Avsnitt
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Most people can barely handle one business.
Buck scaled two.
In this episode, we break down how he went from managing one unseen unit in Nashville to running a 70-property short-term rental operation and a digital marketing agency at the same time.
No fluff, just systems, AI, and strategic growth.
What you’ll learn:
How he jumped from 5 to 20 units with one key clientThe team structure and cashflow strategy that saved them in winterUsing AI + Hormozi to craft irresistible offersThe “$10 / $100 / $1K / $10K” time block systemWhy smart maintenance = higher reviews and retentionIf you’re building a real business, this one’s a blueprint.
04:48 – How One STR Outperformed 4X and Sparked a Business
10:55 – Cleaning & Tech Enabled Remote STR Scaling
13:27 – Investor Stepped In During Cash Flow Crisis
15:05 – Zig When Competitors Zag: Break Industry Norms
17:00 – 5-Star Guarantee: No Commission Without Reviews
20:01 – Flat-Fee Maintenance Boosts Property Standards
24:00 – Focus on $1K and $10K Tasks to Scale Faster
Guest Bio:
Buck Cumbo is the owner of www.seamountainvacations.com. He is managing nearly 50 million dollars in assets amongst 60+ properties in the Myrtle Beach area. Buck have also recently been brought on as Brand Director at www.theonehundredcollection.com.
Guest Link:
http://www.instagram.com/captain_buck_
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Airbnb’s Summer 2025 update just launched, and buried inside is a feature that could destroy your margins and expose you to serious risk.
It’s called “Services,” and it lets guests book things like chefs, trainers, and masseuses without your approval, while you carry all the liability.
In this episode, I break down:
Why this new feature is dangerous for pro hostsHow to opt out in 3 stepsHow to beat Airbnb at its own game by building your own Services pageWhy relying on Airbnb in 2025 is a bigger risk than everIf you’re serious about building a business (not just listing properties), this is mandatory viewing.
03:04 - The Hidden Risk for Hosts: Guests Can Book Services Without You Knowing
04:45 - Host Liability Risks From Airbnb Services
05:55 - How Bad Service Experiences Can Hurt Host Reviews
07:00 - Why Airbnb Rolled Out Services Without Consulting Hosts
08:15 - The Simple 3-Step Process to Opt Out of Airbnb Services
10:28 - Why Hosts Must Act Now: Collective Opt-Out Pressure Matters
13:00 - How to Add a “Services” Tab to Your Direct Booking Website
16:00 - Partnering With Local Providers Can Lead to Repeat Guest Referrals
19:00 - Will Opting Out of Services Affect Airbnb Search Rankings?
22:00 - Airbnb Is Targeting Hobby Hosts—What It Means for Pros
23:30 - Why You Must Diversify Beyond Airbnb and Build a Real Business
26:05 - STR Secrets Fulfillment Strategy for Different Host Levels
Guest Link:
instagram.com/boostlyuk/
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.
Diana and Josh, two married architects, were forced to reimagine their future after losing both their fathers in 2021.
What began as a journey to escape the W-2 grind became Terra Palm Springs, the city’s first true wellness boutique hotel.
They reveal how they:
• Pivoted from flips and BRRRRs into commercial real estate
• Used their design and construction edge to underwrite with vision
• Created immersive guest experiences that transcend hospitality
• Built three synergistic businesses to scale with intention
• Took bold action while honoring their deepest personal “why”
This story will move you, inspire you, and give you a real blueprint for building a brand, and a life that matters.
What You’ll Learn:
• How to spot your unfair advantage (and actually use it)
• The key to underwriting without inflating projections
• What makes a boutique hotel truly stand out
• How to transition from short-term rentals to hotel ownership
• Why generosity is the secret weapon in hospitality
00:00 - Action drives clarity
00:35 - Process-proven growth
01:36 - Power couple feature
02:20 - Life-changing loss
05:55 - Strategic shift to scale
07:26 - Expert system builders
09:50 - Value-add obsession
10:56 - Underwrite with confidence
14:30 - Unapologetic branding
16:42 - First-of-its-kind wellness hotel
21:00 - Team-powered execution
25:40 - The real estate awakening
28:00 - Finding purpose through pain
31:30 - Create your unfair advantage
36:00 - Future-built freedom
43:00 - Hospitality secret: give generously
Guest Bio:
Diana and Josh Dobken have 15+ years of experience in the architecture and construction industries. They strategically invest in value-add opportunities where they can use their design expertise to maximize their return on investment. Additionally, Diana and Josh co-host 35+ MTRs and STRs across multiple states for other real estate investors, bringing their hospitality standards and design sensibility to each property we manage.
