Short-term rentals are not the endgame—they’re the vehicle.In this episode, Emanuele and Mike break down how STR can fuel bigger goals, lasting freedom, and a life by design.• Why STR is a tool, not the destination• The mindset shift that changes how you build• How to keep your bigger vision in focus• Avoiding the trap of chasing unit count• Using business to buy back your time and freedom00:03:21 – Designing a Business That Lasts00:05:26 – Keeping Your Bigger Vision Alive00:06:32 – The Mindset Shift for STR Success00:11:00 – The Mindset Shift for STR Success00:12:15 – Why Belief Fuels Momentum00:15:27 – Designing a Business That Lasts00:17:11 – Designing a Business That Lasts00:19:35 – How to Build Lasting Momentum00:20:25 – Designing a Business That Lasts00:20:56 – Scaling With the Right MindsetGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
John Bianchi has directed 100+ STR market analyses with a 100% success rate.In this episode, he joins Emanuele to break down the science behind choosing the right markets and making STR numbers work for you.• How John analyzed 100+ STR markets with zero failures• The method he uses to “decipher the numbers”• Why market selection is the real make-or-break skill• Common mistakes hosts make when running numbers• How to use data to build a sustainable STR portfolio00:04:20 – Using Data to Drive STR Success00:07:23 – Using Data to Drive STR Success00:08:38 – How to Analyze STR Markets Effectively00:09:33 – Using Data to Drive STR Success00:10:45 – How to Analyze STR Markets Effectively00:19:15 – Learning From Costly STR Mistakes00:19:53 – Spotting Profitable STR Deals00:21:15 – How to Analyze STR Markets Effectively00:22:57 – How to Analyze STR Markets Effectively00:25:27 – Using Data to Drive STR SuccessGuest Bio:John Bianchi is the Founder of STR Search. He has successfully directed over $100M+ investments into cash-flowing Airbnbs across the country. As a master of deciphering complex datasets, John has a 100% success rate across 250 + properties for helping his clients acquire cash-flowing Airbnbs. When he's not poring over data, he’s spending quality time with his family.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
After getting sick, Steve Resnick had a wake-up call: you can’t work forever.This episode dives into how that moment reshaped his approach to business—and why building systems that outlast you is the true measure of success.• The turning point when Steve realized he couldn’t keep grinding• Why time freedom matters more than unit count• How to design an STR business that runs without you• Systems vs. hustle: the real key to longevity• Lessons every host should apply before burnout hits00:06:06 – Why Time Freedom Beats Unit Count00:08:03 – The Health Crisis That Sparked Change00:11:22 – Reframing Success Around Freedom00:14:48 – Designing a Business That Runs Without You00:16:52 – Shifting From Hustle to Sustainability00:20:08 – Systems That Keep Growing Without You00:26:32 – Avoiding the Burnout Trap00:29:10 – Lessons From Scaling the Wrong Way00:33:49 – Time Freedom as the Real Metric00:34:20 – Building an STR Business That LastsGuest Bio:Steve Resnick left the corporate world to pursue a career in co-hosting. He scaled from 12 to 99 properties in less than 2 years.Guest Link:https://linktr.ee/heavenlyrezGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Success in STR—or anything—comes down to one question: do you really want it?This episode dives deep into mindset, grit, and the obstacles that stop most people before they ever scale.• The difference between interest and commitment• Why obstacles are often just excuses in disguise• Lessons from Navy SEALs on resilience• How to reframe challenges into momentum• What separates consistent winners from quitters👉 Do you really want it? Prove it—click the link below and start building your STR business today.https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T025&utm_content=Wantit00:00:02 – Deciding If You Really Want It00:01:29 – The First Mindset Shift Toward Success00:02:24 – Breaking Through Excuses and Rationalizations00:03:26 – Why Most People Quit Too Early00:04:50 – Building Grit When Challenges Stack Up00:06:01 – Turning Pain Into Long-Term Discipline00:07:15 – Lessons on Focus From Elite Performers00:08:29 – How to Push Past Mental Barriers00:09:39 – Recommitting When Doubt Creeps In00:10:58 – Keys to Sustainable Personal and Business GrowthGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Most STR deals fail before they even start—95% don’t pencil out. But the ones that work? They’re powered by more than numbers.In this episode, we break down both sides of the equation: finding deals that actually perform and delivering hospitality that scales profit.