Paying cash is safe and admirable, but it totally takes away this strongest tool of real estate investing.If I asked you if you could figure out a way to earn a higher rate of return than 7%, then you should be pulling equity out and rolling it into another.

Use tools like AirDNA to research how often properties are booked and consider seasonality so you can take full advantage of peak times.

Use tools like:Airbnb Analytics: Monitor impressions, clicks, and overall CTR.IntelliHost: Analyze your listing for category placement and CTR improvements.RankBreeze: Track your listing's performance and ranking changes.You can also A/B test your photos by rotating lead images or running Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram) or Google Ads to measure which photo drives the most engagement.The Airbnb algorithm is continuously evolving and every host should pay attention as new features are rolled out. 

Tools?  

Being part Alaska Native, there was incentive where they would pay your down payment and we utilized that tool!

Some investors scrape these records or use data aggregation tools to build their own lists, ensuring they’re tailored to your criteria.• Networking & Local Groups:Engaging with local wholesalers and real estate investment associations can also lead to referrals for quality data sources.

Stay disciplined and avoid rushing into deals without thorough due diligence.Resources for InvestorsIf you’re new to investing in distressed properties or looking to expand your portfolio, consider leveraging resources like:Local Realtors: Realtors specializing in distressed properties can assist in locating off-market deals and navigating complex transactions.Community Forums: Attend a local investor meetup or join online forums for the Phoenix market.Educational Tools: Search out webinars, workshops, or courses on investing in distressed properties.Final ThoughtsThe distressed property market in Phoenix is creating some excellent potential for the right investors willing to go the extra mile necessary to take on strategic risks associated with this category of real estate.

•For example, a listing with three price drops and 180 days on the market would be weighted less than one with 30 contacts, no price drops, and a quick removal after 30 days.3.Open Data:•Provide direct access to each comp’s details: price history, leasing schedules, photos, and even links to the original listing sites—all without leaving the platform.These three issues have been my biggest frustrations with current tools, and I’m building this out for internal use in my market.My questions to you:•Is this something you would want to see in your market?

I have never been able to utilize any DPA with any deal as of now, but it is fun to keep it as a possible tool for use in the right situation. 

Are there any apps or tools that you find particularly helpful?