Beyond property investment, Diana and Josh also manage comprehensive operations teams for hotels, with them overseeing director of operations roles and guest experience management. This hands-on operational experience gives them invaluable insights into how design decisions impact day-to-day functionality and guest satisfaction.
Their most current project involves the Architectural and Interior design of Terra Palm Springs, the first wellness Boutique Hotel in Palm Springs featured in Vogue, Forbes, Hotels Above Par, and selected as part of Travel and Leisure It List of 2025’ 100 Best New Hotels in the World.
Guest Link:
http://www.instagram.com/d.i.fi
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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AirDNA just dropped its biggest platform update in years, and if you’re not using these tools, you’re falling behind.
From custom comps to Airbnb integration, this episode breaks down the new features, how to use them, and what they reveal about the 2025 STR landscape.
What you’ll learn:
How to use the new Rentalizer confidence score and custom compsWhy saved projections and expense tracking are game changersThe truth about 2025 booking trends (and who’s winning)What AirDNA’s forecast says about rates, RevPAR, and smart investingIf you’re serious about short-term rentals, you can’t afford to miss this.
Want to get our Latest Deal Analyzer?
Just click the link to our Instagram below and send 'Rentalizer'
https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T015&utm_content=Rentalizer
02:35 – Why the Update Matters: Major Interface and Logic Changes
05:10 – Data Model Shift: From Historical to Projected Revenue
08:00 – The 3 Core Metrics You MUST Understand in the New Version
11:00 – Updated Filters: Comp Selection and Market Targeting
13:30 – Accuracy Considerations: What AirDNA Gets Wrong (and Right)
16:45 – Real-Time Demo: Using the New Tool to Analyze a Property
20:20 – How to Reverse Engineer a Successful STR Deal with AirDNA
24:00 – Hidden Pitfalls: Common Mistakes People Make Post-Update
28:10 – Strategic Recommendations for Using the New Rentalizer
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Fouad spent 20 years in banking and 11 more consulting banks before walking away from corporate life when his wife’s income surpassed his.
What happened next?
A wild ride through the world of short-term rentals, driven by family, strategy, and a long-term vision few operators ever reach.
In this episode, Fouad breaks down:
How a personal medical emergency forced him to buy his first AirbnbWhy most operators price listings wrong—and how he uses math insteadThe real difference between luxury and comfort STRs (and why he runs both)His custom tech stack using Go High LevelAnd the real reason he’s scaling to $12M/year before exitingThis one’s for the operators who want to scale smart, stay profitable, and build something sellable.
What you’ll learn:
How to scale with dual verticals (luxury + comfort)Why you must reverse-engineer around your exitHow banking lessons apply directly to STRsWhy pricing = math, not emotionHow Fouad thinks about purpose and legacyReady to build a business that banks would beg to fund?
Fouad shows you how.
03:30 – Breaking the Golden Handcuffs: Why He Left Corporate
07:00 – First STR Deal: Starting Small With Big Vision
10:00 – Smart Risk: Learning to Bet on Yourself
13:00 – From 1 to 10+ Units: Scaling With Confidence
17:00 – Wealth Mindset: Thinking Like an Owner, Not an Operator
20:00 – Cash Flow vs Time: Redefining Success Metrics
24:00 – Building a Business, Not a Job: Systems and Team Growth
27:00 – Lessons From the Field: What He’d Do Differently
30:00 – Purpose-Driven Investing: Time, Family, and Freedom
Guest Bio:
Fouad Bazzi is a professional in the short-term rental (STR) industry. His activities include owning, managing, and building new build-to-rent properties, as well as consulting and educating others in the STR space. He also owns a pool servicing company that specializes in serving STR properties.
Guest Link:
https://www.instagram.com/fouad_airbnb
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Airbnb just rolled out its biggest update of the year, and if you’re a host, you need to know what’s coming.
