How to Start an Airbnb

Episode Summary

This episode is a full zoom-out reflection on 2025, a year that completely reshaped how I look at short-term rentals, success, systems, and family. From having Baby Melanie, launching multiple Airbnbs, renovating while pregnant (yes, really), traveling, and still growing the business… this year forced me to stop hustling harder and start building smarter.

I’m sharing what actually changed after becoming a mom, how automation became non-negotiable, why things never “calm down,” and how that realization led me to finally finish and refine the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator. This one’s honest, personal, and very real.

If you’ve ever thought:

This episode is for you. I walk through what scaling actually looks like in real life — not the Instagram version, and how systems, boundaries, and clarity make growth sustainable.

Thinking about starting or scaling an Airbnb in 2026?
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’re ready to:

The Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you through everything I actually use — from finding the right property to launching, automating, and growing with confidence.

The 4-week Launch Party includes live access to me for questions, feedback, and real-time support.

00:00 – Holiday chaos & daycare closures
02:30 – Reflecting on 2025
04:30 – Hustle vs motherhood
06:30 – Buying another Airbnb while pregnant
09:00 – Why systems became non-negotiable
10:30 – Traveling while payouts roll in
12:45 – Why we bought another property
15:30 – Choosing to pause growth
16:45 – Things never calm down — you just build smarter
19:00 – Why I created the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator
23:00 – What’s inside the course
26:00 – 4-week launch party details
29:30 – Growth, family, and priorities
30:45 – Looking ahead to 2026

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support means more than you know 🤍

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

In this episode, I’m sharing a real-time mindset shift I’ve been going through as an Airbnb owner, investor, and mom. After a year of podcasting, learning from top producers, academy students, and coaches, my expectations for what an Airbnb should look like quietly skyrocketed. And honestly? I had to reel it back in.

We’re talking about the pressure to make every Airbnb Instagram-worthy, why “quietly performing” properties are often the best ones, and how guests actually compare your listing (hint: it’s usually not to viral Airbnbs). I also share lessons learned from buying existing Airbnbs, backend organization mistakes I made early on, and why I’ve developed a new respect for property managers—especially in this season of life with baby Melanie.

This episode is part reflection, part reality check, and part permission slip to stop overcomplicating your Airbnb.

If you’ve ever felt like:

This episode will help you reset expectations, refocus on what actually matters, and make smarter decisions based on your market—not social media pressure.

Thinking about simplifying your Airbnb, setting realistic expectations, or scaling without burnout?
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 to learn how to set up systems that let you manage your Airbnb in 15–30 minutes a week, early bird access for my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator is coming soon.

This course walks you through:

And the best part? I keep it affordable because I believe your money is better spent buying your first Airbnb—not overpriced education.

I also have turnkey Airbnb retreats for sale in La Crosse, Wisconsin. If you want details, just reach out.

00:00 Welcome & life update
02:30 One-year podcast reflection
05:00 Expectations rising from high-level exposure
08:30 What guests actually care about
12:00 Existing Airbnb inspection reality check
15:00 Instagram vs. real-world performance
18:00 Backend organization mistakes
21:00 Utility tracking lessons
23:00 Property management mindset shift
25:00 ROI vs. luxury upgrades
27:00 Course mention & closing thoughts

If this episode gave you permission to stop overthinking your Airbnb, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another host who needs to hear this. It helps the podcast more than you know—and I truly appreciate you being here.

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our latest “turnkey” Airbnb… that turned out to be anything but low effort. 😅

I share why I had to re-record this entire episode (tech drama, zero audio, stomach-drop moment), how we partnered with our investor friends from Texas to buy a primary home with an in-law suite above the garage, and why “turnkey” still meant months of assembly, design tweaks, and problem-solving.

You’ll hear what happened with our Matterport disaster, the gap between interior design ideas and what’s actually realistic to install (looking at you, ceiling wallpaper and curtain rods), why paint is now my arch nemesis, and how we decided what to DIY vs. hire out. I also talk about doing all of this while baby Melanie started crawling mid-renovation, nearly giving Clay a concussion with a post driver (marriage is wild), and how our bodies are telling us we’re not 22 anymore.

We wrap up with a mini announcement about the brand-new Airbnb Roadmap website, the early bird deal on my course, and a shoutout for a fully turnkey Airbnb resort for sale in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

If you’re dreaming of buying a “turnkey” Airbnb and think it’ll be a light lift… this episode is your reality check (in the best way).

You’ll get:

If you like honest, slightly chaotic, behind-the-scenes stories that still teach you something, this one’s for you.

