Landlord Diaries - The Monthly Rentals Podcast

What if your short-term rental faced heavy restrictions—but instead of losing income, you unlocked a high-demand niche with 90% occupancy? That’s exactly what Bella and Levi Linchenko did by leveraging Furnished Finder and midterm rental (MTR) strategies. They transformed a live-in flip into a high-performing MTR business and even used their rental income to fund a ski trip to the Alps! If you’re wondering how to attract digital nomads, traveling professionals, and retirees, this Furnished Finder Landlord Diaries episode is packed with actionable insights.

In this episode, they reveal:
 ✅ Why they chose MTR over STR (without losing income)
 ✅ Why transparency leads to happier guests & fewer headaches
 ✅ How MTR revenue funded their Alps ski trip
 ✅ The key differences in furnishing MTR vs STR properties
 ✅ Why midterm guests are easier to manage than short-term renters
 ✅ How to address seasonality & maximize occupancy

Plus, Bella & Levi share expert design tips for MTR success, including market research, must-have furnishings, and costly design mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a real estate investor, STR host looking to pivot, or a newbie in MTRs, this episode is a must-listen!

📢 Ready to list your property? Get started on Furnished Finder today:
 👉 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to Landlord Diaries
1:25 Why some hosts prefer MTRs over STRs in vacation rental markets
2:30 How Bella & Levi started with an MTR duplex house hack
4:05 Finding Furnished Finder was a game-changer
5:50 Fix & flip strategy with MTR for maximum value
7:25 MTR revenue funded their Alps ski trip
9:40 Transparency: The secret to happy MTR guests
14:20 When to start marketing & furnishing your MTR
18:25 Why MTR guests are easier to manage than STR tenants
22:35 Market research for MTR friendly design
27:45 Furnishing an MTR vs STR—Key differences
31:10 The biggest mistake hosts make in MTR
31:50 Minimum viable product concept for MTR success
34:30 Design mistakes that cost you revenue
37:00 How to find the right MTR property
40:20 Addressing seasonality in midterm rental markets
42:55 The secret to long-term MTR success? Just get started!
44:25 Connect with Bella & Levi Linchenko

Resources & Links:
📌 Trending Midterm Rental Resources:
 👉 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources
🏡 Guest’s Listings on Furnished Finder:
 👉 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Bella.Gonzalez69
📸 Follow Bella & Levi on IG: @LetsgowithBella

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Getting started in mid-term rentals or buying your next investment property? Whether you're a new or experienced investor, Colin Wong has cracked the code on scaling mid-term rentals across multiple markets. With 10+ MTRs and 70% of his bookings coming from Furnished Finder, Colin shares proven strategies for picking the right markets, maximizing cash flow, and managing properties remotely. Tune in to learn how he balances equity growth with cash flow, finds investor-friendly realtors, and optimizes his listings for consistent bookings.

List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property 
(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

📌 Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries podcast
1:50 Colin’s real estate journey started with advice from a friend
4:05 Googling “how to improve cash flow” led him to mid-term rentals
5:30 How MTRs generate 1.5-2x more than long-term rentals
5:50 Let the tenant demand in your market guide your rental strategy
7:45 Strategic property selection: How to spot the right MTR opportunities
10:20 What to look for when buying your next mid-term rental
16:10 MTR design tips: Keep it simple, update as guests request
20:45 70% of Colin’s bookings come from Furnished Finder—must-know tips
21:50 Has Colin’s strategy for equity and cash flow paid off?
24:35 Managing out-of-state rentals: Start with an investor-friendly realtor
28:15 Scaling to 25+ MTRs: Colin’s partnership and long-term vision
30:30 3 expert tips for Furnished Finder success

👉 Subscribe for more expert MTR insights! 🏡 💰 #MidTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #FurnishedFinder

Trending Midterm Rental Resources:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources   

E-Book: Best Practices & Furnishing Advice for Landlords New to Renting:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/best-practices  

Colin Wong’s Listings on Furnished Finder:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Colin.Wong 

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Looking for a lucrative side hustle that fits into your busy life? Discover how Lara Stuart, a registered nurse with 28 years of experience, built a successful mid-term rental arbitrage business with Furnished Finder while maintaining her W2 job and family life. In this episode of the Furnished Finder Landlord Diaries podcast, hosts Kelly Bailey & Katie Lyon dive into how Lara secured 100% of her bookings through Furnished Finder, partnered with an upscale apartment complex, and self-manages her out-of-state rentals with ease.

