I hired them to rent out my condo/apartment and was told that a “professional photographer” would be coming to take pictures, instead a man came with 3 small children that were kicking our freshly painted walls/trim while he snapped pictures with an old phone.

However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:Regulatory Variations: Regulations can vary widely between locations and are constantly evolving.Active Management: STRs require more hands-on management for guest turnover and communication.Additional Costs: Don’t forget about expenses for furnishings, cleaning, and possibly hiring a property manager.If you’re looking for STR-friendly areas, consider these locations, as others can be too expensive to consider, such as Snowmass Village or Aspen:Breckenridge: The most visited ski resort in North America, attracting around 3 million tourists each year.Steamboat Springs: A popular year-round destination for winter sports and summer activities.Keystone: Great for those wanting a less crowded resort experience.Divide & Florissant: Charming mountain towns close to Colorado Springs.Fairplay: Just 30 minutes south of Breckenridge, with an impressive 82% Airbnb occupancy rate.Cripple Creek: A former mining town now known for casinos and outdoor activities.Park County: Very Airbnb-friendly, though regulations may change.Here are some strategies to help you succeed in the STR market:Hybrid Model: Consider using some units for STRs and others for long-term rentals to balance income.Research Local Regulations: Always check the current rules in your target areas before investing.Year-Round Appeal: Focus on locations that attract visitors in all seasons.Quality Furnishings: Invest in quality to justify higher nightly rates and attract better guests.Dynamic Pricing: Use pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak seasons while maintaining occupancy in the off-season.Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the market and regulations change.While Colorado’s STR market offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it strategically.

From our experience managing multiple MTRs in Indianapolis, larger homes don’t appeal as much to traveling healthcare professionals.

Investments we are considering or at first glance are appealing to us:fix and flipSTR *we live in a year round resort town (this is appealing to me with my hospitality background)Owner Contracts vs. renting?

It would be more appealing to the buyer if it was an empty lot.

But then again, in that same conversation she mentioned the appeal of one-level living and the cabin being totally accessible - when there's a bunch of stairs between the street and the cabin!

Each strategy seems to have its pros and cons, and I’m curious what the community thinks.Do fix and flips provide faster returns, or do the long-term benefits of rental income make holding onto properties more appealing?

These properties don't have the Coastal Appeal of appreciation, but they will cash flow over 20%. 

Although no major renovations were required, Partner Driven enhanced the home’s appeal through strategic improvements and marketing.

The highest performing short-term rentals have a design eye, their photographs weren't shot by an amateur's iPhone, and they offer more than one extra that others aren't (hot tub, sauna, views...).Create a differntiated Airbnb, and you'll outperform others ... be that first page or second or third.