You think you want 500 units, but do you actually?

In this episode, you challenge the assumption that bigger is always better in short-term rental management. You’ll dive into the real operational breakpoints between 10 and 500+ units and discover why 100–120 units might be the true “sweet spot” for profitability, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

Michael Steinkirchner, founder of Uncharted Vacations, managing partner at Stream Advisors, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, shares his path from military service to boutique STR operator to large-scale management with Vacasa and what scaling really costs in owner relationships, staffing, tech, and control.

If you’re growing an Airbnb or vacation rental management company, this episode will challenge how you think about scale.

Connect with me....YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

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Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Visit Michael Steinkirchner at stayuncharted.comEmail: [email protected]

We sit down with Janel Gallucci to break down what it actually takes to build a top-performing short-term rental.

Janel shares how she went from her first STR purchase in 2019 to owning one of the most wishlisted Airbnbs in Mississippi, and why success in short-term rentals comes down to clarity, execution, and disciplined decision-making. The conversation dives into defining a strong buy box, underwriting deals correctly, choosing the right markets, and launching properties in a way that drives early momentum.

This episode is tactical and execution-focused, with practical insight on market research, guest avatars, pricing strategy, and property setup, without the fluff. If you’re serious about building profitable short-term rentals and creating Airbnbs that stand out in competitive markets, this episode delivers real strategy you can apply.

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YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

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Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Janel Gallucci on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sevensummershostacademy/

We sit down with Scott Sage, founder of Home Base, who scaled a 170-unit property management company by mastering one of the most overlooked growth levers in the STR industry: acquisitions.

Scott breaks down his unconventional entry into property management, how he formalized his business after accidentally inheriting a portfolio in Indianapolis, and the exact acquisition strategies that helped him expand into multiple markets, including Louisville. He gets tactical on outreach, due diligence, operational integration, and the criteria he uses to judge whether a management company is worth buying.

You’ll also learn how Scott uses AirDNA for market intelligence, how he identifies “rockstar operators,” and what he would do if he had to start over from scratch today.

If you’re serious about scaling through M&A, systems, or operational excellence, this episode cuts through the fluff and gives you the blueprint.

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YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Scott Sage on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott/

In this episode, Vinci Sevilla is back, and he reveals how he exploded his STR business to 150+ units using a “one-to-many” strategy almost nobody in the industry is talking about.

Vinci breaks down how he went from a single house hack in 2015 to managing campgrounds, resorts, and massive commercial hospitality assets all while building a tech-driven management machine that makes scaling look effortless.

He also shares the story behind Getaway House, his tech-powered real estate firm, and how he co-founded Invest Capital to take down large multifamily and assisted-living deals.

If you want to know how operators REALLY scale past 50… 100… even 150+ units, don’t miss this episode. Vinci holds nothing back.

Connect with me....YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/Connect with Travis Wilburn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-wilburn-03057410/

In this episode, we sit down with Travis Wilburn, Founder of TheOneHundredCollection.com and Co-Founder of The Stay Charlottesville Management Group.

Travis leads a curated network of 80+ destinations featuring premium vacation homes and top local property managers. He’s a major advocate for independent VRMs, helping operators build brand equity, drive direct bookings, and stand out in an OTA-dominated landscape.

We also dive into his Charlottesville hospitality portfolio, including boutique hotels, luxury vacation rentals, wine tours, event venues, and a concierge tourism center, all focused on elevating guest experiences and supporting local businesses.If you want to strengthen your STR brand, grow beyond OTAs, and learn from one of the leading voices in local-first hospitality, this episode is for you.

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YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Travis Wilburn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-wilburn-03057410/

We sit down with Matt Durrette, CEO and founder of Cozy Vacation Rentals, to unpack how he scaled from 5 to over 350 properties across Texas Hill Country. Matt shares his journey from financial analyst to STR operator, diving into the systems, tech, and leadership that fueled his growth.

He breaks down how EOS transformed his business, the metrics that drive success, and strategies for homeowner retention and PMS transitions. If you’re looking to scale your property management company or learn where the vacation rental industry is headed, this episode is a must-watch.

Connect with me....

YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Matt Durrette on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-durrette-8658a137/

In this episode, we sit down with Rafa Loza to explore his journey through the short-term rental world. With over eight years of experience, Rafa shares powerful insights on scaling STR businesses, the realities of rental arbitrage, and how he’s transitioned into boutique hotels and real estate development.

We also dive into the importance of building the right partnerships, the value of networking in the STR space, and key lessons learned from both wins and setbacks along the way.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level, this episode is filled with practical advice, strategy, and inspiration from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

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YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Rafa Loza on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsrafaloza/

We sit down with Andrew Llewellyn, CEO & Founder of Super Stays STR, to talk about his journey from running ice cream shops and a bakery to building a portfolio of boutique, hotel-style Airbnbs in Louisville, Kentucky.Andrew shares how he designs properties for memorable experiences like bachelor parties, corporate retreats, and family gatherings.

We delve into why local knowledge is essential for delivering a truly concierge-level stay, the challenges of renovating large properties, and the marketing strategies that drive success. Andrew also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his newest venture, a multi-unit STR project in downtown Louisville.

Whether you’re a host, investor, or curious about the short-term rental space, this episode is full of insights you can apply right away.

Connect with me....

YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Andrew Llewellyn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamandrewllewellyn/

I sat down with Rachel Vigil from UpClose Marketing to talk about how short-term rental hosts like us can access premium products for free to wow our guests and boost reviews. Rachel shared how UpClose connects STR owners with major brands, think Heineken Zero, e-bikes, and more, while requiring almost no commitment from hosts. We covered the process, real success stories, and the huge benefits for property managers. If you’re looking to elevate your short-term rentals with unique amenities, this episode is packed with value!

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YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-vigil-upclose/

Justin Ford, Director of Short-Term Rental Safety at Breezeway, breaks down why safety is one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of running a successful Airbnb or vacation rental business.

From slips, trips, and falls to the importance of working smoke alarms, Justin shares real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical tips that every property manager and investor should know. You’ll also hear about the connection between safety and increased booking revenue, how safety regulations are shaping the future of the STR industry, and what hosts can do today to protect both their guests and their bottom line.

Whether you’re managing a single rental or an entire portfolio, this conversation will give you actionable strategies to ensure your properties stand out as safe, trustworthy, and profitable.

Connect with me....

YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/

Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/

Connect with Justin Ford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rentalsafety/