• 10-point hospitality playbook• Why 95% of STR deals never make sense on paper• The creative edge investors need to make deals work• Why service ≠ hospitality (and why guests feel the difference)• How to balance ROI with guest delight and repeat bookings00:03:56 – Service vs. Hospitality00:06:11 – Setting Higher Financial Targets00:08:09 – Guest Experience at Every Stay00:15:12 – Building a Hospitality-Driven Team00:16:23 – Guest-Centric Business Model00:17:17 – Scaling Means Scaling Leadership00:20:27 – The Roots of Modern Hospitality00:22:52 – Designing Emotional Guest CheckpointsGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Blake and Jeremy went from managing shared co-living spaces to running 80 short-term rental properties.In this episode, they share the systems, deals, and mindset that made it possible.• How they pivoted from co-living to STRs• The growth path from a handful of units to 80• Systems they rely on to keep operations tight• The partnerships that accelerated their scale• Lessons learned about market selection and timing00:04:31 - Learning from a high-functioning real estate company00:05:52 - Landing a management gig through direct outreach00:08:04 - Managing a growing number of people00:10:15 - Staying focused while running STR operations00:14:42 - Biggest drags on a short-term rental business00:16:05 - What each founder values most in the business00:18:59 - Identifying problems and fixing them00:20:48 - Preventing issues from stacking up00:23:39 - Taking responsibility for team mistakes00:26:57 - Boutique hotel as a pivotal business asset00:28:39 - Balancing investment strategy with STR management00:34:36 - Staying at your own properties to evaluate quality00:37:18 - Challenges get easier with experienceGuest Bio:Blake Anthony Carter and Jeremy Courtney have both been operating in real estate and property management for over a decade. They initially got started in the co-living space, which led them to short-term rentals. They eventually sold our co-living business and with all-in on short-term rentals. Blake and Jeremy started a Facebook group and a meet-up group that allowed them to become known as the go-to guys for STRs in Austin. Their company is called Cribs. Blake and Jeremy now own a boutique hotel and three SF doors. They manage over 80 listings and have a real estate sales/consultant team.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/blake.anthony.carterhttps://www.instagram.com/thejeremycourtneyGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Being the #1 property manager in the U.S. isn’t all glamour—it’s grind. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to scale, the operational demands behind success, and how to grow without sacrificing your life.• How the top U.S. property manager was built since 2021 • The workload reality behind rapid STR growth • Why work-life balance is elusive in property management • How to keep guest satisfaction high while scaling • Lessons on building a sustainable management modelWant to get crystal clear on your goals and scale your STR business?Click the link below to book a discovery call and see if our Mastermind is the right fit for you.Link: https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T024&utm_content=Goal00:00:43 - Guest Introduction: Jamie Lane on the Report00:04:58 - Operational Quality: Maintaining Cleaning at Scale00:05:53 - Local PM Groups vs. National Lists00:08:26 - Threshold: ~20 Listings Per Market To Appear00:10:28 - Work Ethic Analogy (Kobe at 3:00am)00:12:56 - Hiring/Team/Tech Stack00:15:28 - Value Score Signal vs. Outcome00:16:37 - Seasonality or Demand Shifts00:19:48 - Methodology: Econometric Models to Isolate Drivers00:22:04 - Pricing Tactics to Drive Occupancy00:24:40 - Market Share / Portfolio Size00:25:12 - Policy Analysis: Cleaning Fees Across ManagersGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Most STR owners get stuck putting out fires instead of building the business they actually want.In this episode, we break down the systems, hiring moves, and mindset shifts that free you from the day-to-day grind—so you can grow faster.