How to Start an Airbnb

In this episode, I sit down with Carlos Saavedra, a cleaning expert who operates a high standard Airbnb cleaning company, and we get into the REAL behind the scenes of what makes or breaks your short term rental. We talk about everything from why your cleaner is actually the backbone of your business, to the small details guests notice that can tank your reviews, to how to properly vet and hire a cleaner who actually understands hospitality, not just “cleaning.”

We also go deep into systems, communication, linens, staging expectations, and the biggest mistakes I see investors make when setting up their Airbnb for success. If you have ever struggled with a cleaner, questioned your setup, or want to avoid costly mistakes from day 1, this episode is for you.

If you are building or scaling an Airbnb, this episode will save you time, money, and headaches. I am not kidding when I say your cleaner can either elevate your business or completely destroy your guest experience.

This conversation will help you hire smarter, set better expectations, and build systems that actually support long term success. Whether you are brand new or already hosting, this is one of those foundational episodes you do not want to skip.

Thinking about hiring a cleaner or setting up your Airbnb the right way? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Ready to launch your Airbnb the RIGHT way without all the trial and error?
Inside my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator, I walk you through everything from finding the right property to setting up systems like cleaning, pricing, and guest experience so you can actually make money and not feel overwhelmed.

Use code 5STARPODCAST for a special discount

00:00 Intro and guest welcome
02:00 How Carlos got into Airbnb cleaning
05:00 What most cleaners are doing wrong
08:00 Going above and beyond as a cleaning company
12:00 3 must ask questions when hiring a cleaner
18:00 Real life cleaner interview horror story
22:00 Staging vs reality in Airbnbs
26:00 Linen strategy and why white wins
33:00 King vs queen bedding debate
37:00 When to fire your cleaner
41:00 Final thoughts and business shoutouts

If this episode helped you think differently about your Airbnb setup, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram. Tag me so I can reshare and support you.

And if you have not already, make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode of The Airbnb Roadmap 🎙️

This episode is a big one 👀

I sat down with Pierre-Camille Hamana, the CEO of Hospitable, to talk about something that I honestly think is going to change the game for new Airbnb hosts…

👉 They just launched a FREE Essentials plan

Yes… free.

And if you are someone who has been holding back on getting started because of costs, systems, or just feeling overwhelmed with all the tools out there, this is exactly what you needed.

We break down:

We also dive into mindset, taking action, and why waiting for “perfect” is what keeps most people stuck.

If you have ever thought…

“I want to start an Airbnb but there is just too much to set up”
“I don’t want to spend a ton of money upfront on software”
“I feel overwhelmed with all the moving pieces”

This episode is going to simplify everything for you.

The reality is, you do NOT need a massive tech stack to get started anymore.

This free plan gives you the ability to:

And most importantly… actually take action.

Thinking about starting your first Airbnb or trying to simplify your systems? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

If you are ready to go from idea to income, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you step by step through finding, launching, and automating your Airbnb so you can build this the right way from the start.

00:00 Why this episode matters for new hosts
02:30 Meet the CEO of Hospitable
05:00 The real reason people don’t start
10:00 Biggest fears for first-time Airbnb investors
15:30 The FREE Essentials plan explained
20:00 What you actually get for $0
25:00 Why this changes the game for beginners
30:00 Systems, automation, and scaling smarter
35:00 Features most hosts are not using
40:00 Final thoughts and how to get started

If this episode helped you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @theairbnbroadmap so I can repost and say thank you!

And if you haven’t already, make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode 🎙️

In this episode, I’m sharing a real, honest breakdown of what I no longer buy for my Airbnb properties, and why. After getting hit with a massive 30-inch snowfall at our cabins and managing guest expectations in the middle of chaos, it reminded me just how important it is to have systems and smart decisions in place.

I walk through the biggest purchasing mistakes I’ve made over the years, from cheap furniture that doesn’t last, to design choices that actually hurt guest perception. If you’re in the furnishing, upgrading, or scaling phase of your short term rental, this episode is your reality check.

