Blue Gems Podcast

On this episode of the Blue Gems podcast, we spoke with Fouad Bazzi, the founder and owner of Crescent Retreats. Fouad shares his journey of opening gourmet restaurants and differentiating himself in a saturated market. He emphasizes the importance of diving into the data and understanding the supply and demand in the industry. Fouad also discusses his transition from a banking career to owning vacation rental properties on the West Coast, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Huntington Beach. He reveals his latest venture in the Florida market, just miles away from Disney World. Tune in to hear Fouad's inspiring story and his insights on building a successful business.

Follow Fouad online: https://www.instagram.com/fouadbazzi_airbnb/

Let's connect!

► Blue Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegemsgroup/

► Aidan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/

► JB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbinvested/

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

► STR Meetup: https://bluegemsgroup.com

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Intro

00:04:20 Importance of mentorship and education

00:05:11 Mastermind groups are valuable

00:14:03 Differentiate and compete on quality

00:14:20 Maximizing revenue through property utilization

00:22:11 Build relationships for raising capital

00:27:47 Short-term rental market is growing

00:28:04 Embrace nomadic lifestyle, know your market

00:32:28 Abundance mindset fosters connection.

*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Coming from the STR Investor side, Kenneth Bedwell felt the struggle of finding new markets to invest in. With a smaller budget, it was hard to find a good market that didn’t break the bank and this inspired Kenneth to create a data comparison formula that originally wasn’t going to be shared with anyone other than some of Kenneth’s close connections in the STR world. He has some good friends though, and they pushed him to turn his spreadsheets into a whole platform. As a result of this, we now have STR Insights, a data platform that is the only place you can compare market data side by side to figure out the next market to invest in. 

Knowing all that he does about data, Kenneth shares a lot of insight on markets across the country. He tells us what markets he would invest in right now (and one that he is) along with his opinions on what has to go into the decision of investing in a new market.

Follow Kenneth online:

► Kenneth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenny_bedwell/

► STR Insights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strinsights/

► Facebook Group, The STR Data Host: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1242310879999732/

Let's connect!

► Blue Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegemsgroup/

► Aidan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/

► JB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbinvested/

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

► STR Meetup: https://bluegemsgroup.com

Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro

[01:00] STR Insights and what it is

[01:46] What was Kenneth doing before STR Insights

[05:24] Sourcing the data and how it’s shared 

[09:28] Data points on amenities 

[10:53] Kenneth’s take on the luxury STR market 

[12:36] If Kenneth owned a property management company, what would he do?

[14:09] What is a reasonable variance between STR Insight data and actual revenue?

[17:07] What markets to look at for MTRs

[18:19] Blue Gems Management

[18:46] Mistakes new investors make when underwriting a STR

[23:00] Taxes on STRs

[24:05] What three markets would Kenneth invest in right now?

[26:41] If I wanted to gross 200k or more, where should I invest?

[28:50] Kissimmee and Davenport

[30:48] Kenneth’s opinion on boutique hotels 

[32:42] Number one piece of advice for a new STR investor

[33:59] Where is the STR market going in 2024

[35:21] One last blue gem

*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

From both the guest side and the host side, Daniel Rusteen’s experiences in the STR space have helped him create great strategies for optimizing your Airbnb. A pro in the field, Daniel coaches other STR investors to supercharge their STR properties. In this episode, he is sharing the importance of running your STRs like a business with two main points: using dynamic pricing and direct booking. Dynamic pricing tools are a must and while sometimes there’s a learning curve, it can be a game changer. Building out your online presence off of the Airbnb platform by using direct bookings can also change the game for STR business owners. 

Daniel has been a long term guest of mid- and short term rentals, and has a great perspective to share without listeners on things to think of if you want to get into MTRs. Many things that short term renters will overlook become nuisances to mid-term renters. You don’t want to miss this episode of Blue Gems, so go ahead and give it a listen!

Follow Daniel online:

► Website: https://optimizemyairbnb.com/

► Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKwfQEYlbTCUynJHqjDmUA

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizemyairbnb/?hl=en

Let's connect!

► Blue Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegemsgroup/

► Aidan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/

► JB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbinvested/

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

► STR Meetup: https://bluegemsgroup.com

Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro

[01:00] Who is Daniel?

[02:14] Running your STRs as a business

[04:02] Optimize My BnB

[05:45] Getting your review count higher and booking online

[09:03] Tools and software Daniel uses to run BnBs like a business

[12:36] Daniel’s book and potential titles

[15:33] The difference between STRs and vacation rentals 

[16:27] Mid-term rentals

[17:31] What Daniel looks for as a guest in a MTR

[20:34] Reviews for STRs vs. MTRs

[21:44] Blue Gems Management 

[22:12] Daniel’s lifestyle of living in MTRs and STRs: pros and cons

[27:37] A piece of advice for a new STR investor

[29:19] Where is the market going in 2024?

[35:24] One last blue gem

*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Welcome to this episode of Blue Gems! In today's show, we have a special guest, Julie Gates, a seasoned real estate investor and agent based in Savannah, GA. With over two decades of experience in the field, Julie has navigated through multiple cycles in the ever-changing real estate market.

