All Forum Posts by: Sam Amir

HelpHost is the leading vacation rental (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.) management company in Chicago and Colorado with over 130 properties under management as Airbnb rentals worth over $100M.

We are rapidly growing and looking for an Assistant Chicago Vacation Rental Branch Manager to learn the business and grow with us in order to replace our current Branch Manager due to a promotion. We reward our team members who show us dedication and hard work with promotions, higher pay and more freedom.

**Salary is $40k - $60k after a paid training program for the first couple months which you are paid hourly for. The training results will determine your eligibility for full time employment**

We are looking for someone who is:

• Resourceful
• Detail Oriented
• Self Directed
• Able to Work a flexible schedule
• Handy
• Guest Service Oriented
• Strong Communication Skills
• Able to Drive, Has a Car
• Lives in the City of Chicago
• Tech saavy (Google calendar and email proficient)

The Assistant Branch Manager will be working closely with the Branch Manager in training and learn how to efficiently operate a real estate portfolio as Airbnb and vacation rentals. Responsibilities include:

• Meeting with Branch Manager every work day to outline various maintenance tasks
• Assisting Branch Manager with onboarding new properties to the system
• Filling out inspection documents thoroughly
• Conducting unit inspections
• Proactively communicating any property maintenance/cleaning issues with Branch Manager
• Coordinating cleaning issues with cleaning team
• Coordinating maintenance issues with management
• Communication with management, cleaning team, branch manager and guests with any issues

Hey Jay, yes this is a pretty new industry and has created a need for short term rental property managers. There's more than a handful of us "Airbnb Management" companies here in Chicago. 

Mike, totally agree with you, its very hard to maintain a 5 star rating. While I haven't ever heard of anyone exchanging a refund for a review, I did laugh!

Hi Olga, Chicago's STR market isn't too shabby. We manage most of our units on the northwest side, but there's great neighborhoods across the board.

Look into Wrigleyville, Wicker Park, Logan Square, South Loop, Uki Village, Lakeview, Bucktown, River North

PM me if you need any more info.

Thanks,

Sam

Hey everyone, due to circumstances out of our control, we have to postpone the event tonight. I apologize for the inconvenience as I know some of you planned your schedule around this. We are working on a new date, so please stay tuned for an update. It's a huge bummer so please bare with us. I'm available for any help individually if needed.

Thanks,
Sam

Have you ever thought about buying a multi-unit, but have no idea where to even start?

Have you heard about the many people making tons of money with Airbnb?

If you have any interest in learning the answer to either question, please join our expert speakers at the newest joint in town, The Navigator Taproom, for FREE pizza and a complimentary pint!

RSVP Here: 

You'll learn how to not only find and finance a great deal, but also how to utilize Airbnb to skyrocket your profits out of the stratosphere and pay down that mortgage quicker. From A - Z, we've got you covered!

We'll leave plenty of time for questions and people to mingle after the main event is done. Sound good?!

Perfect!

Educate yourself and learn how so many others are employing this strategy successfully, RSVP now!

Cheers,

Sam Amir

Director of Operations | HelpHost

d: (314) 732-6352 | e: [email protected]

@Brian T. doing a full service turn at each checkout is definitely challenging. I would recommend checking out http://breckmountainmanagement.com. They do full-service management including bookings, pricing and guest communications but if you just need cleaning, I'm sure they'd be open to talking. 

Good luck!

Congrats man, that's a decent block. I like EGP as well, it's got potential (easy access to L, a beautiful park, nice architecture) and I hope it grows.

Also, a 6 BDR/4 BA unit is nuts! Is that one leased up? May be hard to find a tenant for that big of a unit.

Some tips I would have is to screen new tenants properly, start forming a team and networking with not only real estate professionals (attorneys, accountants, brokers, handymen), but also local residents by attending the community meetings. There's some good people there looking to better their neighborhood. Here's a link to their website: http://www.gpcommunitycouncil.org/index.html

Ping me if you have any questions, being a landlord is love-hate relationship sometimes!

-Sam

@Matthew Olszak pretty much nailed it. I've worked with someone who had the same thought about 15 years ago. He just sold his 3-flat there and lost about $200k...

Air on the side of caution. Look east of Douglas Park, that area has potential.

-Sam

@Sabrina Brown is definitely right. Be sure he's not making it sound too easy...cause it's definitely not. Managing 10 airbnb's by yourself is doable (although still pretty difficult), but anything over and it WILL become your full-time job if you want to provide supreme service. 

Overall, Brian's model is awesome...little risk compared to the upside but it is definitely not a passive investment or an easy business. If you're up for challenges, go for it!

Hey Phil, great questions. You should be fine. As long as your mailing address on your bills is that address and you claim that address on property taxes for your homeowner exemption (may vary from state to state), it's considered your primary residence. There's a .01% chance they come knocking on your door to check if you live there, so take that as you may.

As far as the property management goes, make sure your numbers still work with the prop management fee (typically 5% - 10% of gross income, call around and see what companies will charge).

Good luck!