It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

. $50 per bedroom, so a 4-bedroom house will cost you about $150~200consumables - bathroom supplies, kitchen supplies, beverage supplies: $20~30 per week, depending on how much you providewear and tear - towels, linen, kitchen utensils, some furniture: $1000~2000 per yearRepairs/replacement for things that guests break or steal:  $1000~2000 per yearAlso, if your personal use is less than 14 days a year, the entire property's expense is deductible against STR income, but if you use more than 14 days, then you will have to calculate the proportion of how many days it's rented out vs how many days you or your family uses. 

I agree with the comments above.Most important is a fully furnished, comfortable property with the basic amenities: coffee, teas, functional kitchen (all utensils, spices, cooking and baking, etc.)

Quote from @Mel Kirchhoff:Some specific questions I have:• Should it stay fully stocked like an Airbnb (plates, utensils, towels, etc.), or pared down?

To comply they’re using plastic utensils and paper dishes.

We're not curing cancer; it's just buying real estate, doing some basic math, buying some furniture and kitchen utensils, maybe getting creative with some amenities, and listing properties on STR platforms...it's daunting when you're new, certainly a grind to get started, but it's not a mystery or puzzle to solve.

Shoot for middle of the road kitchen utensils, blankets etcOtherwise it is pretty easy to have most of your stuff scheduled to arrive at the same time.

They put their old hand me down furniture and cheap plastic Dollar Tree kitchen utensils in there, pass off the management to Vacasa or Evolve, and expected to make a killing.

And definitely go to Goodwill for all your kitchen utensils and small appliances, you'll save a fortune if you do that. 

If your property is large enough to accommodate a family, I would definitely get a pack 'n play and some kids plates/utensils.