Curious about how to use a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate? This episode is a must-listen! I sat down with Sheila Dickinson, a former federal government employee who turned a chance encounter with short-term rentals into a thriving business across multiple states.

Sheila takes us through her incredible journey—from accidentally stepping into the vacation rental world to strategically using her self-directed IRA to grow her real estate portfolio. She shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the strategies that helped her succeed.

Get insights into her unique approach to property management, her passion for design, and the importance of building a strong community. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, Sheila’s story will equip you with the knowledge and motivation to scale your own short-term rental business.

Don't miss this insightful conversation—it just might change the way you think about real estate investing!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:46] A short introduction about our guest Sheila Dickinson and how she got started in the world of short-term rentals 

[06:25] Sheila’s growth path from two to nine short-term rentals using diverse financing strategies

[08:47] Sheila’s experience co-investing in real estate with her son and how it shaped his path into flipping properties

[12:29] Navigating real estate investing with Sheila’s husband and the challenges and rewards of working together as a couple

[15:48] Sheila’s insights on building a support network in the short-term rental community

[21:35] Sheila explains the self-directed IRA and the benefits and challenges of using it for real estate investments

[27:11] How Sheila educated herself on self-directed IRAs and real estate investing

[29:12] What are the biggest surprises Sheila encountered in growing her real estate portfolio

[34:30] How Sheila’s goals have changed over the years while growing her real estate portfolio

[39:42] Sheila’s favorite thing about having or being in short term-rental industry

[42:40] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapesBySheila

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

Website: https://escapesbysheila.com/

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Have you dreamed of starting a short-term rental business but felt overwhelmed by local rules and restrictions? Get inspired by the story of one couple who refused to let city ordinances stop them from building their short-term rental business in a popular Texas destination.

In this episode, Trudy Cox shares how they faced challenges from vacation rental bans and how they convinced the city to pass an ordinance allowing vacation rentals, paving the way for their success.

Trudy gives us a look into their thoughtfully designed properties, sharing how she and her husband built and created their first three homes. She explains how they manage operations, attract guests, and maintain positive relationships with neighbors. Trudy also walks us through her daily operations, inspection process, and cleaning system, including how she effectively manages her cleaning team.

Whether you're an experienced investor or dreaming of your first short-term rental, this episode is filled with valuable insights on perseverance, strategy, and creativity. Listen now to learn how this couple overcame the odds and turned their dream into a thriving business!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:20] A short introduction about our guest Trudy Cox 

[02:48] What got Judy started in short-term rental space

[04:29] The biggest challenges that Judy faced doing ground up construction and how they’ve overcome them

[05:29] How Jessica and her husband tackled short-term rental regulations challenges in Arlington

[07:59] Trudy shares how her husband’s relentless efforts helped shape short-term rental regulations

[10:15] Trudy's husband's strategic research to influence short-term rental regulations

[13:20] Trudy talks about his  husband's ongoing involvement in city policy and advocacy for short-term rentals

[15:07] How Trudy and her husband built and designed their first three short-term rental homes

[19:59] How Trudy manages operations and drive traffic to their short-term rentals

[22:03] Trudy’'s positive experience with their neighbors and the beneficial impact of short-term rentals on the neighborhood

[23:44] Trudy talks about their day to day operations and her inspection process

[28:25] Trudy's cleaning process and how she manages her cleaning team

[32:20] Trudy’s advice for newcomers to the short-term rental space

[34:41] Overcoming doubts and challenges in the growth of a short-term rental business

[37:46] Navigating challenges in the building process, specifically related to hiring contractors

[40:20] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: arlingtonvacationrentals.com

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Ready to take control of your future and build a profitable business without owning property? Jessica Katz’s rental arbitrage story will leave you speechless!

After a crushing setback in her medical career, Jessica made the bold decision to reinvent her life. That’s when she discovered the game-changing power of rental arbitrage—and built a thriving short-term rental empire from the ground up.

In this episode, Jessica pulls back the curtain on her hustle, sharing how she secures properties, creates jaw-dropping spaces, and stacks up serious profits. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as she reveals how she faced 77 “no’s” before landing her first deal.