List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Chapters
0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries
1:40 Why is MTR rental arbitrage an appealing income stream?
7:00 How to pitch corporate leasing to high-end apartment complexes
8:05 Ten out of fifteen complexes said YES to corporate leases!
14:40 How much profit can you make with rental arbitrage?
19:15 The power of a great cleaner & team for out-of-state management
24:10 Furnished Finder tools: Message templates & Worry-Free Waiver
28:10 Annual arbitrage projects you should prepare for
34:05 Why your space doesn’t need to be perfect to get started

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a beginner looking to break into the mid-term rental space, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you launch or scale your rental arbitrage business.

🔔 Subscribe for more real estate investing tips!

Resources:
Trending Midterm Rental Resources:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  
Lara’s Listings on Furnished Finder:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=lara.stuart

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed as a landlord? In this video, we're sharing our top 4 tips to help you become a more efficient landlord and maximize your midterm rental business. From utilizing property management software to streamlining your lease strategies, we're covering it all. As a Furnished Finder host, you know how important it is to stay organized and on top of your game. That's why we're diving into the best property management hacks and tools to help you succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, these tips will help you take your midterm rentals to the next level. So, if you're ready to join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs on Furnished Finder, be sure to watch until the end.

Welcome back to the Furnished Finder Landlord Diaries podcast for part two of our book review with Grace Gudenkauf, Bigger Pockets co-author of The Self-Managing Landlord. Grace is a real estate entrepreneur with over twenty rentals, coach and co-founder of WIIRE, Women Invest In Real Estate. In part one, we discussed the pros & cons of self-managing, tenant screening advice & how to handle tenant emergencies with Amelia. Today with Grace, we will dive into the operational side of mid term rentals to discuss things like MTR lease advice, fees & the overall structure of the mid-term rental "move in" process.

List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Episode Highlights:
⏳ 0:00 - Landlord Diaries Intro
📖 2:10 - Writing The Self-Managing Landlord
🏡 3:00 - Grace’s journey: From quitting her W-2 to owning 25 properties & 12 MTRs
🔄 4:25 - BRRRR strategy: When to flip, hold, or rent mid-term?
📈 5:15 - Rising demand for ranch-style homes with fenced yards
🏠 6:30 - Why Grace prefers Furnished Finder over Airbnb
🔑 8:05 - MTR operations: Managing one to several properties
📝 8:40 - 10 key lease details every MTR host should include
🛡️ 16:50 - How Furnished Finder’s Worry-Free Waiver replaces security deposits
💰 20:00 - 3 reasons cash flow is critical for rental success
💸 25:30 - Roundtable: Standard fees for mid-term rentals
📋 33:00 - MTR move-in process: Setting house rules & guest expectations
⚙️ 36:10 - The power of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
🧠 38:25 - Avoiding emotional decision-making & fatigue
🏡 41:05 - Simplifying check-ins with Furnished Finder house rules
📌 42:25 - A simple step to start implementing SOPs

Trending Midterm Rental Resources:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  

Grace’s Listings on Furnished Finder:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=grace.gudenkauf 

The Self-Managing Landlord Book:
https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/book 

WIIRE’s SOP Template:
https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/soptemplates

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are you considering self-managing your midterm rental property? Watch this video as BiggerPockets Author, Amelia McGee, discusses the pros and cons of property management, and get valuable insights into the MTR landlord process. Whether you're a seasoned property manager or a beginner, this video will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about managing your midterm rental property, tenant screening questions, deposit free options and valuable investment insights. 

Welcome back to The Landlord Diaries! Amelia McGee, a real estate mogul with over 40 rental properties and co-author of The Self-Managing Landlord, a Bigger Pockets favorite. Amelia shares her journey from partnerships in business to managing a diversified portfolio of long-term, short-term, and midterm rentals (MTRs). Learn how she uses tools like Furnished Finder to achieve nearly 100% midterm rental occupancy, boost cash flow by $500/unit monthly, and maintain quality control as a self-managing landlord.

📌 Episode Highlights:

0:00 Introduction to The Landlord Diaries
2:30 From HGTV-inspired flip to 45 rental doors
3:50 The cash flow addiction: scaling with mid-term and short-term rentals
4:05 The biggest hurdle most investors face
8:30 Transforming her business with self-management systems
11:30 Why midterm rentals outperform long-term rentals 
15:50 The benefits of self-managing MTRs: better cash flow & control
24:10 Tenant screening tips to secure quality tenants and renewals
32:40 How to screen tenants without a U.S. Social Security Number
36:20 Handling service animals and emotional support pets professionally
38:55 Overcoming challenges in self-management: tenant disputes & contractors

Amelia’s insights will inspire landlords to rethink their approach to property management. Learn how the self-managing landlord model can maximize your passive income, improve tenant satisfaction, and minimize stress.