Julie's journey began in 2004 when she and her husband started investing in commercial multi-family properties. Despite the challenges posed by the 2008 crash, they persevered and adapted their strategy, transitioning into single-family homes. It was during this time that Julie had a fateful encounter with Zeona McIntyre, a previous guest on our show, who inspired her to venture into the world of furnished rentals.

Embracing this new direction, Julie expanded her portfolio and founded a property management company. Today, she not only manages her own properties but also handles properties for other investors. As an agent, Julie guides clients through the entire sales cycle, offering comprehensive support from purchasing to management and everything in between.

Julie's real estate portfolio in the low country of Georgia is truly diverse. She has a mix of long-term, mid-term, and short-term rentals, catering to various market demands. Additionally, she has ventured into small multi-family properties and even established a boutique hotel.

Join us as we delve into Julie Gates' remarkable journey, learning from her experiences, insights, and strategies for success in the real estate industry. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode promises to be an informative and inspiring discussion you won't want to miss!

Follow Julie online:

► Savannah Property Management - sidwashere.com

► Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidwashere912/

Let's connect!

► Blue Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegemsgroup/

► Aidan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/

► JB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbinvested/

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

► STR Meetup: https://bluegemsgroup.com

Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro

[01:09] Julie’s background in real estate 

[03:06] The biggest lesson Julie learned from 2004 

[06:04] When did Julie shift to rentals?

[08:37] Julie’s opinion on the current market 

[11:14] Julie’s current portfolio 

[14:00] Who typically stays at mid term rentals?

[16:44] Percentage of OTAs and Directs 

[19:53] Managing mid term rentals

[23:51] In house maintenance 

[26:29] Blue Gems Management 

[26:57] What’s the going rate to manage a mid term rental?

[29:47] Biggest piece of advice for new real estate investors 

[32:47] Where is the mid term rental market going in 2024?

[34:47] One last blue gem

*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

On today’s episode of Blue Gems we’re welcoming Billy Withers, a short term rental tax strategist. He’s been in the field for 10 years total, focusing on short term rental investors for the past 5 years. When you’re just starting out as a STR investor it’s important to have a tax strategist to make sure you reap the tax benefits and avoid a huge tax bill at the end of the year. Billy talks about things STR investors need to watch out for when they are thinking about their taxes. He is getting into the laws, details, and loopholes that many normal tax strategists won’t be able to tell you. 

To protect yourself from a dreaded tax bill, it’s important to build yourself a tax team that can give you good financial advice. Billy shares the best way to build out your tax dream team, from what to look for to who you need behind your back. A tax strategist may cost a couple grand up front, but they will save you tons of money in the long run. If you want to know what you need to do as a client of a tax strategist, Billy also shares how the client side of things work. Billy closes out our episode with two blue gems you don’t want to miss that will help an STR investor who may be feeling inexperienced in the realm of tax strategy.

Follow Billy online:

► Website - https://summitats.com/

► Email - [email protected]

► LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billywitherstax/

Let's connect!

► Blue Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegemsgroup/

► Aidan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/

► JB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbinvested/

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

► STR Meetup: https://bluegemsgroup.com

Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro

[01:08] Billy and his background

[03:17] Why should you have a tax strategist?

[04:52] Why did Billy focus on STRs?

[07:43] Differences between a long term rental and short term rentals with taxes

[08:50] What qualifies as passive?

[10:46] The short and long term benefits on depreciation 

[12:42] Changes in tax laws in 2023-24

[13:50] What is a cost segregation study?

[15:31] The steps of building out a tax team 

[19:25] What can you expect to pay for tax consulting?

[20:44] Blue Gems Management

[21:12] What a tax strategist needs from their clients

[23:48] Does Billy represent all the states?

[25:03] What is the number one mistake real estate investors make on taxes?

[26:27] What is the trend of people who are the most successful?

[27:13] The last blue gem

[28:30] Where to find Billy 

*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

In this episode of the Blue Gems Podcast, our very own Aidan Groll shares his story of transitioning from a corporate accountant to a real estate investor. He stumbled upon the concept of house hacking and was infatuated with the idea of buying a duplex and renting out one side while living in the other. Aidan also shares the mindset flip he experienced that's helping him to build a company that genuinely aligns with his lifestyle goals.

Let's connect!

► Blue Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegemsgroup/

► Aidan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/

► JB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbinvested/

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

► STR Meetup: https://bluegemsgroup.com

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Intro

00:05:44 Corporate background helping real estate

00:11:00 Learning from big companies

00:20:14 Flexibility for work-life balance

00:23:56 Discipline and willingness to sacrifice

00:33:38 Find a mentor, raise capital

00:37:48 Believe in limitless abilities

00:40:28 Building leadership skills

*None of this is meant to be specific investment advice, it's for entertainment purposes only.