Jessica’s journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. She opens up about the gritty reality of working with apartment complexes, the critical importance of a backup plan, and the mindset shifts that transformed her business. Her resilience and passion are downright contagious. Don’t miss this insider’s look at how she built a 24-unit portfolio from scratch—and how you can walk away with a blueprint for success and the fire to level up your rental arbitrage game!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:03] An introduction about our guest Jessica Katz and how she discovered rental arbitrage

[11:13] How did Jessica manage stress and find stability during uncertainty

[17:51] Jessica’s rental arbitrage journey and how she overcame initial challenges

[23:29] What strategies did Jessica use to land her first arbitrage deal

[25:43] Jessica’s journey in landing her first arbitrage deal

[28:15] Jessica describes how she targeted apartment complexes as part of her arbitrage strategy

[30:03] Jessica’s take on apartment complexes versus for single family homes arbitrage

[34:24] Jessica’s approach to investing in upgrades and furniture for properties she doesn’t own

[37:22] How Jessica allocates budget for furnishing properties and ensures competitive edge

[40:17] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: https://jk2properties.com/

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Struggling to create engaging content for your short-term rental business? Take a deep breath—you’re not alone! As a real estate investor, Airbnb host, and social media strategist, Brianne knows exactly how to make an impact online without spending hours glued to your screen.

In this episode, Brianne shares her best-kept secrets for showing up authentically, saving time, and creating content that truly connects with your audience. She’s spilling the tea on everything from content creation hacks and the magic of Facebook groups to beating the dreaded comparison trap.

You’ll also hear all about Brianne’s signature “STAY” content framework and her favorite tools for batching posts like a pro—because who doesn’t love a little extra time back in their day?

If social media has ever felt like a constant source of stress, this conversation will flip the script. Brianne’s actionable tips will help you simplify your strategy, grow your audience, and turn them into followers (and future guests!).

It’s time to take the guesswork—and the overwhelm—out of your social media game! Let’s dive in and make it happen!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:30] A short introduction about our guest Brianne Hamilton 

[04:36] How Brianne uses her creativity and corporate skills to grow her short-term rental business

[07:53] How can short-term rental hosts use the "STAY" framework to create meaningful and manageable social media content

[13:37] Balancing the "STAY" content pillars for consistent and engaging social media posts

[14:51] How can short-term rental hosts turn social media comparison into a strategy for improvement and engagement

[17:33] Brianne’s insight in leveraging social media inspiration and collaborations to improve content and boost engagement

[19:54] Brianne’s thoughts and recommendations on creating a social media content calendar in advance

[22:18] The benefits of using third-party scheduling tools for short-term rental social media

[25:36] Brianne’s top tools short-term rental hosts can use to enhance social media content creation

[29:01] Some common challenges short-term rental hosts face with social media content creation

[31:10] Brianne’s tips to overcome the challenges of creating social media content and effectively grow audience

[39:20] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=695800536

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

Website: https://www.junctionhouse.co/

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Ready to make your Airbnb and short-term rental bookings soar? Don’t miss our latest podcast episode featuring social media expert Marissa Schulze!

Marissa’s mission is simple: to help Airbnb hosts and short-term rental owners harness the power of social media to attract more guests and grow their businesses. In this must-listen episode, she reveals insider tips and actionable strategies to elevate your social media game and turn your online presence into a booking magnet.

Discover why a strong social media strategy is essential for today’s Airbnb hosts and how you can use it to showcase your property’s unique appeal. Marissa shares her proven framework for crafting story-driven, engaging posts that captivate potential guests. She also breaks down which social platforms are the most impactful for short-term rental success and how to leverage collaborations to amplify your reach and build your following.

Whether you’re a seasoned Airbnb host ready to take your bookings to the next level or a newcomer eager to stand out in a competitive market, this episode is packed with actionable insights tailored for short-term rental success. Tune in now to hear Marissa’s expert advice and start maximizing your bookings through social media today!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[03:09] A short introduction about our guest Marissa Schulze

[05:32] Why Social Media Marketing is important for short term rental hosts in today's landscape

[07:23] Marissa shares her best practices when creating content for social media

[11:23] Marissa discusses storytelling techniques to elevate social media content

[15:47] Strategies for creating consistent and engaging content for social media

[18:03] Marissa shares insights on the cost and logistics of hiring a professional to build a property content library

[20:02] Marissa’s practical tips on creating engaging video content for social media

[21:40] How often should you update your content library

[23:14] What social media platforms are most impactful for short-term rental hosts

[25:24] Marissa’s perspective on social media collaboration and how it “changes the game”

[28:57] The importance of targeting the right audience through influencer collaborations

[31:09] Marissa shares the 80/20 rule for content creation

[32:53] The power of answering common guest questions through storytelling on social media

[36:50] Marissa’s advises on repurposing content across platforms

[39:03] Marissa shares advice on how often short-term rental hosts should post on social media

[40:20] Marissa’s advises for short-term rental hosts on building a beautiful social media feed and running ads

[42:53] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

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

Website: https://www.haymakersocial.com/

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Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about Airbnb and short-term rentals? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Beata Lorinc, a seasoned short-term rental expert, to shatter the biggest myths in the industry. Drawing from her years of hands-on experience, Beata and I challenge the conventional wisdom that often misguides hosts and Airbnb entrepreneurs alike.