In this live breakdown, we cover:
• The truth about Airbnb’s new “Services” feature and why it matters
• What this means for photographers, chefs, massage therapists, and YOU
• How Airbnb plans to monetize add-ons (and why you might not see a cut)
• Major liability concerns Airbnb isn’t talking about
• How this could affect your guest experience—and your reviews
• Why this is really a pivot toward becoming the Instagram of Travel
Plus: actionable strategies to get ahead of this change, build local service partnerships, and protect your property.
TLDR? This update means more work for hosts, unless Airbnb starts paying us to help them grow. Watch this now so you’re not caught off guard.
Want to get the summary of Airbnb's Latest Update?
Just click the link to our Instagram below and send 'Update'
https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T014&utm_content=Update
00:00 – Bold Shift: Airbnb’s 2025 Release Redefines the Platform
01:30 – Major Update 1: Cleaning Services Now Offered to Guests
04:00 – Major Update 2: Handy Services and Maintenance on Demand
06:30 – Control at Risk: Services Can Be Scheduled Without Host Approval
08:45 – Host Autonomy Undermined: Who Has Access to Your Property?
10:30 – Guest Experience Prioritized: Host Voice Being Muted
12:00 – Airbnb’s Strategic Shift: From Booking Site to Service Ecosystem
13:30 – Host Action Plan: Communicate, Audit, and Prepare
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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In this raw, no-fluff episode, Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader shares the hard-won lessons behind building a billion-dollar vacation rental software company, starting with zero industry experience.
Marcus breaks down:
Why most entrepreneurs aim too small and why it costs them everythingThe mental and physical toll of building at scale (including 7 years without a dentist visit)How he filters “good money” vs “bad money” when raising capitalThe future of short-term rentals in a regulated, AI-powered worldPractical leadership advice for scaling teams without losing your missionPlus: his marathon training, travel hacks, and how to avoid becoming a micromanaged founder.
Whether you’re a startup founder, STR operator, or tech junkie—this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to win big without burning out.
Ready to scale? Tap into Marcus’s billion-dollar playbook now.
00:00 – Go Bigger: Why Playing Small Carries the Same Risk but Less Reward
00:39 – Craft Over Hype: The Power of Repetition and Mastery
02:04 – Be There: Why Leading Remotely Doesn’t Win Markets
03:45 – Market Leadership: How Hostaway Beat Older, Bigger Players
05:58 – Hiring Giants: From 50,000 Applicants to the Top 0.1%
08:59 – Cost of Ambition: Health, Relationships, and the Real Price of Building
12:29 – Go for Billionaire Moves: Why Medium Goals Aren’t Worth the Sacrifice
15:31 – Choosing Good Money: Partnering with Investors Who Let You Lead
17:23 – No Kitchen Rules: Keeping Creative Control While Scaling Up
20:27 – Invisible AI: How Hostaway Uses Tech to Deliver Unseen Excellence
23:00 – Review Intelligence: Turning Guest Feedback into Business Strategy
25:30 – Tool Advantage: Hostaway’s Marketplace as a Growth Engine
27:17 – Global Expansion: Owning New Markets One Continent at a Time
29:33 – Regulation Shakeout: Why Strong Rules Are Good for Professionals
32:50 – Reputation Reset: Cleaning Up the Industry with Standards That Matter
Guest Bio:
Marcus Räder is co-founder and CEO of Hostaway, the leading all-in-one vacation rental management software. Originally from Finland, Marcus has lived in many countries around the world including Sweden, Poland, and The Netherlands before settling in Canada. It was this passion for travel, real estate and his dedication to learning about the vacation rental ecosystem that enabled the creation of Hostaway.
The company quickly grew thanks to the deep technological expertise of its founders, with over a decade of tech start-up success between them. Hostaway gives property managers all the tools needed to compete with hotels and other vacation rentals, including sales channel management, dynamic pricing and hospitality services. It now boasts preferred partnerships with Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com, in addition to a marketplace of over 100 integrated software partners.
Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingmarcus/
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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This episode unpacks the real playbook behind scaling short-term rental businesses with AI, leadership, and culture.
Straight from the STR Boardroom event in Salem, hosts Chris and E break down their biggest takeaways from Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh’s AI workshop to the emotional breakthroughs in hot seats, to Mark from Minoan’s CEO mindset at 50+ employees.