Thinking about renovating your own “turnkey” Airbnb or juggling a reno with kids, work, and life? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re working on! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. 💛

00:00 – Tech fail & why this is “round two” of the episode
02:15 – The “turnkey” property: how we found it and partnered with Texas investors
04:30 – Matterport drama: no measurements, subscription levels, and saving the day
07:30 – Interior design vs. reality: ceiling wallpaper, curtain rods, and ceiling tiles
11:00 – Two designers, two approaches: who orders furniture and what that changes
14:30 – The chaos of deliveries, missing lamp, and long lead times
17:30 – Tiny $50 decor, returns, and the difference between corporate vs. flexible designers
20:00 – Paint can nightmares, unlabeled colors, and touch-up disasters
23:30 – What we hired out vs. DIY: painters, ceiling tiles, and special wall details
25:30 – Fence install, post driver mishap, and almost concussing Clay
27:45 – Renovating with a crawling baby + grandparent help and mom guilt
29:30 – Sauna delivery saga and finally being “photo ready”
30:45 – What we created: movie theater, wellness garage, game garage, and backyard
31:30 – New website, early bird course info, La Crosse resort opportunity & wrap-up

If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes renovation episode, follow/subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap so you don’t miss what we do with this property next.

Know someone who’s about to buy a “turnkey” Airbnb and thinks it’ll be easy? 😏 Send them this episode so they can go in prepared.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in next week’s episode!

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

Hey friends, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and in today’s episode I’m giving you a very real life update (hi, stress!) and then diving into one of the BIGGEST misconceptions about choosing the right location for your Airbnb. Everyone thinks the best rentals are smack-dab in the heart of a big city—near stadiums, shops, and all the hustle. But honestly? The most consistent and most profitable performers are almost always outside the big cities.
I walk you through why regulations in major cities are risky, the psychology of why guests CRAVE peaceful spaces, and how looking just 10–20 minutes outside the hot spots gives you more freedom, better booking rates, and less competition. I also spill one of my biggest investor secrets: the difference between mailing address and municipality, and why that one detail can make or break your STR strategy.
And of course… I share some behind-the-scenes chaos from renovating two Airbnbs at once, waiting on delayed neon signs, and trying to hit photo-day deadlines while losing my mind. 😅

If you’ve been scrolling Zillow thinking, “I’ll never be able to get an Airbnb inside a major city,” you’re not wrong—but you also don’t need to. This episode shows you exactly where to look instead, how to strategize smart, and how you can get into STRs without fighting every investor in your area.
Plus, if you’ve been overwhelmed with location decisions, this will simplify your search and give you clarity on what actually books year-round.

Thinking about buying an Airbnb outside the big city? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what areas you’re exploring! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Ready to find, launch, or scale your short-term rental? Whether you need help finding a property, analyzing a deal, or understanding regulations, I’ve got you.
👉 Message me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap or visit the newly updated website to get started.

00:00 – Life update: sauna delays, neon sign drama & renovation chaos
02:30 – Website revamp + launch party teasing
05:50 – Why everyone assumes Airbnbs belong in big cities
07:20 – The hidden power of small towns and slower-paced areas
08:50 – The pressure + risk of investing inside major cities
10:20 – Why rural + lakeside getaways practically book themselves
11:30 – My challenge: look outside the big cities
13:39 – Phone call interruption 😂
14:05 – City vs. peaceful travel: what guests actually want
15:53 – Thinking outside the box when choosing location
17:22 – Another phone call (classic Brittany moment)
18:18 – NYC, Madison, Dells: examples of harsh city STR rules
19:10 – Less competition outside the city = more bookings
20:20 – The game-changing secret: mailing address vs municipality
22:00 – How to check municipality on your own
23:00 – A new Airbnb resort for sale in La Crosse
26:00 – Final thoughts + where to learn more

If you loved today’s episode, hit subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s! And please share this with a friend who’s looking for an STR but doesn’t know where to start. It helps more than you know! 💛

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

Hey friends, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and in today’s episode I’m breaking down a question I get every single November: Should you decorate your Airbnb for the holidays? The short answer is probably not, and I explain exactly why. From inclusivity to guest expectations to season-locked photos, I share my personal take on why holiday décor can actually hurt you more than help. I also chat about the itch to add Christmas magic, why neutral spaces serve everyone better, and how winter photos still matter and how I faked mine with AI.

Then, to wrap things up, I shift into a Thanksgiving gratitude moment. Whether you’re a seasoned host or launching your first short-term rental soon, I want you to fully recognize how far you’ve come, the memories you’re creating for others, and the ripple effect your STR has on cleaners, contractors, families and guests who choose your space. And of course, a big shoutout to my incredible marketing girl for helping me bring big projects to life.

