All Forum Posts by: Melissa Wesling

Those are great markets to invest in because of the year round market.  You can ski in the winter and go hiking and do other activities in the summer.  It's also a popular drive-to market which can be beneficial post Covid-19 if people don't want to fly.  Our STRs are in Michigan, which is also a drive-to market and our bookings recovered significantly once the rental restrictions were lifted due to Covid-19. It sounds like a strong area for investments but the numbers may be all over the place depending on the owner's individual performance. Probably the best thing to do is to talk to experienced agent in area.  I happen to know a great realtor in that area, I'm not sure if i can post here, but happy to share if you want to send me a message.  I also have a great proforma tool that can help you analyze the cash flow analysis.  Good luck!  

Hi Bigger Pockets! I am a new member here and am excited to get advice from experts. We began investing in short-term vacation rentals back in 2007 and now own and manage 2 STRs in southwest Michigan. We rent primarily to families but occasionally to ladies trips as well. We feel like we know the market well enough to construct a purpose-built STR and we have drawn up construction plans. The house will have a basement with a game area and a bedroom/bathroom. The main floor will have the master bed/bath plus a half bath and the second floor will include 4 more beds/baths (one is a bunk room). There are 2 laundry rooms (main floor and upstairs) for quick turn over. There is an indoor fireplace and we are debating a gas firepit outside. We originally had a screened in back porch, but took it off the plans to make the front porch (double decker) larger since there are water views from the front.

Things we are debating: firepit, beverage fridge vs. full size in the basement game area, and what should be put in the game area. Please let me know your list of must haves for an STR so I don't miss anything! Thank you!

I went to college in the Quad Cities and have great memories of the area! Consider making a theme for your property like John Deere (greens and yellows, tractors, farming, etc.), Riverboats, Casinos, historic, etc.  It could be subtle or bold but a fun gimmick is something that might catch a guest's eye when searching for a place to stay. Good luck! 

Hi John! I have wondered about this myself, great question! I think Avery Carl provided great info on the topic. We own STRs in southwest Michigan. The last one we bought (8 years ago) was already operating as an STR and they sold it as fully furnished as part of the listing. We made new accounts under our own website and accounts. At that time the city didn't require a license, but as I understand it today the license would not transfer to a new owner in the sale. They did transfer their list of contacts and guests who were booked, so we continued their calendar after we bought.