• Why you always need that next big goal• The real reason we become entrepreneurs: time control• How to qualify and hire your first key player• Setting up turnover checklists that run without you• The role that keeps properties guest-ready every day• Why you must have someone who can step in for you• The investment that buys back your time• How to stop micromanaging and reacting to fires00:04:03 - Why you always need that next big goal00:04:01 - The real reason we become entrepreneurs: time control00:10:35 - How to qualify and hire your first key player00:09:25 - Setting up turnover checklists that run without you00:01:06 - The role that keeps properties guest-ready every day00:13:57 - Why you must have someone who can step in for you00:00:01 - The investment that buys back your time00:19:51 - How to stop micromanaging and reacting to firesGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the latest STR WealthCon.From attracting 30 members to the mastermind to tactical takeaways from a 2000+ person event, we break it all down.• Why raw content works better than polished• The one onboarding question that reveals true goals• STR WealthCon recap: biggest takeaways• How to get ROI from live events• The vibe shift in the STR community-Want to get crystal clear on your goals and scale your STR business?Click the link below to book a discovery call and see if our Mastermind is the right fit for you.Link: https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T023&utm_content=Clear-00:03:01 - Raw Content That Converts00:05:55 - Massive Takeaways From WealthCon00:08:42 - Unlock Event ROI Secrets00:11:32- Mindset Shift Every Host Needs00:14:25 - Behind the Scenes of a Power Launch00:16:54- High-Impact Networking Tips00:19:32- Underrated Gold From Live Events00:22:21 - Mastering the Referral Flywheel00:25:06- Growth Hacks for Ambitious HostsGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
Most homes look good on paper. But they’re not designed for how people actually *live.*In this episode, guest architect Zeke Freeman shares the hidden design flaws baked into most houses — and how his process reshapes spaces around *real human behavior.*Whether you’re remodeling a home, designing an Airbnb, or dreaming about your next property, this episode will flip how you think about space, function, and flow.What you’ll learn:- Why most homes don’t reflect how people actually use them - How to design with *invisible behavior patterns* in mind - The “door test” for practical flow in short-term rentals - Why your home may be sending the wrong emotional signals - Zeke’s process for uncovering how a space wants to work — before you build00:01:15 - Designing Identity: From Architecture to Personal Branding 00:04:32 - Why Architects Make Great Entrepreneurs 00:07:58 - Thinking in Systems: A Superpower for Founders 00:10:40 - Applying Space Planning to Business Structure 00:14:06 - Designing Offers Like Floor Plans 00:17:21 - Why Constraints Fuel Creativity 00:21:44 - How Messaging Is Like Structural Engineering 00:26:02 - From Drafting Buildings to Drafting Funnels 00:30:55 - The Hidden Layer of Brand Architecture 00:35:19 - Why Most Founders Skip the Blueprint Phase 00:40:46 - Using Architectural Thinking to Scale Operations 00:45:10 - Form Follows Function in Business Too Guest Bio:Zeke Freeman is a visionary architect, builder, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of design. With over two decades dedicated to shaping the realms of hospitality and Colorado's modern design, Zeke has emerged as a leader in boutique hotels, hospitality development, and strategic business management. As the CEO of TheRootTeam, which includes an international team of Architects, an estate brokerage, and a Hospitality Development Company, Zeke Freeman has not only left an indelible mark in Colorado Architecture but has also steered the company towards its 12th year of success, bringing many beautiful projects and many more impacted lives together across the Front Range. Zeke is also the host of the RADicalhospitality show, which explores the intersection of Architecture, Development, and Hospitality.Guest Link:https://linktr.ee/zfreeman1Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
If you want to win in cohosting, you need to sell.In this episode, Adam breaks down the 5 core sales frameworks he teaches to high-performance closers in STR and beyond.From reframing rejection to diagnosing like a doctor, this is the mindset, structure, and clarity that separates amateurs from closers.What You’ll Learn:The “doctor frame” for every sales callWhy connection > charismaThe mindset shift every new closer must makeWhy your pitch must pass the “grunt test”How sales becomes your ultimate life skillGuest Bio:With over $100 million in sales to his name, Adam Stein brings a rare mix of high-performance sales strategy and human-centered communication to the mic. Having taken more than 4,000 sales calls and reviewed over 10,000, he's coached and led sales