Running a successful STR comes down to 3 Ps: pics, people & pricing.1) Decorate your house nicely & pay a professional photographer to take some amazing pics2) Hire amazing people - cleaners, handyman, recruit some neighbors to help fill in the gaps, & self-manage or hire an offshore VA to manage the property if you'd rather make yourself rich instead of making a local property manager rich (more on that here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/... )3) Price fiercely to maximize profits not occupancy (they're not the same thing).

Very nicely decorated, new paint, windows..We are 1.5 hours from Galveston. 

Then add the decorative trim to cover. 

Tv, bedroom furniture, couch, wall decorations, etc.

However location, pricing, decor, views, and many other factors can make even neighboring properties produce drastically different returns.

You won't be able to replace them, paint, or decorate how you want.  

Once you have it furnished or decorated to your style, do yourself a HUGE favor and get professional photos taken.

It was someones second home before but it’s already decorated how you would want it to be for a short term rental.

Few minor updates, new TV's, some new lighting, light modifications to decor, new fire pit, incredibly light rehab.

The best chain store is Floor and Decor.