Mastering Vacation Rentals: How Avery Carl Built a 7-Figure Portfolio

Welcome to the Jake and Gino Podcast, where we dive deep into real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and financial freedom. Today’s guest is Avery Carl, a best-selling author, CEO of The Short-Term Shop, and a top expert in short-term rental investing. She went from making $37,000 a year to owning over 250 doors in just five years. Avery shares how she built her portfolio, why vacation rentals outperform traditional Airbnbs, and the key strategies she uses to maximize returns.

If you’re interested in short-term rentals, vacation homes, and financial independence, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Avery got started in real estate investing by accident
• The difference between vacation rentals and Airbnbs
• Why she chose Smoky Mountains and Florida markets
• How she scaled her portfolio using smart financing strategies
• The biggest mistakes new investors make in short-term rentals
• How to self-manage properties and automate guest experiences
• The impact of market shifts and why long-term thinking wins

Avery also shares the key tools and software she uses to streamline her short-term rental business, the best financing options available, and how to identify the best markets for investing.

Get Avery’s Book: Smarter Short-Term Rentals
Learn More About The Short-Term Shop: www.theshorttermshop.com
Follow Avery on Instagram: @theaverycarl

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Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction  

00:58 - Transitioning from Corporate Life to Real Estate  

10:00 - The Difference Between Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs  

11:30 - Understanding the Best Markets for Vacation Rentals  

13:14 - The Biggest Risks & Pitfalls of Short-Term Rentals  

15:52 - Who Should & Shouldn’t Invest in Short-Term Rentals  

19:58 - Applying the Buy Right, Manage Right, Finance Right Framework  

22:16 - Understanding Value Adds in Short-Term Rentals  

27:34 - True Value Adds vs. Income Adds in STR Investing  

35:06 - Lessons from the 2020-2022 Market Boom & Correction  

39:08 - Boutique Hotels: The New Trend & Why It’s Risky  

44:43 - The Key to Scaling: Reinvesting vs. Early Exit Mistakes  

46:11 - Gino Wraps it Up 

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