STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA Scaling Smart, Not Big: Inside Kylee & Steven’s Approach to Boutique Management
Nov 27, 2025
Kylee and Steven Neil Hauser, a dynamic duo in boutique vacation rentals, share their journey from renovating a duplex in San Diego to managing over 40 properties while traveling across the U.S. They highlight the importance of quality over quantity as they opt for a curated management style. Insightful tools like Uplisting and Breezeway empower their operations. Their experiences as guests reshape their hosting approach, prioritizing personalized guest interactions. Tune in for actionable tips for aspiring hosts and operators seeking a balanced lifestyle!
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From One Duplex To A Growing Hosting Business
- Kylee and Steven started by renovating a rundown Mission Beach duplex and living rent-free while one unit booked consistently on Airbnb.
- Neighbors noticed and asked them to manage and fix up their units, which organically grew their hosting business.
Rapid COVID Growth Forced Systemization
- The COVID boom accelerated their growth and by late 2020 they onboarded many properties quickly, reaching about 40 without strong systems.
- They then had to work backwards to implement systems after rapid expansion slowed.
Trade Pay For Time To Grow
- Prioritize your time and sanity when deciding to leave W-2 work for full-time hosting.
- Use the reclaimed time to build the business even if it means an initial pay cut, as Steven explained.