What you’ll learn:
• The AI stacking method Rachel used to double her sales team’s close rate
• The 5 levels of VA hiring, from cheap help to AI-powered specialists
• Why great team members outgrow companies, and how to lead through it
• The exact moment a founder must pivot from operator to people leader
• How to use the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team framework to build culture that scales
• Why emotional safety is the hidden growth lever most CEOs ignore
• And how to actually implement event takeaways before you lose momentum
This isn’t another tech tips episode.
It’s a tactical and vulnerable deep dive into what it takes to scale, lead, and stay grounded in 2025.
00:00 – Building Confidence: Lessons from Struggle, Sales, and Self-Belief
04:00 – Rewiring Identity: From Overwhelm to Intention
08:00 – Leveraging Chaos: Why Adversity Becomes Your Superpower
12:00 – The Four Levels of Competence: From Unconscious to Mastery
16:00 – Winning in Business: Simplifying Systems, Offers, and Time
20:00 – $20K Days in 5 Hours: Prioritizing High-Leverage Work
24:00 – Clarity Is Power: Why Lack of Decision-Making Kills Momentum
28:00 – Excuse Audit: The Hidden Stories That Keep You Small
32:00 – Emotional Regulation: How to Respond Instead of React
36:00 – Final Challenge: Step Into Power and Choose a New Story
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Most people screw up VA hiring, not because they pick the wrong person…
…but because they don’t have a system.
In this training, Mike and Chris break down the 3 proven models for hiring virtual assistants.
Agency, recruiter, and self-hire.
Plus the crucial 4R framework you need before bringing anyone on.
Whether you’ve got 5 properties or 100+, this is the training that saves you from wasted money, broken systems, and constant turnover.
What you’ll learn:
• The 3 types of VA hiring models (and when to use each)
• The biggest reason your VA won’t work out (it’s not what you think)
• How to build a talent pipeline that scales with your portfolio
• When to hire for skills vs culture fit
• Bonus: Where to find agency + recruiting referrals we actually trust
_
Want to get the FREE VA Contract and 4R Doc?
Just click the link to our Instagram below and send 'Contract'
https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T013&utm_content=Contract
00:00 – Hiring Roadmap: Breaking Down the VA Models
02:00 – Agency Model Explained: Training Wheels for Scaling Leaders
05:00 – Recruiting Model: Upfront Investment, Long-Term Efficiency
08:30 – Self-Hiring Secrets: Full Control, High Risk, High Reward
11:00 – Referral Power: Leveraging A-Players to Source Talent
13:30 – Cultural Pitfalls: The Hidden Risk in Team Referrals
16:00 – Specialty Roles: Revenue Management vs. Marketing VAs
19:00 – Creating Execution Frameworks for Social & Brand Marketing
22:00 – Revenue Management Mastery: Metrics, Mindset, and Misconceptions
25:00 – Bonus Resource: Contract Templates & Legal Protections for VA Hiring
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Most people aren’t missing strategy.
They’re missing decision.
In this episode, Mike and Emanuele break down the 5 mindset philosophies that transformed their lives...
...from escaping burnout and W2 jobs to building multi-million-dollar businesses and raising families with time freedom.
If you feel like you keep “trying” but never break through, this episode will call you out...
...and pull you forward.
What you’ll learn:
The most powerful reframe for taking back control of your lifeWhy saying “I’ll try” guarantees failureHow to train your decision-making muscle dailyThe “day one” philosophy that separates top performers from the restA no-fluff breakdown of time vs. money thinking (and how to escape the trap)Ready to finally commit?
This is your line in the sand.
00:00 - Uncovering Transformational Beliefs that Redefined Success
04:00 - Embracing Radical Ownership: Life Happens *For* You
09:35 - Unlocking Growth Through the Day One Philosophy
14:30 - The 4 Powerful Stages of Skill Development
18:20 - Tactical Time vs Money: Rewriting Productivity Rules
22:00 - Designing a $20K Month in 5 Hours: The Value-Driven Hustle
26:30 - Eliminating Excuses: Breakthrough Decisions that Shape Destiny
31:10 - The Critical Power of Fast Decision-Making
33:00 - Rethinking Reality: Story, Meaning & Inner Peace
35:00 - Final Challenge: Cut the Dirty Yes, Choose Powerfully
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Your property is great. So why are guests still leaving 4 stars?
In this episode, Mike breaks down the 7 most common mistakes that silently ruin guest experiences and the reviews that follow.