Not everything that looks good or feels like an upgrade will actually increase your bookings, your reviews, or your nightly rate. And if it doesn’t do at least one of those things, it’s probably not worth your money.

Cheap furniture will cost you more long term, you are better off investing in quality upfront
White bedding builds trust with guests and signals cleanliness, darker colors can raise doubts
Strong scents, candles, and plugins can negatively impact guest experience
Fragile items, including wine glasses and decor, will break quickly and create safety risks
Overly complicated smart home systems lead to confusion and more guest messages
Every upgrade should serve a purpose, bookings, ADR, or reviews
Some amenities sound great but do not perform based on your market or location
Pinterest design does not always translate into a functional or guest friendly space
Avoid anything controversial, including religious or political decor
Furniture layout matters more than you think, flow impacts guest experience
Do not cheap out on towels, guests notice comfort details immediately

If you are currently setting up your first Airbnb or thinking about upgrading your space, this episode will save you money, time, and frustration. I am sharing real mistakes I have made across multiple properties so you do not have to learn the hard way.

This is also a great episode if you feel like you are constantly spending money on your property but not seeing a return. I will help you shift your mindset into making strategic, ROI driven decisions instead of emotional or aesthetic ones.

Thinking about what to buy or skip for your 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.

If you are ready to launch or scale your Airbnb the right way, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you through everything from property selection to full setup and systems.

You will learn how to make smart investment decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a short term rental that actually performs.

00:00 Life update and upcoming guest interviews
02:00 30-inch snowstorm and managing guest expectations
06:00 Why this episode matters, stop wasting money
07:30 Cheap furniture mistakes
09:00 Bedding choices and guest perception
13:00 Strong scents and guest sensitivity
15:30 Fragile decor and wine glasses
18:00 Smart home technology pitfalls
20:30 ROI driven upgrades and amenities
22:30 When amenities are not worth it
23:30 Design mistakes and Pinterest traps
24:30 Avoiding controversial decor
25:30 Furniture layout and flow
26:45 Towels and guest comfort
28:30 Final thoughts and resource mention

If this episode helped you rethink your Airbnb setup, share it with a friend who is in the process of furnishing their rental. Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss upcoming guest episodes, especially the one dropping this April that I am so excited about 👀

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest questions new short term rental investors ask me all the time. Should you buy your first Airbnb close to home or invest long distance in a stronger market?

After a week of Airbnb chaos and dishwasher drama, I also share why I took a short break from the podcast and what that experience reminded me about time, systems, and running your rental like a business.

I walk through the real pros and cons of both strategies, including why long distance investing can actually force you to build better systems, how a strong team becomes the backbone of your Airbnb business, and why investing close to home can sometimes create more work than you expect.

If you’re trying to decide where to buy your first Airbnb property, this episode will help you think through the decision from a practical, real world perspective.

Close by properties feel convenient, but they can pull you into doing everything yourself.

Long distance properties force you to build systems and rely on your small but mighty team.

Your cleaner, handyman, lawn care provider, and even neighbors can become critical partners in running your Airbnb.

Property management software can automate guest communication and reduce your daily workload.

Your time has value, driving hours to fix small issues may cost more than paying someone locally.

For first time investors, owning a property nearby can help you learn the operations before scaling further away.

Successful Airbnb businesses rely on systems, processes, and trusted people.

If you are thinking about buying your first short term rental, location is one of the most important decisions you will make.

In this episode I share real experiences from managing properties within a few hours of home, including the good, the frustrating, and the lessons learned along the way. You will learn how distance affects your systems, your time, and your mindset as an Airbnb host.

Whether you plan to invest locally or across the country, understanding these differences can help you build a more sustainable Airbnb business.

Thinking about where to buy your first 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.

If you want step by step guidance on finding, launching, and managing your own short term rental, check out my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator course.

