How to Start an Airbnb

32. It Looked Like a Dream on Airbnb—Until I Dug Deeper


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Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
  • Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
    • Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
    • Episode Summary:
      A full calendar and pretty photos don't tell the full story. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to analyze an existing Airbnb before you make an offer—so you don’t get stuck with a dud that looked like a dream. From earning reports to guest reviews, occupancy rates, and team transitions, I’m sharing all the numbers and red flags to watch for. Plus, we talk about what makes a property a smart buy versus a sneaky liability (even if it looks like a turnkey investment).

      Key Takeaways:

      • Why you should never trust the seller’s word alone—ask for proof

      • The specific financial docs to request (and how to read between the lines)

      • How guest reviews reveal hidden issues you can or can’t fix

      • Why occupancy rates matter more than revenue alone

      • What tools like AirDNA get wrong—and when to trust your gut

      • How to evaluate the location and legality of your short-term rental

      • Why inheriting a bad cleaner or noisy street can kill your guest experience

      • Why Listen to This Episode?
        If you're even thinking about buying an existing Airbnb, this episode will help you run the numbers, dodge the red flags, and decide if you’re walking into a win or a warning sign. It's everything I teach my buyers and students before they make an offer.

        Mentioned in the Episode:

        • Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
        • Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course

          • Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.

          • Let’s Connect:
            Thinking about buying an existing Airbnb? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

            Work With Me:
            🎓 Want to confidently analyze, purchase, and manage your own Airbnb—even if it’s not “turnkey”?
            Take my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator course for less than $500 and learn everything you need (without the fluff)

            Chapters:
            0:00 – Welcome + car buying analogy
            1:45 – Don’t trust sellers—ask for these documents
            3:30 – Gross vs. net income + the power of a P&L
            4:30 – How to read reviews for red flags
            6:00 – What you can and can’t fix in a listing
            6:40 – AirDNA + other tools (with caution!)
            8:30 – Understanding seasonality and month-to-month dips
            9:50 – Cleaning crews, contacts, and team handoffs
            12:15 – Location rules, regulations & grandfathered status
            13:30 – Final gut check: is it worth it?
            14:45 – Reminder: fall = STR listing season

            Subscribe and Share:
            Loved this episode? Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review! Share this with someone who’s shopping for their first short-term rental—they’ll thank you later.

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            How to Start an AirbnbBy Brittany Wenninger