I wanted to commit to learning as fast as I could and knew that if I put my money on the line, it would be a constant motivation for me to maximize my ROI. 

The problem is that real estate markets are constantly changing.

You are buying a future stream of revenue, but with some key advantages.

But constantly having to have 30k in my bank account for a downpayment when I was under contract constantly for 18 months took its toll.

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.

Once all three units are operational, you’ll have three income streams to support your expenses.Evaluating if it’s a Good Deal:Cash-on-Cash Return: After figuring out your total investment (down payment + repair costs + holding costs), calculate your net annual cash flow (rental income minus expenses like mortgage, repairs, insurance, etc.).

This new property management company was just as ineffective, and for nearly two years, I struggled with bad tenants, constant repairs, and growing losses.

This mindset requires constant learning, careful research, and staying proactive to identify market trends and new opportunities.

My biggest problem with all of this is the constant undermining of hosts by the two heavyweights.

I get being annoyed by the constant adding of rules and regulations from the site, it bothers me as well, but frankly, anyone who wasn't already meeting these guidelines with their messaging shouldn't be hosting anyway.