These aren’t theories.
They’re field-tested lessons from 1,200+ reviews, across 28 properties, and over 5 years of hosting.
You’ll learn:
Why nickel-and-diming your guests kills conversionThe #1 amenity guests expect (but almost no one provides)How to stop losing stars from poor messaging and over-automationWhy Photoshop and misleading listings backfire (fast)The deep clean schedule every top host followsHow to protect margins while leveling up experienceThe review-killer most hosts don’t realize they’re doingIf you’re stuck at 4.8 and can’t crack 4.95+, this is your fix.
05:00 – Algorithm Boost: How Amenities and Photography Drive Ranking
06:00 – Lightning Response: The Profit Power of Immediate Communication
08:00 – Misleading Listings: The Hidden Cost of Photoshop and Fluffed Locations
11:00 – Guest-Friendly Pricing: Stop Nickel-and-Diming for Add-Ons
13:00 – Annual Investment Rule: Keeping Properties Fresh and 5-Star Worthy
15:00 – The Upgrade Clause: Property Improvement Plans That Scale Value
17:00 – The Cleanliness Factor: Deep Cleaning Every Quarter Pays Dividends
19:00 – Messaging Mistakes: Why Over-Communication Kills Guest Experience
21:00 – Final Recap: 7 Things Hosts Do That Secretly Cost Them Reviews
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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THE STR GAME HAS CHANGED AND THE DATA PROVES IT.
AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane joins the show to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes in the short-term rental market...
...and why most hosts are missing the shift.
Inside this episode:
The real story behind occupancy, rates, and guest demand in 2024Why “big box” managers are losing properties fastThe key numbers top investors are watching (and how to use them)How AirDNA’s new tools are reshaping STR deal analysisThe warning signs for hosts scaling past 50 units and what breaks firstWhy small, well-managed portfolios are quietly outperforming everyoneYou’ll also hear how Jamie’s team is using AI and custom comps to bring never-before-seen clarity to STR investing...
...and what you can do to stay ahead.
Listen now to future-proof your portfolio before the data leaves you behind.
03:30 – Supply Shock: Why New STR Listings Are Surging Nationwide
07:00 – Booking Behavior: How Travelers Are Changing Their Habits
10:00 – Revenue Realities: The Decline in ADR and Occupancy Rates
13:30 – Market Saturation: Top Cities Facing Over-Supply Pressures
17:00 – Strategic Advantage: How to Win in Competitive Markets
21:00 – Data-Backed Decisions: Using AirDNA to Stay Ahead
24:00 – The Investor Shift: From Arbitrage to Ownership Models
27:00 – Resilience & Risk: Preparing for Softening Demand Cycles
30:00 – Long-Term Outlook: What Smart Operators Are Doing Next
Guest Bio:
Jamie Lane is Vice President of Research for AirDNA, a short-term rental data & analytics company. He is responsible for data analysis, thought leadership, and leveraging advanced analytical techniques to provide new insights into short-term rental supply, demand, and pricing trends. He has been published in academic and professional journals and regularly speaks at lodging industry forums.
Prior to AirDNA, Jamie spent 10 years as an economist at CBRE, leading research, forecasting and data intelligence teams to support client analysis. Mr. Lane is an active member of the National Association of Business Economists and the Atlanta Economics Club. Jamie holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Georgia and an M.S. in Business Economics from Georgia State University.
Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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DIVORCED, BROKE… THEN SHE BUILT A 105-UNIT STR BUSINESS.
Ashley Freeman wasn’t supposed to be here.
Divorced, struggling to make ends meet as a tennis pro.
She took a chance on Airbnb with her farmhouse.
Now she manages over 105 units, leads a team of 25……
and lives a life most people only dream about.
In this powerful episode, Ashley reveals:
How a side hustle became a 7-figure businessThe mindset shifts that changed everythingWhy systems + a strong team scaled her from 4 to 100+ propertiesHow she created a 5-star guest experience that owners can’t stop raving aboutThe identity shift required to step into true leadershipSuccess doesn’t happen overnight.
It happens when you refuse to quit.
Listen now and see how Ashley built an empire…
…one step, one belief, and one property at a time.