From the supposed "must-haves,” we discuss the operational truths that truly boost Airbnb profitability and guest satisfaction.

Whether you're a seasoned Airbnb host or just launching your short-term rental journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your business. Get ready to learn proven strategies and hard-earned lessons to help you navigate guest expectations and maximize your property’s potential.

Don’t miss this candid conversation that challenges the status quo and shows you how to build a short-term rental business that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and long-term success. Tune in now and transform your Airbnb strategy!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[03:20] A short introduction about our guest Beata Lorinc and her experiences in managing both self-owned and client-owned properties

[07:14] Beata dispels the number 1 myth in the short-term rental industry

[10:53] How Beata how approaches the choice of towel as part of her overall design and operational strategy

[14:14] Beata’s perception of white linens and towels as a necessity in short-term rentals

[17:22] The myth surrounding welcome baskets in short-term rentals

[21:59] Beata dispels the myth of having coffee bars or a wide range of coffee options is essential

[26:57] The myth of passive income in short-term rental management

[29:20] The misconceptions on self-managing and property managers

[32:47] Beata’s journey and evolution of how she became a successful vacation rental property manager

[35:31] The importance of making business and life decisions that align with one's current season of life

[39:22] Beata’s strategies for maximizing profitability in short-term rental business

[51:20] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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Curious how to tackle the toughest challenges in your Airbnb or short-term rental business? In this episode, I’m joined by Kara Margraf, a nurse-turned-condo owner, who shares her inspiring journey from discovering the magic of Gulf Shores, Alabama, to navigating the highs and lows of vacation property ownership.

Kara’s story is packed with real-world lessons that every Airbnb host and short-term rental owner needs to hear. From a difficult chargeback battle to crucial financial and legal hurdles, Kara reveals the essential strategies that helped her protect her business. Her secret weapons? Clear policies, rock-solid documentation, and a commitment to authentic hosting that builds trust and creates unforgettable guest experiences.

But that’s just the beginning. Kara also pulls back the curtain on how she balances family life while running her short-term rental business. We discuss the power of building a reliable team and how communication and systems are the secret sauce to a smooth operation.

Whether you’re launching your first Airbnb or scaling your short-term rental empire, this episode is a goldmine of actionable tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from Kara’s invaluable experience. Tune in now and get ready to level up your short-term rental success!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:05] A short introduction about our guest Kara Margraf

[03:32] How Kara got started and how she selected her market

[10:10] The challenges Kara faced in her journey as a short-term rental host and how she navigated them

[14:15] Kara shares her experience and thoughts on genuine hosting and how it is vital for building strong guest relationships and a positive experience

[20:15] The value of building systems and a reliable team around your short-term rental business

[24:01] Kara shares her experience dealing with a chargeback issue as a short-term rental host

[33:05] The serious issue of chargebacks and fraudulent activity that can happen in the short-term rental industry

[36:26] The importance of maintaining professional standards and implementing security measures

[38:26] Kara discusses the challenges and dynamics of running a business with her spouse

[44:28] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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What’s the secret to designing and furnishing large vacation rentals that feel inviting and functional for big groups? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Arkell, a homeschooling mom of seven and a creative force in transforming oversized short-term rentals into warm, welcoming retreats.

Jen shares her expert strategies for staging and interior design, tailored to Airbnb and short-term rental properties. From creating functional spaces that cater to large groups to stocking kitchens with must-have essentials, she reveals the small details that make a big difference.

Jen also dives into the personal side of her journey, opening up about how she balances running big design projects with homeschooling and family life. With faith as her foundation, she shares how she’s overcome challenges and made the design process a family affair.

This episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt stories that will inspire Airbnb hosts and short-term rental owners alike. If you’re ready to take your vacation rental design to the next level, don’t miss this conversation.