Tucked away on an island off the coast of Morocco are twenty five properties managed by Tash Rishardson, an STR investor and property manager. If managing these rentals didn’t keep her busy enough, she also coaches/mentors on the side to help other like-minded people follow in her footsteps. Tash and her partner have been in the STR game for seven years and are looking forward to growing their personal portfolio more. 

Having worked in property management for several years, Tash is sharing how she got to where she is today and lessons she’s learned along the way. With her marketing background, she has a couple blue gems to drop about getting referrals for aspiring property managers. Listen to today’s episode of Blue Gems to learn more about co-hosting, building a team, logistics of management, and more. 

Connect with Tash

Instagram: @thehosthouse 

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

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

[00:00] Episode teaser

[00:27] Show intro 

[01:00] Tash and her background in real estate

[03:41] The twenty five properties 

[04:58] Managing property owners: systems and tips

[09:57] Direct bookings, getting leads, and marketing 

[11:54] Getting clients as a new co-host

[13:42] How did Tash find her employees?

[15:30] Tash’s thoughts on her own portfolio 

[16:57] Average annual revenue for the properties on the island 

[18:19] What is the goal of the owner when the buy their properties?

[19:33] Blue Gems Management

[20:01] What clients will Tash turn away?

[21:14] Cost of setting things up for owners

[23:05] Hurdles Tash’s business is facing right now

[25:47] What is Tash excited about?

[28:05] Advice for a new STR investor

[28:57] Where is the STR market going in 2024?

[30:18] One last blue gem 

[31:09] Where to connect with Tash 

[31:25] Wrapping it up 

Today on Blue Gems we’re welcoming Becca Madigan from PriceLabs. She started out as a front desk pricing at her local vacation rental company in Charleston, SC and now has been with PriceLabs for two years. Becca is walking us through what services PriceLabs offers and how STR investors can utilize the analytics from design to amenities to specific markets. She sees lots of data and is talking about what the patterns in data are showing and things investors may need to watch out for when looking for new investments.

PriceLabs has lots of opportunity for customizations and also a great support team that is there to help you if something looks off. Use a dynamic pricing tool to save yourself time and make yourself more money, and if you don’t have one yet check out PriceLab’s website linked below and see how they can help you make a difference in your STR game. 

Pricelabs Website- https://hello.pricelabs.co/

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

STR Meet Up- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-gems-strairbnb-meet-up-tickets-576481239907

[00:00] Episode teaser

[00:24] Show intro 

[00:56] Becca Madigan: her journey into PriceLabs

[02:23] What is PriceLabs?

[03:50] How the market dashboard works and the data behind it

[06:11] Filtering by amenities

[07:15] Seasonality 

[08:51] How do you begin to choose a base rate?

[10:25] Advanced factors for more experienced investors

[13:28] If you have one property, is it worth getting PriceLabs?

[14:28] Pricing

[15:35] New features coming out in PriceLabs

[16:46] What is the data telling about saturation? 

[18:05] Blue Gems Management

[18:33] Markets Becca is excited about

[20:52] Saturated markets

[21:47] Things people miss with PriceLabs

[23:47] Why do people hold back on investing?

[24:32] Where is the STR market going in 2024?

[25:29] One last blue gem

[26:09] Where to find PriceLabs webinars

[26:39] Wrapping it up 

If you’re in the real estate STR market, chances are you have heard about mid-term rentals. But what’s the big deal? On today’s episode of Blue Gems your new favorite MTR expert, Zeona McIntyre, is sharing her knowledge with us. From marketing to management differences to lender perspectives, Zeona is giving a short course on how to get into the MTR game. 

After managing properties outside of the United States, Zeona is currently working on getting her portfolio closer together than the five states she’s currently at. She’s looking into the Atlanta market and telling us why she loves it for MTRs and STRs. Listen in for blue gems! 

Blue Gems Management: https://bluegemsmgmt.co

STR Meet Up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-gems-strairbnb-meet-up-tickets-576481239907

Connect with Zeona

Website: zeonamcintyre.com

Instagram: @zeonamcintyre

[00:00] Episode Teaser 

[00:26] Show intro 

[01:00] Zeona and her real estate background 

[02:09] What market qualifies for MTRs?

[03:27] Defining STRs and MTRs 

[04:34] Marketing and ROIs for MTRs 

[06:33] Managing an MTR’s calendar/rental rates 

[09:54] How new are MTRs? 

[10:41] Common mistakes for MTR investors

[11:48] How do lenders and insurance companies see MTRs? 

[13:13] Pulling potential rental income for MTRs 

[14:03] Booking on vs. off platform and other tools 

[16:52] Self-managed or a team? 

[18:00] Management differences

[18:46] Blue Gems Management 

[19:14] Management differences cont.

[20:05] What is Zeona interested in right now? 

[20:59] What markets is Zeona in? 

[22:02] Tips on Boulder, CO. 

[24:02] Information on connecting with insurance providers 

[26:20] Zeona’s current perfect market

[27:57] Managing properties outside of the country

[29:51] Advice for aspiring MTR investors

[30:27] Where MTRs are going in 2024

[31:12] One last blue gem

[32:05] Where to find Zeona 

[32:17] Wrapping things up 

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