03:30 – From Rock Bottom to Rising Entrepreneur: Ashley’s Journey
07:00 – Faith, Grit, and Overcoming Self-Doubt in Business
10:00 – Rebuilding Self-Image: How Belief Rewires Success
13:30 – Tactical Scaling: Systems, Team Building, and Leadership Lessons
17:00 – Secrets to Sustainable Growth: Mindset, Service, and Strategy
20:30 – Life by Design: Building Freedom Through STR Success
24:00 – Living the Dream: Redneck Ranch, Soccer Travels, and Family First
Guest Bio:
Ashley Freeman is a 7-figure short-term rental expert who transformed her life through the power of short-term rentals. Starting with just one property, she scaled her business to 105 properties in under three years, growing from less than $50,000 in her first year to $2 million annually by year three, with the support and mentorship of STR Secrets and Conway Consulting. Passionate about serving others, Ashley is dedicated to helping people find the same freedom and life-changing opportunities that the short-term rental business gave her.
Guest Link:
https://www.instagram.com/velvet_ditch_villas
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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NEW AIRBNB POLICY JUST DROPPED...AND IT COULD KILL YOUR LISTING.
If you collect emails, drop a guidebook link, or offer guests early check-in via Venmo…
You might be in violation of Airbnb’s new policy.
In this episode, Mike Reilly breaks down exactly what Airbnb’s new off-platform & fee transparency rules mean for STR hosts.
And how to stay compliant without losing control of your business.
You’ll learn:
The exact actions Airbnb will now penalize (even by AI detection)Why asking for an email could get you flaggedHow to safely use guidebooks, QR codes, and text marketingThe only way to charge guests for add-ons (without breaking policy)The smart way to collect damage waivers and manage taxes without riskIf 80% of your bookings come from Airbnb, you can’t afford to get this wrong.
02:30 – Dangerous Moves: Why Secret Messaging Will Get You Flagged
05:00 – Booking Extensions & Repeat Guests: What’s Now Off-Limits
07:30 – Is Direct Booking Worth It? Margins vs Platform Protection
10:00 – Hostfully Links, Guidebooks & Legal Loopholes Explained
13:00 – Mandatory Disclosures: HOA Rules, Emails & County Compliance
15:00 – Fee Transparency: Avoiding Suspensions With Clean Listings
18:00 – Payment Violations: Why Airbnb Bans Zelle, Venmo & Side Deals
21:00 – Damage Waivers Over Deposits: How to Protect and Profit
24:00 – Airbnb AI Enforcement: Messaging Triggers and Flagging Risks
27:00 – Contact Info Restrictions: What You Can and Can’t Ask Guests
30:00 – SMS Tactics: Getting Verbal Consent and Staying Compliant
33:00 – Future-Proofing: Will Airbnb Eliminate Direct Contact?
36:00 – Review Removal Struggles: Why AI Appeals Are Failing Hosts
39:00 – Case Study: Retaliatory Reviews & the Fight for Fairness
42:00 – Platform Fatigue: Why Community Knowledge is Your Best Weapon
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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HE BUILT 50 STR UNITS AND STILL WORKS A 9–5.
Ron Curtis didn’t quit his job.
He just built a business so efficient that he didn’t have to.
In this episode, Ron breaks down how he:
Turned a $3,700 house hack into a 50-property portfolioCleared over $10K in credit card debt and now manages $300K in available creditUses his 9–5 income to fuel real estate moves without burnoutBuilt systems, VAs, and SOPs to scale without stressTeaches financial literacy by living it, not just posting about itYou’ll also learn:
Why relationships > money in cohostingThe mindset shift that tripled his capacityAnd how he helped one client buy a $1M building, just from Airbnb cash flowThis episode is proof you don’t need to quit to win.