teams from startup scrappers to 9-figure juggernauts. An avid golfer and father of two awesome boys, Adam blends psychology, mindset, and real-world sales mastery to help entrepreneurs sell with confidence, clarity, alignment, and compassion.00:04:31 - Learning from a high-level sales mentor changed everything 00:08:54 - Overcoming mindset blocks was the first real sales battle 00:13:04 - Sales is philosophy — not just tactics 00:17:26 - Old-school sales techniques don’t work in STR anymore 00:21:58 - Great salespeople are obsessed with discovery 00:26:12 - Your pitch must pass the “grunt test” 00:30:35 - If you don’t believe in what you’re offering, they’ll feel it 00:34:48 - Diagnosing like a doctor earns trust and conversions 00:39:10 - Sales is service when done with integrity and empathy Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/the.salesscientist/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
Most people lose in STR because they think small.This episode breaks down exactly why $150K–$200K is now the minimum to win, and how to outpace the competition by investing in what actually matters.You’ll learn: • How Mike’s team turned a $715K property into a 26%+ cash-on-cash winner • Why outdated listings are getting crushed in today’s market • The new furnishing rule of thumb (hint: it’s not $6K per room anymore) • Why “I’ll add amenities later” is the biggest red flag from investors • Real-world examples of design ROI and creative deal structuring • How to dominate Year 2 with direct bookings, not just AirbnbIf you’re serious about STR, this episode will shift how you think about budget, value, and building long-term cash flow.-Want bookings before you're even done renovating? Just click the link below to get the Free Training.https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T022&utm_content=PreLaunch-00:03:30 – Budget Furniture and Low Investment No Longer Work in B or C Markets00:05:00 – Reinvesting in Amenities Can Revive Underperforming Properties00:07:15 – Pre-Launching With Mood Boards Can Generate Bookings Before Renovation Ends00:09:03 – Investing More in Amenities Can Double or Triple Cash-on-Cash Returns00:13:02 – You Need Direct Bookings—Don’t Rely Only on Airbnb and VRBO00:15:01 – You’re Competing on ADR Only If You’ve Maxed Out the Amenity Strategy00:23:29 – Borrow Amenities From Other Markets to Win in Your Own00:25:16 – Don’t Wait to Upgrade—Do It Upfront or You’ll Lose MoneyGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
He’s not managing Airbnbs, he’s buying the companies that do.In this episode, Patrick breaks down his roll-up strategy for short-term rental management businesses, focusing on Joshua Tree. You’ll learn: • How to value STR property management companies • The hidden formula top performers are using (4.9+ reviews + max RevPAR) • How he’s creating additional revenue from Netflix, OF shoots, and more • The underrated power of real hospitality, hyper-local service, and partner alignmentThis isn’t just about scaling, it’s about building a legacy business in a saturated market.00:00:11 - Become the Local Expert, Not a Nationwide Manager 00:08:45 - Three Business Lessons from Open Water Swimming 00:09:03 - Use a Roll-Up Strategy to Scale Management Companies 00:10:00 - Study High-Performing PMs for 4.9+ Ratings at Scale 00:11:20 - How to Value and Buy STR Management Companies 00:13:32 - Use Off-Market Outreach to Acquire Small Managers 00:17:00 - Full-Service PM is the Only Way to Compete in Joshua Tree 00:21:22 - Add Production Shoots to Maximize Weekday Revenue 00:25:45 - How to Get Featured by Netflix and PR Agencies 00:35:00 - Partnerships are Marriages—Choose and Lead with Trust Guest Bio:Patryk Swietek is a 28-year-old entrepreneur with a background in building tech companies since the age of 14. Ever since getting into real estate at 24 years old, he's been a thought leader in the STR industry, teaching the co-hosting model with his own Amazon best seller book and online podcast. He scaled from 5 of his own properties to managing over 100 signed properties in Joshua Tree in under 1 year. He has bought 3 STR co-hosting companies to become the #1 co-host in one of the most competitive vacation rental markets in the country. His company and homes have been featured on Netflix, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Dwell, etc.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietekGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