List Your Property Now:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property 

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Trending Midterm Rental Resources:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  

 The Self-Managing Landlord Book:
https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/book 

Hashtags:
#BiggerPockets #FurnishedFinder #MTR #MidtermRentals #PassiveIncome #CashFlow #PropertyManagement #LandlordTips #TenantScreening #RealEstateInvesting #realestatepodcast

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are accessory dwelling units (ADUs) the ultimate real estate hack? In this episode, we sit down with Derek Sherrell, aka "That ADU Guy," to explore the benefits of accessory dwelling units and how ADUs are transforming the housing market. With over 49,000 Instagram followers and 26,000 YouTube subscribers, Derek is on a mission to influence the creation of one million ADUs nationwide.

Discover why ADUs are called the "missing middle" of housing and how they solve affordability issues while delivering unparalleled cash flow opportunities. Derek shares his personal real estate journey, the mindset needed to start building ADUs, and actionable strategies to overcome zoning and planning challenges. Plus, hear real-life case studies of successful mid-term rental ADUs and how they cater to traveling professionals and other niche markets.

Whether you're new to real estate investing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, including why ADUs are the gateway to creative investing, how they add value to communities, and the market trends shaping midterm rentals.

Video Chapters:
0:00 Welcome to the Landlord Diaries
2:20 Are ADUs worth the investment?
3:35 The mission: influence one million ADUs nationwide
9:15 Does an ADU add value to a house?
11:40 How ADUs open the door to increased cash flow
12:40 Why ADUs are the "missing middle" in housing
19:15 Overcoming zoning and planning challenges
24:55 These 7 states support additional dwelling units
25:45 Real stories of successful mid-term rental ADUs
29:20 The viability of this housing asset type
34:55 Major market trends with midterm rentals
38:10 Midterm rental demand is growing quickly
38:45 Derek's practical tips on the market, ADUs and MTRs

Tune in to discover how ADUs can revolutionize your real estate portfolio and create meaningful, lasting impact in your community. Don't forget to connect with Derek at ThatADUGuy.com or @ThatADUGuy for free tools, courses, and consultations!

List Your Property on Furnished Finder Now:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Trending Midterm Rental Resources:
https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  

Derek's Listings on Furnished Finder:
 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=derek.sherrell

Furnished Finder's ADU Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLokjj6PCc5Xxufs1djS8aQ-kO6akkEcOP

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Ready to transform your Furnished Finder listing into a traveler’s dream? Join us for an in-depth tutorial on how to set up your first—or next—property listing, complete with insider advice you won’t find anywhere else. Kelly and Katie dive deep into key questions like: How do I price my mid-term rental? Should you invest in a full kitchen or stick with a kitchenette? What fees and amenities matter most to tenants?

In this episode, we cover everything from writing a killer headline to selecting must-have amenities and pricing strategies that ensure profitability. You’ll also learn why being pet-friendly gives you a competitive edge, how to stand out with your photos, and which Furnished Finder features (like real-time notifications and calendar best practices) are essential for success.

If you’re looking to attract more tenants, maximize bookings, and boost your rental income, this guide has everything you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Key Takeaways and Timestamps:
🔑 1:30 Adding your first or next listing on Furnished Finder
🔑 2:25 The power of your headline: Keywords that attract travelers
🔑 6:25 The perks of being pet-friendly
🔑 9:15 Three steps to price your mid-term rental successfully
🔑 11:40 Standard property fees for mid-term rentals
🔑 13:45 Must-have amenities: Do you need a washer/dryer and full kitchen?
🔑 18:45 How to create standout listing photos
🔑 22:10 Furnished Finder calendar tips
🔑 24:25 Managing notifications for tenant leads and housing requests
🔑 25:45 Setting clear house rules for tenant success

🎯 Pro Tip: Optimize your listing by using search-friendly amenities, such as high-speed internet, king-size beds, and in-unit laundry. Plus, learn how thoughtful touches like starter essentials can earn you 5-star reviews from day one.

List Your Property Now:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Trending Midterm Rental Resources:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  

Host Katie Lyon’s Properties:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=katie.lyon8 

Host Kelly Bailey’s Properties:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly*|B. 

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we celebrate 10 years of growth in the mid-term rental (MTR) industry with Furnished Finder COO Cami Narino. From the company’s humble beginnings to its innovative tools today, Cami shares invaluable insights for landlords looking to succeed in the evolving MTR market. We discuss everything from the evolution of tenant leads to tips for creating top-notch listings and the importance of responsiveness. Whether you're new to MTRs or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive.