Inside the course I walk you through:

Finding the right Airbnb property
Running the numbers and evaluating ROI
Designing and furnishing your rental
Building your team and automating systems
Launching and optimizing your listing

Learn more here:
https://theairbnbroadmap.com

0:00 Life update and why I skipped last week
3:00 The dishwasher chaos continues
6:20 The big question, local vs long distance Airbnb investing
7:30 Why long distance investing can actually work better
11:00 Running your Airbnb like a business
12:00 The convenience trap of nearby rentals
14:30 Time vs money for Airbnb owners
16:00 Who should be your local contact person
18:30 Cleaners, handymen, and neighbors as your team
21:30 Would I buy long distance for my first Airbnb
23:30 Why local investing can still be valuable
26:00 Final thoughts on choosing the right strategy

If you enjoyed this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

And if you know someone who is thinking about starting their first Airbnb, send this episode their way. It might help them make one of the biggest decisions in their investing journey.

In this episode, I am sharing a very real behind the scenes look at what the past week has looked like in our short term rental business. Between a dishwasher claim, rude guest messages, and review threats, it has felt like when it rains it pours.

Instead of letting it spiral, I used these situations as a reminder of why being proactive instead of reactive is everything in this business. I walk you through two real guest scenarios, exactly what was said, how I handled it, and what I did behind the scenes to protect our listings, reviews, and sanity.

If you have ever felt stressed by a guest, worried about a bad review, or unsure how to handle a tricky cancellation situation, this episode will help you think 3 steps ahead instead of constantly putting out fires.

Because hosting is not about avoiding problems. It is about having a plan before problems happen.

I break down a situation where a guest refused to cancel and openly admitted he wanted to leave a bad review. Instead of panicking, I called Airbnb immediately, documented everything, and had a note placed on the reservation. If he leaves a retaliatory review, it gets removed. That is proactive hosting.

I also share how I handled a dishwasher breaking mid bookings, what I did to soften the inconvenience, and how one guest still pushed back. These are the moments that test you as a host.

We also talk about the power of reviews and where the whole review culture actually started, shoutout to Michelin for creating the original rating system that evolved into the Michelin Star system. Wild, right?

This episode is equal parts strategy and real life hosting therapy session.

Airbnb
Vrbo
Booking.com
Hospitable
Michelin

Thinking about how to protect your Airbnb reviews or handle difficult guests? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

If you want systems, scripts, automation, and proactive hosting strategies built out step by step, check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator. I teach you how to protect your time, your revenue, and your sanity while building a 5 star short term rental business.

00:00 Life update and guest chaos
05:00 Guest threatens bad review over cancellation
10:00 Calling Airbnb and documenting everything
15:00 Dishwasher drama and handling inconvenience
20:00 Why refunds can protect long term income
24:00 The origin of reviews and why they matter
27:00 Protecting your property with proof and photos
30:00 Final thoughts on proactive hosting

If this episode helped you feel more confident as a host, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another short term rental owner who needs to hear this.

The more proactive you are, the less reactive you have to be.

In this episode, I am sharing exactly what I tell every first time investor who calls me wanting to buy a short term rental in Wisconsin. From understanding state, county, and township regulations to septic capacity, negotiations, inspections, and writing strong offers, I break down the full process step by step.

If you have ever thought about buying a $600,000 cabin near Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo, or Castle Rock, this is your behind the scenes look at what actually happens from first phone call to closing day.

And yes, there is a little life update in the beginning involving a dishwasher disaster and a flooded kitchen. Because real life still happens while building businesses.

Because buying a short term rental is not just about finding a cute cabin in the woods.

It is about understanding local regulations, septic ratings, conditional use permits, resident agents, and knowing how to structure your offer correctly so you do not get blindsided later.

If you want to invest in Wisconsin and avoid expensive mistakes, this episode is your crash course.

Thinking about buying your first Airbnb in Wisconsin? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress. I would love to cheer you on and help you out.

If you are ready to buy a short term rental in Wisconsin, I cover anywhere in the state. I walk my clients through regulations, numbers, offer strategy, and everything in between.

Want the full roadmap before you even start shopping? Check out my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator course where I break down finding, analyzing, launching, and scaling your STR the right way.

