Cash Flow Positive Part 2: Finding Success in Competitive Markets
What do you do when you buy a short-term rental, and it just doesn’t perform?
In today’s episode of the Cash Flow Positive Podcast, Kenny Bedwell welcomes Erik Courson, an STR investor, tech enthusiast, and data-driven host, to share the honest story of how he bought a property at the peak of the market—and what he did when it started bleeding cash. In this open, numbers-first conversation, Erik walks us through the decisions that led to the purchase, the surprises he encountered, and the strategies that helped him go from a projected $30K loss to breakeven performance.
From redesigning a forgettable cabin in Blue Ridge, Georgia, to implementing revenue management tools and facing hard truths about sunk costs and missed expectations, Erik lays out what really works when you're trying to fix a less-than-ideal deal. He also reflects on the emotional toll of managing underperformance, the benefits of holding vs. selling, and why STR investors should embrace humility and adaptation.
If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!
In This Episode You'll Learn:
- How Erik turned a projected $30K loss into breakeven performance
- What to do before deciding to sell an underperforming property
- Why “locking in your losses” is often the most expensive mistake
- How niche positioning and small design changes can drive bookings
- Why emotion and market timing can lead smart investors astray
- How to use technology and AI to spot blind spots and hidden issues
- What Erik learned from investing in two very different STR markets
- Why community, critique, and clarity matter more than quick wins
- And much more...
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