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 Intro to The Landlord Diaries
• 1:20 The beginnings of Furnished Finder
• 1:55 A decade of growth in the mid-term rental industry
• 5:00 Analysis of MTR supply and demand
• 7:15 The evolution of Furnished Finder tools
• 9:35 The smooth tenant screening process
• 10:15 Deposit-free protection with the Worry-Free Waiver
• 10:55 The rise of KeyCheck for landlords
• 12:25 Why every MTR should be on the Furnished Finder map
• 13:40 Upcoming improvements to map and search tech
• 15:45 Cami’s best practices for landlords
• 18:45 How to create a standout listing
• 26:30 The evolution of tenant leads on Furnished Finder
• 30:10 Grow with Furnished Finder by maximizing the data
• 32:55 Why responsiveness is essential for success
• 35:45 How Furnished Finder’s team is scaling for growth

List Your Property Now:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

Trending Midterm Rental Resources:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

How do you turn a midterm rental portfolio into a $100K/month business while serving your community during times of crisis? In this episode, we sit down with KP Akom, a U.S. Army veteran and the CEO of Streamlined Stay Solutions, to uncover his incredible journey from creative financing deals to filling 100 FEMA housing requests during Hurricane Helene.

KP shares how he leverages Furnished Finder’s Housing Request feature to secure high-value government and insurance contracts, how he tests markets with rental arbitrage before purchasing, and why midterm rentals are the ultimate niche for savvy investors. Whether you're curious about scaling with subject-to deals, managing properties across multiple markets, or thriving in the midterm rental, corporate housing space, this episode is packed with actionable insights. KP owns and operates over 40 properties on Furnished Finder, making him an expert in this space.

Time Stamps

0:00 Intro to The Landlord Diaries

1:55 Meet KP Akom: Army Veteran & Real Estate Expert

2:45 Discovering Midterm Rentals: The Surprising Start

4:10 How Furnished Finder Transformed KP’s Business

6:15 Building a Portfolio: 40 Owned & 20 Managed Rentals

7:30 Market Testing with Arbitrage Before Buying

13:05 Scaling with Creative Financing: Subject-to Success

14:40 Filling 100 FEMA Housing Requests During Hurricane Helene

18:10 Managing 200 Housing Request Leads Overnight!

19:05 The Selection Process: What Properties Stand Out?

21:55 Responding to Hundreds of Landlords Efficiently

23:55 Analyzing Market Trends with Furnished Finder Data

27:50 Partnering with Furnished Finder Hosts for Insurance Housing Success

32:50 Inside the Streamlined Stay Solutions Operations Team

36:40 Key Differences: Insurance Stays vs. Government Contracts

40:45 Who Travels for Government Contracts? A Breakdown

41:45 Myth-Busting: Furnished Finder & Property Management Systems

46:05 Exploring Furnished Finder’s Internal PMS Options

47:30 Connect with KP Akom & Streamlined Stay Solutions

List Your Property:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)

Midterm Rental Resources:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  

KPs Listings on Furnished Finder:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Streamlined.Stay.Solutions 

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we dive into the transformative mid-term rental (MTR) strategy with Candice Menard, a Realtor and Founder of Rent It Like A Saint in Lake Charles, LA. Candice has revamped her real estate portfolio, transitioning from aging long-term rentals (LTRs) to newer, high-performing midterm rental properties. Hosting travel nurses, construction teams, and displaced families, Candice shares her journey of building generational wealth and managing a family real estate business through intentional MTR strategies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Guest Story: How Candice utilized 1031 exchanges to sell older LTRs and purchase modern 4 bedroom homes tailored for MTR tenants.
• Hosting Travel Nurses: Expert advice for renting by the room, setting house rules, and ensuring smooth tenant experiences.
• Construction Teams as Tenants: Tips for accommodating their unique needs, from parking strategies to ROI-driven amenities like king-sized beds.

In this episode we cover:

0:00 Landlord Diaries Intro

2:55 Building generational wealth with real estate

6:05 Candice first MTR experience: renting rooms to travel nurses

8:05 Buying 4-bedroom homes for MTR tenants

10:00 Selling older LTR homes to fund nearly new MTR homes

12:05 Using 1031 exchanges to scale your portfolio

16:15 Hosting med pros & construction teams in 4 bedroom homes

16:50 Screen all your midterm tenants

17:35 Types of MTR tenants

19:20 House rules for MTR room rentals

22:15 Parking strategies for MTR properties

23:35 Are construction teams a steady source of MTR bookings?

24:30 Disaster recovery housing opportunities

26:45 Enriching your community w/ MTR housing

28:15 MTR housing needs for court cases, restaurant openings & medical recovery

29:40 Tips for hosting construction teams

33:18 Using KeyCheck for MTR management

35:15 Cost analysis or ROI (return on investment) for added amenities

36:20 Why you should add king beds in each room if you have the space

39:05 Handling property fees and deposit alternatives

44:00 Connect w/ Candice Menard

List Your Property Now:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property

Candice’s Listings on Furnished Finder:

https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Candice.Menard

The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.