00:00 Dishwasher disaster and life update
06:45 First call with a new STR buyer
08:30 Wisconsin state level licensing explained
12:00 County and township regulations
16:30 Septic capacity and occupancy limits
18:45 Running the numbers and cash flow expectations
21:00 How I preview properties for out of state buyers
23:30 Offer strategy and negotiation tactics
27:00 Due diligence and inspections
29:30 What happens after closing

If this episode helped you understand the Wisconsin short term rental process, share it with someone who is thinking about investing.

In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast, I am breaking down Airbnb cancellation policies in real life terms, not just the fine print. This episode was inspired by a recent midterm guest who booked for 3 months and left after only 2 weeks, plus ongoing damage claim frustrations with Airbnb support.

I walk through what actually happens when guests cancel short stays versus long stays, why rejecting an alteration can sometimes protect you financially, and how different cancellation policies impact both hosts and guests. I also share personal stories from my own properties, including extreme cold weather stress, property damage realities, and how distance from your rentals forces you to become a better manager instead of a reactive host.

If you have ever been confused, frustrated, or blindsided by Airbnb cancellations, this episode will give you clarity and confidence moving forward.

If you host short term or midterm rentals and want to avoid losing thousands of dollars due to misunderstandings around cancellations, this episode is a must listen. I explain Airbnb policies using real numbers, real scenarios, and real outcomes so you can make smarter decisions for your listings.

This episode is especially helpful if you are considering midterm rentals, traveling nurse stays, or longer bookings and want to understand how to protect your income while still staying guest friendly.

Thinking about Airbnb cancellation policies or midterm rentals? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your experience. I would love to cheer you on and help you out.

If you are looking to buy, sell, or scale a short term rental, or if you want access to my Airbnb Roadmap course and resources, reach out. I also connect investors with STR focused agents across multiple states because there is a huge difference between a regular agent and one who truly understands short term rentals.

00:01 Life update and recent guest damage
02:18 Temporary fixes and real world hosting decisions
04:40 Managing properties near vs far
07:05 Midterm guest cancellation story
10:29 Why Airbnb cancellations are confusing
12:50 Airbnb 24 hour cancellation rule
14:24 Flexible cancellation policy explained
19:12 Moderate cancellation policy explained
21:28 Limited cancellation policy explained
23:56 Firm and strict short stay policies
31:35 Airbnb policy changes in 2025
39:46 Choosing the right policy as a host
44:30 Long stay cancellation policies
46:53 Why rejecting alterations matters
51:02 Firm vs strict long term stays
54:03 Airbnb resort for sale opportunity
55:22 Courses, resources, and next steps

If this episode helped you understand Airbnb cancellations better, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another host who might be confused or stressed about cancellations. I will see you in the next episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast.

This episode is a full vacation recap turned Airbnb reality check. I’m sharing what happened when I traveled with a baby, lost my voice, and still had to manage multiple Airbnbs from Mexico while dealing with extreme cold, frozen pipes, surprise early check ins, guest damage, and a very expensive plumbing bill. Normally my systems are automated and smooth, but this trip was back to back shenanigans that no amount of prep could have fully prevented. If you think owning Airbnbs means passive income with zero stress, this episode brings you right back to reality.

Owning Airbnbs does not mean nothing will ever go wrong, even with great systems
Extreme cold can expose hidden issues in older properties
You need backup contacts and solutions when contractors are unavailable
Clear check in boundaries matter and early arrivals can create real problems
Guest damage can happen fast, even with families and short stays
Automations are helpful but can backfire if you forget they exist
Vacations are still worth it, even when things go sideways

If you own or want to own short term rentals, this episode is a real behind the scenes look at what can happen when life, travel, weather, guests, and maintenance all collide at once. I walk through how I handled each issue, what frustrated me the most, and what I learned from it all. This is the honest side of hosting that rarely makes it to Instagram.

Thinking about managing Airbnbs while traveling or dealing with guest damage? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress. I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

If you want help building systems that actually support your lifestyle and not run it, check out my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator. I teach you how to set up, automate, and manage your short term rentals with confidence, even when things go wrong.

