You can also listen in on Rob Abasolo's Youtube channel (Rob is one of the recent Bigger Pockets host) and you will learn a lot from him.If this group offers an opportunity to invest with them or their properties, then it may be worth the price. 

Too bad other hosts don't consider the new expectations we're receiving not only from guests but also OTA sites.

Many times, hosts think the company or broker provided a STR policy just to find out when a claim is made there was a little sentence in the fine print that stated any STR activities canceled the policy out.

I volunteer and host an online group for our local chapter of the Real Estate Investors Association (REIA).

Buy Box is set, class neighborhood is set (C+/B-) and rules are set.It is working well and I don't have most of the drama the other hosts I talk to have.

If your current lender can’t accommodate you, explore STR-focused lenders like Host Financial or Lima One Capital, or consider bridge loans to buy time while you build your rental history.

@Stefano, there are a host of lenders that can lend to foreign nationals.

It would make a great area for hosting, and I think it would add a significant value to the Airbnb clients.

I've read mixed reviews on host experiences with VRBO and Booking.com, so I've been hesistant to list there.Currently, using PriceLabs and tweaking/ analyzing pricing a few times a week.Honestly, my photos are not the greatest yet, but it is a high priority for me to get professional photos soon.

But I will say from the feedback we've been getting from hosts in the Smokies, make sure you run your numbers good and know how to stand out in a heavily saturated market.