It's true that the well known vacation rental communities (Championsgate, Windsor at Westside, et al) have higher HOAs but they also have extensive amenities which will drive higher rates for a well-themed and decorated home.

Bought the house and gutted it and put in new flooring, pain, decor What was the outcome?

We have a small older subdivision in Neskowin, Oregon. We are putting some cottage homes in as well as some modern ones.   We are looking at the paint decisions and since women make 80% of a home-buying decisions, loo...

We help locate properties, furnish and decorate, manage, cohost, maintenance, and we even are expanding our direct booking website and programs.

Thanks  We do about 15 flips a year, ALL with Floor&Decors Duralux Performance brand. $2.50-$3.00 a foot. 

Most comments already suggested great ideas: - professional photos- Utilize FB groups - Social Media account for the propertyA few i might add: - professional decorator- Auto messaging guest (will save you tons of time) **Hospitable or Guesty is a great software for this** This will help you get more reviews thus superhost status thus more bookings- Dynamic pricing **Pricelabs** - Not sure what market you are in but what i do for my market is lower prices on weekdays and give discounts for longer stays (4-5 nights) - Find Local attractions and ask if they will advertise your airbnb on their site in exchange for putting flyers into you home during stays (go to them with projected # of bookings you will get in year and they might be blown away. 

Some other things to think about - with arbitrage, they buy all of the furniture, linens, kitchen stuff, TVs, decor and everything else needed. 

The furniture and decor took me 2 months to style it a certain way.

You'll need to get basic construction supplies from the BB stores...but for furniture, cabinets, lighting, decor and all that. you can do really well with high end thrift stores.

Don't forget to factor in probably 20-30K for new furniture, decor, linens, pots and pans and all kitchen stuff, appliances, and everything a fully furnished STR needs.