04:30 – Market Momentum: Flips, Deal Flow, and Fear-Based Opportunity
09:00 – Financial Literacy First: Foundational Principles for Entrepreneurs
13:30 – Zero to Fifty Listings: Scaling with Systems and Strategic Partnerships
18:00 – Designing Teams for Freedom: SOPs, VAs, and the Org Chart Blueprint
22:30 – The Mindset Shift: Working On the Business, Not In It
27:00 – Simplify to Scale: Letting Go of the Noise and Focusing on ROI
31:30 – Buying Back Time: Vertical Integration and Efficiency Hacks
36:00 – Real Client Wins: How STR Cashflow Changed Lives and Bought Freedom
41:00 – House Hacking & Books That Sparked a Million-Dollar Portfolio
Guest Bio:
Ron Curtis is a native Washingtonian and the founder of a short-term and mid-term rental management business based in the Washington, DC area. Ron's journey into short-term rentals started with house hacking—he leveraged first-time homebuyer programs to purchase his first home, a turnkey $423,000 property, for just $3,700 out of pocket. He converted his basement into a studio efficiency and listed it on Airbnb. As Ron traveled, he realized his basement was consistently booked and covering his mortgage. That’s when he fell in love with the concept of Paycations—earning passive income while exploring the world. He built an automated, scalable business model that allows him to manage rentals from anywhere with just WiFi and a reliable cleaning team. Over the last 3.5 years, he has organically grown from managing one property to 50—all while working a full-time 9–5 government job in DC. Ron loves to share his insights on scaling a short-term rental business, automation strategies, and how others can achieve financial freedom through short-term rentals.
Guest Link:
www.instagram.com/wavy_stay
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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NOTHING’S PENCILING? THE PROBLEM ISN’T THE MARKET.
Everyone’s complaining about deals not working.
But here’s the truth...
...it’s not the market; it’s your property.
In this episode, we break down:
Why most STRs fail to hit pro forma in today’s marketHow one $700K Pinehurst property generated $45K in bookings in 5 weeksWhat amenities are actually driving bookings in top marketsHow to design listings that feel different (and rank higher)Simple ROI math for cold plunges, saunas, and garage conversionsYou’ll also learn how Airbnb is shifting toward experiential stays.
And how to make sure your listing stands out in a sea of sameness.
Don’t wait for the perfect deal. Create it...with the right design and data.
04:00 – Targeting Travel Avatars: Niche Down to Maximize Bookings
06:00 – Real Case Study: How a $700K Property Secured a Celebrity Booking
08:00 – Pre-Launch Tactics That Drove $12K in Bookings Without Photos
10:00 – Benchmarking & Amenity Differentiation in Saturated Markets
12:00 – ROI on Amenities: Saunas, Cold Plunges & Game Rooms
14:00 – Pinehurst Playbook: Amenity Investments That Drive ADR Growth
16:00 – Tailoring Amenities to Market: Golfers, Families & Regional Travel Types
18:00 – Algorithm Hacks & Listing Design That Trigger Emotion and Visibility
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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HE BUILT THE DREAM AND ALMOST LOST HIMSELF IN IT.
Emanuele Pani went from mopping floors and fixing leaks…to owning nearly every unit in his building.
But success wasn’t what he expected.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How he bought 39 out of 40 units using seller financing & hustleWhat happened when COVID hit, no grace period, no backup planThe creative deals that made it all possible (and profitable)Why burnout and identity loss followed after the winHow he rebuilt his purpose with long-term hospitality and legacy in mindThis isn’t a how-to. It’s a how-he-did-it.
From broke to burned out and back to intentional growth.
04:30 – From Cleaning Units to Closing Deals: The Hustle Years Begin
09:00 – Bold First Move: Buying 12 Apartments with No Credit
13:30 – Managing Chaos: Mortgages, Maintenance, and Mentality
18:00 – Refinancing & Reinvesting: How One Refi Fueled the Next Level
22:30 – Rising Too Fast: Distractions, Syndications, and Burnout
27:00 – The Redemption Plan: 18-Unit Acquisition Through Sheer Will
31:30 – Pandemic Pivot: Surviving COVID with Mid-Term Mastery
36:00 – The Final Two: Closing the Hardest Sales with Strategic Leverage
41:00 – Full Circle Wealth: STR Structure, Community, and Long-Term Vision
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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YOUR STR STRATEGY MIGHT BE DEAD—TIME TO ADAPT.
In this episode, Tyler Coon and Mike Reilly dive into what’s really happening across the short-term rental market in 2024...
...and where the smart money is moving.
You’ll learn:
Why low-end properties are disappearing (and what replaces them)How investors are multiplying profits through equity exitsWhat upgrades are actually producing 50%+ cash-on-cash returnsThe biggest mistake STR hosts make with property design and amenitiesWhy boutique cohosts and local managers are beating big-box operatorsThe STR industry is consolidating, and only the best will survive.
