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6 Lessons Learned Launching an Airbnb in 6 Days
Episode Description
In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Luke shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a short-term rental at warp speed. From the closing table to live in just six days — and from over 1,000 miles away — this was not a smooth, Instagram-worthy rollout.
Between delayed closings, Midwest blizzards, scattered Wayfair boxes, canceled deliveries, marathon sourcing trips, and a smart lock that absolutely refused to cooperate, Luke breaks down the lessons learned the hard way while launching Northwoods Treehaus just days before Christmas.
Alongside Tyler, the conversation dives into what worked, what didn’t, and what Luke would never do again. If you’re setting up your first property, managing remotely, or feeling pressure to rush a launch, this episode is a reality check — and a roadmap — rolled into one.
👉 Check out the newest listing:
https://www.airbnb.com/h/northwoodstreehaus
(And yes — liking it and hitting the heart helps more than you think.)
Timestamped Chapters00:00 – Intro: Launch windows and holiday chaos
00:52 – From closing table to live in six days
02:08 – Boxes in the snow before owning the house
03:26 – Lesson #1: Why scheduled deliveries will betray you
04:45 – Boots on the ground, family help, and hiring labor
05:46 – Lesson #2: Rent the minivan (always)
07:05 – Tracking missing shipments and managing delays
08:10 – DIY photos, AI edits, and getting a listing live fast
08:57 – Where to source locally when Amazon fails
10:39 – Lesson #3: Buy local, save time and money
11:04 – Lesson #4: Set up Wi-Fi and locks first
12:10 – Schlage Encode problems and router reality checks
14:52 – Backup plans for access (and backup to the backup)
15:21 – Lesson #5: Don’t buy at year-end if you can avoid it
16:14 – Why a full week on site changes everything
17:55 – When paying for professional setup does make sense
19:49 – Hiring early, hiring often, and staying in your lane
21:20 – Lesson #6: Always plan a second trip
22:39 – Cleaner SOPs, videos, and systemizing after launch
23:41 – Soft-launching with friends before organic guests
24:28 – Sharing the listing and what’s coming next
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on personal experience and are for informational and educational purposes only. This content does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business or investment decisions. Operating short-term rentals involves risk, and individual results may vary.
View all episodes
By Lucas Miller & Tyler KostichEpisode Description
In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Luke shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a short-term rental at warp speed. From the closing table to live in just six days — and from over 1,000 miles away — this was not a smooth, Instagram-worthy rollout.
Between delayed closings, Midwest blizzards, scattered Wayfair boxes, canceled deliveries, marathon sourcing trips, and a smart lock that absolutely refused to cooperate, Luke breaks down the lessons learned the hard way while launching Northwoods Treehaus just days before Christmas.
Alongside Tyler, the conversation dives into what worked, what didn’t, and what Luke would never do again. If you’re setting up your first property, managing remotely, or feeling pressure to rush a launch, this episode is a reality check — and a roadmap — rolled into one.
👉 Check out the newest listing:
https://www.airbnb.com/h/northwoodstreehaus
(And yes — liking it and hitting the heart helps more than you think.)
Timestamped Chapters00:00 – Intro: Launch windows and holiday chaos
00:52 – From closing table to live in six days
02:08 – Boxes in the snow before owning the house
03:26 – Lesson #1: Why scheduled deliveries will betray you
04:45 – Boots on the ground, family help, and hiring labor
05:46 – Lesson #2: Rent the minivan (always)
07:05 – Tracking missing shipments and managing delays
08:10 – DIY photos, AI edits, and getting a listing live fast
08:57 – Where to source locally when Amazon fails
10:39 – Lesson #3: Buy local, save time and money
11:04 – Lesson #4: Set up Wi-Fi and locks first
12:10 – Schlage Encode problems and router reality checks
14:52 – Backup plans for access (and backup to the backup)
15:21 – Lesson #5: Don’t buy at year-end if you can avoid it
16:14 – Why a full week on site changes everything
17:55 – When paying for professional setup does make sense
19:49 – Hiring early, hiring often, and staying in your lane
21:20 – Lesson #6: Always plan a second trip
22:39 – Cleaner SOPs, videos, and systemizing after launch
23:41 – Soft-launching with friends before organic guests
24:28 – Sharing the listing and what’s coming next
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on personal experience and are for informational and educational purposes only. This content does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business or investment decisions. Operating short-term rentals involves risk, and individual results may vary.