Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

239 - How to Build Your Own Short Term Rental Empire with Taylor Jones

Oct 3, 2025
Taylor Jones, founder of strsearch.com, shares his journey from sales to overseeing over $120 million in short-term rental investments. He reveals the operational side of STRs, debunking the myth that they're passive income. Learn how his first cabin generated $22,000 in its first year and the surprising revenue impact of features like a pickleball court. Taylor discusses market trends, critical mistakes for new investors, and tax benefits available through STRs. His practical advice will inspire anyone looking to dive into vacation rental investments.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

STRs Are Operations-First Businesses

  • Short-term rentals are an operations business wrapped around real estate, not a passive property play.
  • Small amenities and design choices can create outsized revenue premiums versus comparable listings.
ADVICE

Measure For High-Value Amenities First

  • Measure yard dimensions and local amenity feasibility before buying for markets where amenities matter.
  • Avoid properties that cannot host high-value amenities like pickleball courts in markets that pay premiums.
ANECDOTE

First Cabin Hooked Him With Early Bookings

  • Taylor bought his first cabin after three months of study and launched with strong photos and amenities.
  • He woke up to six bookings totaling over $7,000 and felt immediately hooked.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app