05:30 – Luxury Dominance: The Future of Short-Term Rentals
08:30 – STR Consolidation: Why Only the Top 10% Will Thrive
11:00 – Strategic Renovation: High ROI From Over-Investing in Design
13:30 – Sleeping 30: Big Groups, Bigger Opportunity
16:00 – Building a Moat: Unique Amenities That Lock In Demand
18:30 – Recession-Proof Strategy: Why Luxury Still Wins in Downturns
20:30 – Equity Moves: Sell or Reinvest for Maximum Return
23:30 – Portfolio Power: Scaling with High-Performing Assets
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
group.strsecrets.com
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YOU’RE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT… BUT STILL NOT WINNING?
It’s not your strategy.
It’s not your effort.
It’s your identity.
In this episode, mindset coach Adam reveals how shifting his subconscious beliefs helped him triple his income in just 8 months……without changing his work ethic.
You’ll learn:
• Why you attract what you feel, not what you say you want
• How to rewire limiting beliefs using emotional repetition
• Why most goals fail without identity alignment
• The daily 30-minute practice that transforms your vibration
• Why real estate, business, or coaching success starts in the mind
Hard work isn’t enough.
Change your inner world
……and watch your outer world follow.
04:00 – Breaking Point: Transformational Moments that Spark Change
08:00 – Identity Shift: Reprogramming Your Self-Image for Success
12:00 – Unshakable Ownership: Facing Hard Truths to Reclaim Power
16:00 – Debunking Limiting Beliefs: Where They Come From & How to Break Free
20:00 – Emotionalization Mastery: Embodying Beliefs That Attract Results
24:00 – Regulate to Rewire: The Role of Nervous System in Manifestation
28:00 – Vibrational Alignment: How Feelings Shape Reality
32:00 – Real-World Manifestation: From Vision to Deal in 3 Days
36:00 – Integration & Flow: Anchoring the Inner Work into Real-Life Wins
Guest Bio:
Adam Avenus is a mindset and manifestation coach who has spent the last 8 years learning about neuroscience, quantum physics, spirituality and the psychology behind the production of extraordinary results. He found this work first through meeting a coach while he was selling Real Estate, and she helped him triple his income in 8 months. After experiencing what he thought was ‘success’ selling real estate, he started building a company in the software space, came and worked at STR Secrets, and built a small management company, all before going all in on his coaching business. When Adam first found his work, he made $4,000/month and was depressed. Now, he has made over $100,000 last month and have never felt more free or peace in his life.
Webinar Link:
https://go.avenusconsulting.com/quantumleapmasterclass
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
https://group.strsecrets.com
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Most hosts don’t realize they’re sitting on dead equity.
In this episode, Mike reveals how he sold a 4-unit for $530K and turned one cash-flowing asset into two.
Increasing his annual income by $20K and doubling his return on equity to 42%.
You’ll learn how to:
• Know when it’s smarter to sell or refinance
• Use a simple formula to spot dead money in your portfolio
• Turn today’s high interest rates into tomorrow’s buying advantage
• Upgrade your investor pitch if you’re a property manager or cohost
This is not theory.
This is how smart investors build wealth when others freeze.
Don’t let rising rates or inflated prices scare you.
Use math, not emotion.
03:15 - Interest Rates & Market Dynamics: What’s Really Driving Real Estate Trends
06:38 - Capitalizing on a Potential Market Rebound
08:56 - The Power of Strategic Home Design and Amenities
12:10 - Creative Investing: How to Make High-Priced Homes Pencil Out
15:42 - Personal Property Case Study: Real Numbers, Real Lessons
19:05 - Debt-to-Income Mastery: Unlock Your True Buying Power
24:00 - Cash-Out Refinance: A Wealth-Building Strategy Explained
28:17 - The True Cost of Holding Equity with Low Returns
31:30 - Sell vs. Refinance: Which Path Builds More Wealth?
36:05 - 1031 Exchanges & Strategic Redeployment of Equity
38:40 - Enhancing Returns with Furnishing, Tech & Experience Design
41:25 - Real Estate as an Experiential Platform: Be First in Your Market
44:00 - Simple Math vs. Complex Emotions: Making Rational Investment Decisions
46:45 - Coaching Investors: Ask the Right Questions to Guide Strategy
49:00 - Build Your 5-Year Vision: Align Your Real Estate with Life Goals
Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:
group.strsecrets.com
- Visa fler