00:00 Losing my voice and recording anyway
04:00 Getting sick before vacation and traveling with a baby
06:00 Midterm guest issues and washer dryer expectations
08:45 Extreme cold and frozen toilet pipes
13:30 Plumber chaos and a $450 bill
20:45 Early check ins and cleaner boundaries
23:00 Guest damage and burned countertops
27:30 Unauthorized re entry after checkout
31:00 Airbnb reimbursement and review frustration
33:40 Dishwasher issues and wrapping up the trip

If this episode felt real, relatable, or helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another Airbnb host who needs to hear that even the messy weeks are survivable. I’ll see you next week, hopefully with my voice back.

In this episode, I’m getting real about something no one loves to talk about: Airbnb maintenance. Fancy amenities like hot tubs, arcade games, golf simulators, saunas, and movie theaters can absolutely boost your average daily rate—but they also come with nonstop upkeep, guest messages at inconvenient hours, and real risk to your reviews.

I’m sharing real stories from my own Airbnbs—what broke, what I removed, what I kept, and why I now prioritize simple, durable, and low-maintenance setups over flashy features. If you’re deciding what amenities to add (or skip), this episode will save you money, stress, and late-night headaches.

If you’re debating whether to add a hot tub, sauna, arcade game, or golf simulator—or you already have one and feel overwhelmed—this episode will help you think like an investor, not just a designer. I break down what actually works long-term and how to protect your time, sanity, and reviews.

Thinking about Airbnb maintenance or amenities?
DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what features you’re debating! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Want to build an Airbnb that actually makes money without owning a full-time tool belt?

👉 Bonus: Buy the course, purchase an Airbnb with one of my recommended agents, and get the course refunded 100% after closing. Yes—completely free.

Links are in the show notes or DM me for details.

00:00 – Testing the mic + life update
02:30 – Why this episode exists
07:45 – Fancy Airbnbs vs. maintenance reality
11:00 – Hot tubs: the biggest offender
15:00 – Arcade games that didn’t last
18:30 – Saunas: worth it or risky?
22:45 – Games that don’t break
25:15 – Golf simulators gone wrong
27:30 – Movie theater & Roku issues
30:00 – Real maintenance from back-to-back bookings
33:00 – The lifestyle cost of “resort-style” Airbnbs
35:00 – Course launch party + refund bonus

If this episode saved you from buying a hot tub (or validated your regret 😅), please subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend who’s designing their Airbnb right now. It helps more than you know.

In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast, I’m breaking down why Airbnb and Vrbo reviews are everything, especially when you’re launching a new property. I share real-life examples from our most recent Airbnb launches, including how we intentionally lowered pricing to stack reviews fast, why we accepted a 3-month midterm stay, and the pros and cons of sacrificing short-term reviews for guaranteed spring cash flow.

We also dive deep into the psychology behind reviews, why asking for them isn’t awkward (or pushy), and the exact systems I use to consistently earn five-star feedback, even when small issues pop up. If you’ve ever stressed over a four-star review or felt weird asking guests to leave feedback, this episode is for you.

If you’re launching a new Airbnb, struggling to recover from a less-than-perfect review, or unsure how to ask for reviews without sounding desperate, this episode gives you real-world strategies you can use immediately. I’m sharing exactly what’s worked (and what didn’t) across multiple properties—no fluff, no theory, just experience.

Thinking about Airbnb reviews or launching a new property?
DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Want the exact guest messages that have helped me earn hundreds of five-star reviews?
The Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you through everything—from finding the property to launching it with systems that actually work.

🎉 Launch Party Bonus: Get $100 off for a limited time
Seats are limited (because I still want time with baby Melanie—and daycare isn’t cheap 😅)

00:00 – Life update & launching two new Airbnbs
02:30 – Why we accepted a 3-month midterm stay
05:45 – The review vs. cash flow tradeoff
08:30 – Why reviews matter more than you think
10:45 – How (and when) to ask for reviews
14:00 – Subtle messaging that works
18:15 – WiFi password hack
20:30 – The danger of early four-star reviews
23:00 – Airbnb vs. Vrbo review systems
26:00 – Final thoughts & course invite

If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another Airbnb host who needs to hear this. Reviews matter—on podcasts too 😉