Listen now and learn how to create spaces that not only look stunning but feel like home.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:41] A short introduction about our guest Jen Arkell

[04:57] Jen’s approach to designing large vacation rentals or expansive properties

[07:02] What are the key considerations when furnishing a kitchen for large vacation rental properties

[10:01] Jen walks us through her process of designing large vacation rental properties

[12:55] How Jen manages the receiving and labeling of shipments for property staging

[15:20] Jen explains how she intuitively designs large vacation rental spaces despite not having formal interior design training

[17:40] How Jen and her husband balance budget and functionality to furnish large vacation rentals, and create a comfortable, high-quality guest experience

[23:41] Jen’s approach in designing vacation rental properties with events in mind

[25:06] Jen advice to those new to staging and furnishing large properties

[26:42] How Jen balances homeschooling, raising her kids, and managing a short-term rental business

[28:51] Jen's way of involving her kids in property setup and fostering a family-oriented work environment

[33:39] Jen shares how she gets to know her cleaners builds strong relationships with them

[36:00] How Jen personally deals with stress

[39:05] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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Are you ready to supercharge your Airbnb or short-term rental business? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Pearman, the dynamic onboarding manager at OwnerRez, to reveal how this game-changing platform can revolutionize your rental operations and become a powerhouse tool for your success.

This episode is all about the "how" and the "why" of OwnerRez—and Jen delivers! We’re diving headfirst into the platform’s standout features, like its intuitive booking management, streamlined automation, and powerful reporting tools designed to help you run your Airbnb or short-term rental business with more efficiency and ease.

We pull back the curtain on what truly makes OwnerRez a standout choice for hosts and property managers. From exclusive support resources to behind-the-scenes development insights, you’ll learn how this platform’s user-first approach keeps it ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of short-term rentals.

But it doesn’t stop there. Jen shares exciting updates and reveals how OwnerRez stays at the forefront of the vacation rental industry by listening to user feedback and continuously enhancing its features. If you’re looking for a solution that grows with your Airbnb or short-term rental business, this is it!

Tune in now and discover how OwnerRez can be your secret weapon for short-term rental success!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:01] A short introduction about our guest Jen Pearman and her career’s journey in the vacation rental industry

[06:41] The core values and culture at OwnerRez and how they align with Jen’s work experience there

[10:19] Jen explains how OwnerRez addresses concerns about the platform’s setup complexity

[14:11] OwnerRez's extensive support resources for new and existing users

[18:32] Jen discusses significant updates that have recently been released in OwnerRez

[19:56] Jen explains the Push Notifications feature recently added to OwnerRez

[24:15] Jen’s advice to someone considering OwnerRez versus other property management systems in the market

[26:20] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Want to give OwnerRez a spin and see what all the buzz is about? Click here to sign up for an account and experience the magic for yourself! Full disclosure — if you sign up through this link, I may earn a small commission. Think of it as your way of supporting more awesome content like this (and I’ll be doing a little happy dance on my end)!

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Are you looking for a game-changing strategy to boost your real estate investments? In this episode, I sit down with Katie Lyon, a marketing expert and savvy midterm rental investor, to explore how midterm rentals can transform your investment journey.

Katie shares her personal story of how she and her family unexpectedly ventured into midterm rentals and quickly scaled their portfolio to success.You'll discover why starting small is often the key to building a solid foundation and how Katie identifies the best properties while fostering valuable relationships with landlords. 

We’ll dive deep into the operational differences between midterm and short-term rentals, with Katie offering expert advice on managing remote properties, overcoming HOA challenges, and streamlining day-to-day operations.

If you're considering midterm rentals but don't know where to begin, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you rethink your investment strategy. Tune in to find out how midterm rentals could be the game-changer your portfolio needs!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:06] A short introduction about our guest Katie Lyon

[03:23] Katie's journey into real estate investing and  how she got started with MTRs

[06:00] How Katie started and built her real estate investment portfolio 

[09:23] Katie’s approach to selecting and securing properties for rental arbitrage

[11:01] Katie’s strategy for negotiating with landlords to approve rental arbitrage agreements

[13:17] What are the key factors Katie looks for in a potential partner

[16:20] Katie’s real estate portfolio and her approach to balancing property types and sizes

[18:12] The importance of understanding one's personal risk tolerance in real estate investing

[19:21] What is “hybrid approach” to renting and how this strategy can benefit property owners

[23:25] The key operational differences between that short term and mid term strategy

[26:58] Katie talks about the difference between Furnished Finder and Airbnb for midterm rental hosts

[29:01] Katie discusses their process for evaluating potential tenants as midterm rental hosts

[30:36] What are the challenges that Katie faces and how she navigates them as a remote property host

[32:37] Katie explains how she manages accesses to rental arbitrage units

[34:25] Katie’s view of townhomes within HOAs and their benefit to her rental properties

[37:58] Katie talks about her insurance provider for her rental properties

[39:18] Katie’s advice for beginners in midterm rentals

[40:49] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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