The new Trump-era bill just brought back 100% bonus depreciation and STR owners are about to get a massive tax break.In this episode, we break down exactly how the short-term rental tax loophole works, how you can use it to eliminate 5–6 figures of taxable income, and what rules you must follow to stay IRS-compliant.Whether you own 1 property or manage dozens, this is one of the most powerful tools in your financial playbook.You’ll Learn: • Why this loophole can save you $40K+ per property • The 2 conditions to qualify for non-passive treatment • How cost segregation studies supercharge your deductions • Why co-hosts & PMs can charge consulting fees using this • What to avoid if you don’t want the IRS to audit youWant to directly talk about taxes and how you can make use of the tax loophole for STRs? Just click the link below:https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T021&utm_content=Taxes00:05:08 – Powerful Tax Strategy to Slash Your Income00:06:01 – How One Property Saved Me $92,000 in Taxes00:09:02 – Must-Know Criteria to Unlock STR Tax Benefits00:09:11 – Track This or Risk Losing Your Tax Deductions00:10:16 – Use It Wrong, Lose It All00:12:03 – Avoid This Common Mistake with Friends and Family00:13:04 – How to Legally Save $40,000 with Depreciation00:16:06 – Transform OK Deals Into Great Ones00:17:17 – A Brilliant Offer Property Managers Should UseGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com
Furnished Finder’s CEO, Jeff, joins us to break down why thousands of hosts are moving away from Airbnb and into the booming midterm rental space.In this episode: • Jeff’s journey from VRBO and Expedia to Furnished Finder • Why monthly rentals are the most underserved niche in real estate • How to price your MTR listings for max profit • The 3 types of hosts who thrive on Furnished Finder • Tech upgrades, new guest demographics, and the future of midterms • Why most Airbnb hosts still don’t understand real returnsWhether you’re a casual host or a pro operator, this episode will help you rethink your strategy, lower your fees, and build a more resilient rental business.Guest Bio:Jeff Hurst is the President and CEO of Furnished Finder, a role he assumed in November 2023 at the invitation of the company’s founders. Prior to that, Hurst was the Chief Operating Officer of Expedia Brands and Co-Lead of Expedia Group Marketing. Before that, he was the President of Vrbo and Chief Strategy Officer of HomeAway, where he oversaw the company’s successful sale to Expedia, Inc. Before venturing into the vacation rental industry, Hurst worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, collaborating with consumer brands on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and pricing strategies. Hurst received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and BA from the University of Texas at Austin.00:05:00 - Game-Changing Insights: Luxury Brands in Vacation Rentals 00:10:00 - Unstoppable Leaders: CEOs Who Shaped My Philosophy 00:15:00 - Winning Balance: How I Prioritize Family, CEO Role, & Life 00:20:00 - Bold Moves: Why I Chose Furnish Finder Over Other CEO Jobs 00:25:00 - Secret Advantage: Choosing the Right City & Team First 00:30:00 - Proven Blueprint: Advice to My Son on Career & Leadership 00:35:00 - Power Tip: Best Way to Reconnect with Furnish Finder 00:40:00 - Ultimate Secret: #1 Tip for Short Term Rental Success 00:45:00 - Smart Hack: How Hosts Save Money by Reverse-Engineering Airbnb Guest Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hurst-atxGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com
Airbnb quietly changed the rules, and if you’re not paying attention, you could be giving refunds you didn’t agree to.In this episode, we break down exactly what changed and what to do about it.Here’s what you’ll learn: • Why Airbnb is auto-switching hosts to a “Firm” policy, without clear consent • What happened to the original Strict policy (spoiler: it’s weaker now) • The difference between “Strict,” “Firm,” and the new “Limited” cancellation options • Real refund scenarios, who gets paid when guests cancel • Why Mike is switching to “Limited” on all new listings • How to check if your policy was changed (and how to fix it)Don’t let Airbnb rewrite your house rules without you knowing.Want to get the latest Airbnb Policy One-Pager?Just click the link below and DM the word "Policy".Link: https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T020&utm_content=Policy00:00 - Airbnb Cancellation Policy Changes & How To Adapt 01:24 - Choosing the Right Cancellation Policy: Strict vs Firm vs Limited 02:49 - How To Use Rank Breeze To Track Your Airbnb Rankings 04:14 - Opting Out of Airbnb’s Forced Policy Changes 05:39 - How New Listings Are Affected By Airbnb’s Updated Rules 07:04 - Strategies for Competing in Saturated STR Markets 08:29 - Building Repeat Clients & Getting Direct Bookings 09:54 - Protecting Against Chargebacks With Rental Agreements 11:19 - Know Your Market’s Booking Window & Adjust Policies 12:44 - Using Tools Like AirDNA & Rank Breeze To Optimize RevenueGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com