If you're tempted to put up a Christmas tree in your Airbnb, or already have it in your Amazon cart, this episode will help you think through the long-term impact on guest experience, ROI and inclusivity. Plus, you’ll walk away feeling inspired, grounded and grateful for everything you've built in your short-term rental journey.

Thinking about holiday decorating in your Airbnb or avoiding it altogether? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re doing this year! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Ready to learn how to find, launch and run a profitable Airbnb with confidence? Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course and save $50 with code 5STARPODCAST.
👉 https://brittany-wenninger.mykajabi.com

00:00 Whispering intro and the audio fail
01:30 Renovation weekend and partner update
03:20 Seeing the project come together
04:35 Holiday season and the decorating question
05:10 Why I personally avoid Christmas décor
07:00 Inclusivity and guest comfort
08:45 Reviews and setting expectations
09:30 Season-locking your photos
11:45 Winter photos and using AI
14:30 My official take: skip the decorations
15:40 Cozy touches but only if not photographed
15:55 Shifting into Thanksgiving
16:40 Why hosting is something to be proud of
18:02 What you’re providing to guests
19:00 The ripple effect for cleaners, contractors and families
20:30 Gratitude for my marketing girl
21:30 Wrap up and final thoughts

If this episode helped you rethink your holiday hosting plans, share it with a fellow Airbnb host and hit follow so you never miss a new episode of The Airbnb Roadmap.

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I manage our Airbnbs in about 30–45 minutes a week—while still keeping 5-star reviews rolling in. I share the very real side of setting up Airbnb #4 and #5 (aka: BOXES EVERYWHERE, neighbors texting about our “embarrassing” amount of packages, and my love–hate relationship with assembling furniture)… and then I walk you through the actual software stack that keeps our business running on autopilot.

From Hospitable as the main hub, to Schlage for keyless entry codes, PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, Turno for cleaners, QuickBooks for bookkeeping, and Blink cameras for security, I break down what we use, how it all connects, what I love, and where the hiccups are. I also share why “value” matters more than just charging sky-high nightly rates—and a fun New Zealand dive bar story that proves why personal recommendations still matter more than Google.

If you’re tired of feeling glued to your phone managing guests, cleaners, pricing, and messages, this episode will show you what to automate, what to keep an eye on, and what tools are actually worth paying for. I’m not a techie or a numbers-nerd (that’s Clay’s department), so if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by software options, I break it down in normal-human language with real examples, mistakes, and what I’d do again.

Whether you’re about to launch your first Airbnb or you’re adding property #4 and #5 like we are, you’ll walk away with a plug-and-play software roadmap you can model.

Mentioned in the Episode

Thinking about automating your Airbnb with software? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re using now! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

If this episode helped you see how much of your Airbnb can be automated, hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. 💛

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

Hey, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and today’s episode is a little different. I’m getting real and a bit vulnerable about what happens behind the scenes when you’re in the middle of renovating new Airbnbs, juggling family life, and trying to keep everything running smoothly.

From the easier-than-expected updates on our latest properties to the furnace fiasco that had me up at 4:30 AM in full panic mode, I’m sharing what self-managing really looks like,  the good, the exhausting, and the “why am I doing this again?” moments.

If you’ve ever felt torn between your hustle and your personal life (hi, fellow parents and hosts!), this episode will definitely hit home.

Because burnout and balance are both real parts of the Airbnb journey. This isn’t a highlight reel,  it’s an honest look at what happens when the furnace goes out, the baby’s waiting at home, and you start questioning if it’s all worth it. You’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not the only one trying to figure out how to do it all.

Thinking about renovating your own Airbnb (or maybe not renovating for a while)? DM me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re working on — I’d love to cheer you on and help you out!

Want to build, buy, or launch your own short-term rental in Wisconsin?
👉 Front Porch Realty
👉 Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator

00:00 Intro – Keeping it real about renovations
01:30 Lessons from past Airbnb projects
04:30 Missing family moments for renovation weekends
06:50 The 4:30 AM “we have a problem” wake-up call
09:30 Panic mode and troubleshooting the furnace
13:50 Taking your own winterization advice (ouch)
14:30 The truth about self-management burnout
16:30 The La Crosse Airbnb resort opportunity

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Airbnb Roadmap, rate the show, and share it with a fellow Airbnb host or real estate friend who needs a little real-life perspective (and a laugh).

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

Hey friends, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and today we’re talking all things winter prep for your Airbnb or short-term rental. Wisconsin winters are no joke (and neither is falling off a ski lift, which I may or may not have done 🤦‍♀️). Whether your property is fully booked or sitting vacant, you need to protect your investment before the first freeze hits. In this episode, I share my funniest snowboarding fail, a near-disaster client story about frozen pipes, and my ultimate checklist to get your property ready for the cold season.

