Airbnb or Glamping? How to Buy, Host & Profit from Your First STR | Garrett Brown

Aug 26, 2025

In this discussion, Garrett Brown, a short-term rental investor and glamping expert from BiggerPockets, shares his journey from traditional real estate to thriving in the competitive world of Airbnb and unique stays. He offers practical advice on selecting the right market using the 60/30/10 rule and discusses the benefits of automation tools like PriceLabs. With insights on property sizes, listing optimization, and the pros and cons of Airbnb versus VRBO, Garrett equips aspiring hosts with the knowledge to launch and profit from their rental ventures.

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ANECDOTE

How Garrett Entered Short-Term Rentals

Garrett started in hotel management and became a real estate agent before discovering short-term rentals via BiggerPockets.
He bought three small condos as his first Airbnbs and pivoted to unique glamping stays after COVID accelerated the niche.

INSIGHT

STRs Are Real Estate Plus Business

Short-term rentals are real estate plus hospitality and require running like a business, not a passive asset.
You can actively increase revenue through amenities or design changes, which many other real estate types can't do.

ADVICE

Use The 60/30/10 Market Rule

Research markets with short-term rental data tools like AirDNA, PriceLabs, or AirBidix before buying.
Use Garrett's 60/30/10 rule: 60 minutes to a major metro, 30 minutes to an attraction, 10 minutes to civilization.

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