What started as a favor for one struggling homeowner turned into a multi-property, multi-market STR business, and a system built on honesty, hard lessons, and smart investing.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why most first-time hosts shouldn’t expect a profit (and what to aim for instead) • The $65K reno gamble that paid off, plus how to pitch owners to invest • 5 non-negotiables every STR investor needs to check before buying • How to match properties to real investor goals (not hype) • What to say when a listing has bad photos, ugly furniture, and zero bookings • How to turn stale listings into discounted wins using seller credits • The mindset shift that helped turn their lowest income year into their highest everWhether you’re starting from scratch or trying to turn things around, this episode is packed with honest advice and real numbers to help you grow the right way.Don’t go it alone, learn from people who’ve already done it.00:01:14 - Revenue Boost: Previous Owner’s $30K Shows Untapped Potential 00:05:05 - Hustle Story: From Mowing Lawns to Building Wealth 00:09:37 - Mindset Shift: Realizing It Was Never Just a Job 00:13:00 - Profit Jump: Small Changes, Big Revenue Growth to $70K 00:16:54 - Unique Selling Point: Win Without a Pool 00:19:31 - Client Filter: Say ‘No’ More Often to Grow Stronger 00:20:42 - Investor Clarity: Aligning with Each Investor’s True Goal 00:22:45 - Negotiation Win: Securing $130K in Seller Credits 00:26:29 - Host Reality: Why Airbnb Won’t Help When It MattersGuest Bio:Joe Rohne bought my first two short-term rentals in 2022, one with his wife and one with a business partner. Within three months, he shifted into cohosting and picked up 2 cabins in Branson. Joe went to the STR Wealth Conference and met a bunch of people. From there, he started his own cohost mastermind to have weekly calls and help each other grow. He grew to 12 mostly luxury cohost properties. Joe sold his first two STRs in 2024 and upgraded to a larger luxury property, and is looking to buy another this year. All this turned into him having a co-host podcast and helping others get into this space. He has been a realtor for 5+ years in St. Louis, and got his license in Florida to sell in Panama City Beach, which is where the majority of his STR business is. In August 2024, Joe got linked with Tyler and the Savvy team, and he is now building a team that services the entire panhandle. He currently has ten co-hosts and one owned property.Guest Link:facebook.com/joe.rohneGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com
Mark had 11 Airbnb units, a full-time medical sales job, and barely any profit.Just 18 months later?He runs 37 listings, left his W-2, and built a profitable, freedom-filled business, all without using his own capital.In this episode, we break down exactly how he did it:The red flags in his arbitrage model that forced a pivotHow he turned losses into leverage with a co-hosting pitchA case study that took one property from $90K → $211KThe “Underserved Investor Method” for finding hidden gemsWhy volume doesn’t matter, precision doesAnd the system he used to scale without capital or burnoutIf you’re stuck, tired, or scaling blindly, this might be the episode that saves your business.00:00 - Burned Out at 11 Units, Freedom at 37: The Mark Story00:01 - Rising Rents and Saturation: Why Arbitrage Fails00:04 - Audit and Pivot: How a Simple Portfolio Audit Changes Everything00:05 - Switch to Co-Hosting: Scale with No Capital00:06 - The Design ROI Pitch: Turn $10K Into $33K Fast00:09 - Underserved Investor Method: Find Hidden Gems Others Miss00:12 - $30K Redesign → $211K Revenue: Real Numbers, Real Proof00:13 - Fire Bad Managers: Care Wins Big00:14 - Small but Mighty: Profit Without Massive Volume00:15 - Cohosting Margins: 50%+ With Full Teams00:16 - Don’t Blame Pricing: Fix Your Offer and Model Instead00:17 - Raise the Bar: Better Hosts, Better Homes, Better IndustryGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com
