On this week’s episode of Blue Gems we are welcoming Keirra Castle, an STR investor who specializes in arbitrage and coaches on the side. Motivation for Kierra comes from her childhood and has spurred her to the success she is enjoying today. Starting out in finance, making the switch from a steady W-2 job to living off of STRs was a big jump for Kierra and she is sharing with us how she made that leap successfully.

Kierra is talking to us about standing out in saturated markets, her current portfolio, predictions on the STR market and everything in between. Her coaching business focuses on helping arbitrage investors get their first yes, while also bringing in guest speakers who specialize in other areas to bring her clients value. Kierra is encouraging people to fail forward and to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Blue Gems Management: https://bluegemsmgmt.co/

STR Meet Up: https://bluegemsgroup.com/

Connect with Kierra YouTube + Instagram: kierracastle

Email: [email protected]

[00:00] Episode teaser

[00:20] Show intro

[00:53] Kierra and her story

[02:21] From big four to Airbnbs

[04:03] Kierra’s first deal

[06:34] The current portfolio

[08:06] Houston vs. Atlanta: how do the markets affect each other

[09:27] Arbitrage units [10:27] Key skills to succeed in STRs

[12:35] Saturation in Kierra’s local market

[14:00] How do you stand out?

[15:50] Blue Gems Management

[16:18] The best advice Kierra has recieved from her mentors

[17:35] Work life balance

[19:04] Team members/VAs

[20:38] Goals for the team

[21:57] Kierra’s coaching for getting the “yes”

[23:32] Challenges for the Airbnb business

[25:10] Technology or software

[26:17] Advice for new real estate investors

[29:29] Where is the STR market going in 2024?

[31:18] One last blue gem

[32:25] Where to find Kierra

[33:09] Wrapping it up