a balance of family living and business opportunity.

Texas Perspective

Texas is a great market for long-term rentals, especially in cities like Austin, Dallas, or Houston, where population and job growth are booming. STRs are an option too, but you’ll need to navigate stricter regulations in some areas. That said, Texas tends to offer more affordable housing than Florida’s coastal towns, so your money might go further if you’re buying properties for yourself and your portfolio.

When it comes to family life, Texas has tons of family-friendly suburbs with excellent schools. Some areas near Austin or Dallas could be perfect if you want a more suburban vibe with plenty of amenities for your kids.

Starting a Cleaning or Landscaping Business

Both states offer strong opportunities here. Florida’s high turnover in STRs means cleaning services are always in demand, while Texas’s suburban sprawl could keep a landscaping business busy year-round. It really depends on whether you prefer the hustle of managing STRs or the steadier income from LTRs.

My Take

If you're drawn to the energy of the STR market and love the idea of working where people vacation, Florida might be the way to go. But if you're looking for a more stable, family-friendly environment with lower costs and a focus on LTRs, Texas could be a better fit.

Since you have young kids, I’d dig deeper into school districts and neighborhoods in both states—family life can really shape where you’ll feel at home. If you’re curious about specific markets in Florida, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help brainstorm ideas or share what I’ve seen work for others. 😊