Amanda Williams branded herself as The Traveling Realtor and built a thriving rental business, only to be banned from Airbnb overnight.In this episode, she shares how that crushing moment forced her to pivot into midterm rentals, automate with AI, and rebuild a better business that runs with less stress, higher profits, and total platform independence.What You’ll Learn:Why Airbnb banned her (and what you can do to prevent it)How midterm rentals (MTR) gave her 90–95% occupancyThe AI tool she built to automate listings, guest comms & contentHow she balances business with nervous system regulation & wellnessHer playbook for turning burnout into purpose-driven successTools & strategies for STR → MTR pivots, burnout recovery, and branding with integrity.00:35 - Never Build Your Whole Business on Someone Else’s Platform 06:03 - Building a Strong Real Estate Brand Identity 07:01 - How to Be Known in Your Network to Grow Your Business 13:00 - Choosing the Right Community to Plant Roots for Business & Life 16:17 - Growing from STR to MTR: Changing Ownership Structures 17:33 - Airbnb Kicked Me Off: The Risk of Platform Dependence 19:20 - Switching from Short-Term to Mid-Term Rentals: Why & How 25:00 - Why Midterm Rentals Mean Better Clients & Less Work 26:12 - Using AI and Custom GPTs for Marketing and Operations 30:51 - Becoming a Relocation Specialist: Multiple Income Streams 33:02 - Smart Branding: Pick a Consistent Name & Handle 34:28 - Niche Marketing: Speaking Directly to Your Avatar 39:46 - Sharing Authentic Life Stories to Build Audience Trust 43:53 - First Aid Kit for Burnt Out Hosts: Breathwork, Meditation, Nervous System Health 48:35 - Success Secret: A Never-Quitting Mindset Guest Bio:Amanda Williams, widely known as The Traveling Realtor, is a seasoned real estate entrepreneur, eXp Realty agent, and visionary behind Carolina Furnished Rentals (CFR). Founded in 2019, Carolina Furnished Rentals skyrocketed in 2020 as demand for longer stays surged during the pandemic. This pivotal success became a lifeline in 2021 when Amanda was unexpectedly removed from Airbnb through no fault of her own—a common challenge for many hosts relying solely on third-party platforms.Rather than seeing it as a setback, Amanda turned this challenge into an opportunity to take full control of her business, doubling down on the mid-term rental (MTR) model. She transformed Carolina Furnished Rentals into a thriving enterprise, proving the power of owning your brand and building a business independent of volatile platforms.Today, Amanda uses her expertise to help Airbnb hosts with 5+ properties transition to the stability and profitability of MTRs. Through her 30-Day MTR Sprint Program, she provides hands-on coaching, automation strategies, and proven systems to help property owners scale smarter, reduce headaches, and create a business they truly own.Amanda’s mission is simple: empower others to build wealth, freedom, and a brand they’re proud of while navigating the ever-changing rental landscape. From coaching clients to speaking at events, Amanda inspires hosts to take control of their future and achieve financial independence on their own terms.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/amandathetravelingrealtor/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com
Most co-hosts are blaming the market. But it’s not the market......it’s your offer.In this episode, we walk through how to dominate even when bookings slow down, using frameworks that helped our clients grow from 0 to 100+ properties (without lowering their standards).Inside, you’ll learn:The 2 sales you must make to land AND grow every clientHow to niche down with an offer big managers can’t touchWhy “boutique” isn’t enough (and what to say instead)ChatGPT + Hormozi = your unfair advantageThe COHOST sales framework that turns owners into clients fastIf you’re tired of feeling stuck in the cohosting middle zone…This is the episode that unlocks your next 10 doors.Want to generate your Perfect Offer? Just click the link below to get the ChatGPT Prompt:https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T018&utm_content=Prompt00:00 – Stand Out or Stay Stuck: Why Differentiation Is Non-Negotiable 00:12 – The COHOST Framework: A Proven Sales Funnel for STR Growth 00:45 – Survive the Booking Slump: Why Traditional Markets Are Struggling 02:44 – Don’t Panic Price: How to Maximize Occupancy Without Slashing Rates 04:48 – The #1 Mistake: Thinking Being Small Automatically Wins Trust 05:15 – Riches in Niches: Hyper-Focus Your Property Strategy 07:00 – The Plus-One Strategy: Tiny Add-Ons That Win Big Contracts 10:33 – STR Takeover Transformation: Craft an Offer They Can’t Refuse 14:59 – Risk-Reversal Guarantees: The Ultimate Owner Conversion Tactic 21:00 – Make STRs Great Again: Why Boutique Operators Are the Future Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com