If you’ve ever dealt with frozen pipes, last-minute snow chaos, or guest complaints in the middle of a blizzard—this episode will save your sanity (and your 5-star rating). You’ll walk away with a clear plan to winterize your Airbnb and a few laughs about what not to do on a ski lift.

Thinking about getting your Airbnb winter-ready? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your winter prep questions or your funniest snow story! I’d love to cheer you on and help you protect your property this season.

Ready to find or launch your next short-term rental in Wisconsin? I’d love to help you analyze deals, understand local STR rules, and set up your investment for success. Learn more at frontporchrealtywi.com.

00:01 – Brittany’s love-hate relationship with Wisconsin winters
02:14 – The ski lift disaster (aka the red snow pants story)
04:36 – Outdoor prep: shutting off spigots & clearing gutters
05:19 – Storytime: the frozen pipe nightmare
07:40 – Don’t turn off your breaker before winter!
08:41 – Indoor prep: furnace filters & tune-ups
09:17 – Smart thermostats that save your property
10:48 – The overlooked cost: snow removal plans
12:49 – Communicating with guests about snow crews
15:03 – Stocking cozy amenities for winter stays
17:00 – Updating your Airbnb photos for winter bookings
18:01 – Final thoughts: protect your investment & enjoy the season

If you enjoyed this episode, tap “follow” and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! And if you know another host who’s panicking about the first snowfall, share this episode with them—they’ll thank you later!

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

Airbnb just dropped one of its biggest updates ever,  and it impacts every single host. As of this week, Airbnb has officially shifted to a host-only service fee model, meaning guests no longer pay the platform fee at checkout… we do. In this episode, I break down what this new fee structure means, how it affects your payout, and what actions you need to take right now to protect your profits.

Oh,  and yes, I share a quick life update involving paint, patience, and a soon-to-be movie-theater room that almost broke me.

This change affects your revenue immediately. If you don’t raise your nightly rate or update your listing language, you’ll lose profit — plain and simple. In this episode, I help you understand the “why” behind Airbnb’s move, the ripple effect it’ll have across the platform, and how to get ahead of it before your competitors even realize what’s happening.

Thinking about how to adjust your pricing or update your listing strategy after this Airbnb change?
DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share how you’re handling it — I’d love to cheer you on and help you out!

Ready to turn your short-term rental goals into reality?
✅ Check out The Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator — my self-paced course designed to help you find, launch, and manage your first (or next) Airbnb with confidence.
It’s under $500 and packed with step-by-step guidance for building real income through hosting.

00:00 – Intro + life update (painting disasters & patience)
02:00 – The big Airbnb change: host-only fees
04:00 – What this means for your payouts
05:30 – How to adjust pricing strategically
08:00 – Updating your listing to say “No guest service fee”
13:00 – Why Airbnb made this move
16:00 – Competing with hosts who don’t update prices
20:00 – Example listing verbiage you can use
22:00 – Final thoughts + adapting quickly

If this episode helped you understand Airbnb’s new pricing shift, follow the show and share it with another host who needs to hear this update. Let’s make sure every host stays profitable through these changes!

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

This week’s episode is less “how-to” and more “real life.” I’m giving you a peek behind the scenes into one of the wildest weeks I’ve had in a while — juggling an AWS outage that shut down half my systems, onboarding my first assistant, and closing on our newest Airbnb property (technically two Airbnbs in one!). From appraisal headaches to cat pee clean-up, this episode is pure behind-the-scenes chaos — but in the best, most relatable way possible.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of short-term rental investing — this is it. It’s messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons that make you laugh later. Sometimes success isn’t about strategy — it’s about staying calm (and maybe wearing a mask when using KILZ).

Thinking about partnering on an Airbnb or wondering how to manage your own? 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 start or scale your own short-term rental?
👉 Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator — my self-paced course that walks you through everything from finding the right property to launching with confidence.

00:00 – Intro + Chaos of the AWS Outage
02:15 – Hiring My First Assistant
04:30 – Closing on the New Airbnb Property
06:40 – The Appraisal Waiver Drama
09:10 – Finding Comps and Finishing the Deal
11:30 – Post-Closing Wins and Clean-Up Realities
13:45 – The Cat Pee Chronicles
15:30 – Game Room + Sauna Design Plans
17:00 – Sneak Peek of Next Week’s Episode
19:00 – Wrapping Up and What’s Ahead

If you enjoy hearing the real, unfiltered side of building an Airbnb business, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a good laugh (or a reminder that every investor has chaotic days).