

Short Term Rental Management
8 Figure Airbnb and Short Term Rental Real Estate Investor Luke Carl
Welcome to Short Term Rental Management. The show about managing your short term rental from anywhere in the world. Tips in tricks to become a better host. With your host, Luke Carl, a real estate professional that began his career buying short term rentals in vacation markets in order to use the cash flow to purchase long-term rentals. Luke is the proud owner of the longest running “Airbnb” in the Smoky Mountains, and has hosted over 4000 stays in his career. He owns hundreds of units with no partners -including multi-family, single-family long terms, and of course, short term rentals.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
Guests with 8-10 Reviews are the Worst
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke explains why guests with eight to ten prior reviews often bring the most friction, while new guests with no reviews are usually fine, and reminds hosts that shoulder-season travelers have more options and can be pickier—so tighten systems and stay patient
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Short Term Shop Plus - stsplus.com
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Sep 30, 2025 • 13min
A Booking Next Summer is a Mistake
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke shares why booking too far in advance (like next Summer) could be a costly mistake for hosts. He dives into how the market is shifting, what platforms are rewarding right now, and the timing strategies that can make or break your calendar performance. Tune in to hear how Luke approaches pricing and availability to stay ahead of the competition.
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Sep 23, 2025 • 17min
Month Math
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke breaks down his “Month Math” method—a no-nonsense approach to evaluating whether your nightly rates are realistic or simply driven by ego. He urges hosts to calculate what an entire month of bookings would gross and compare it to their monthly expenses. If your pricing implies a huge profit but you’re sitting vacant, it’s time to lower your rates. Luke emphasizes value, humility, and adapting to today’s market conditions.
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Sep 16, 2025 • 23min
Rate Drop News and Listener Mail
On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke breaks down recent jobs-report revisions, what they might mean for the Fed’s pending rate move, and how mortgage rates could wiggle in the short term even as the broader trend points down. He shares a strategic take on “sideline buyers,” why inventory may dip before bouncing back, and answers listener questions.
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Sep 9, 2025 • 23min
Disney Pod Preview and Tourism Update
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke shares a Disney/Universal trip debrief as a barometer for U.S. travel, noting lighter morning crowds, busier afternoons, and a stark contrast in customer service. He ties those observations to today’s market—rates likely easing, Main Street feeling pinched—and advises STR operators to prioritize competitive nightly pricing over splashy amenities, consider temporary cleaner-fee adjustments, and focus on delivering a clean, reliable guest experience.
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Sep 2, 2025 • 21min
Fall Fun Fest
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke breaks down his strategy for maximizing bookings through the end of the year. He stresses the importance of having September and October at least 50% booked, holding October rates until September 8 before discounting, and treating early November and December as slow periods while enforcing five- to six-night minimums over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Luke also shares why he believes travel demand will rebound as interest rates ease, why the idea of “market saturation” is meaningless, and how this season is the perfect time for deep cleans, maintenance, and refreshing your property photos with tasteful holiday decor.
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Aug 26, 2025 • 12min
Airbnb Fee Update
This week Luke is coming to you with a bonus episode he is calling Short Term Shop News! Luke breaks down Airbnb’s move to a single 15.5% host-only service fee starting October 27 and what it means for pricing, advising PMS users to raise Airbnb rates ~15.5% to keep payouts flat. Joined by Chuck Kramer and Avery Carl, the crew weighs consumer sentiment and competitive dynamics (VRBO’s lower take vs. potential price moves), plus cautions hosts to watch accounting on bookings straddling the change and consider “all-in pricing” as a short-term marketing edge.
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Aug 26, 2025 • 59min
Tim Smoky Mountain Photographer
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke welcomes Tim Grillot back to the show—a real estate investor, car enthusiast, and now vacation rental photographer—who shares his journey from corporate life to STR ownership and creative entrepreneurship. They dive deep into the evolution of Airbnb photography, the technical side of staging and lighting, and how Tim and his wife are helping STR owners showcase their properties through immersive, guest-focused imagery. The episode also touches on vacation-town living, hospitality mindsets, and why answering your phone can set you apart.
Check out Scroll Stopper Photography: scrollstopperphotography.com
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Aug 19, 2025 • 40min
Give Them the Pickle
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke chats with Jeremy Udovich of Sheboygan Vacation Rentals, who’s building a thriving short-term rental business in Wisconsin while still working full-time in tech. Jeremy shares how he and his sister grew from one property to a co-hosting portfolio of 19 units—without burning out. They discuss automation, working with family, market seasonality, and the importance of hospitality (including the golden rule: “give them the pickle”). Jeremy’s measured, sustainable approach to growth highlights how keeping your day job can actually accelerate real estate success.
How to connect with Jeremy: sheboyganvacationrentals.com
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Aug 12, 2025 • 37min
STR Super Cleaners with Rubin
On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke is joined by Rubin Horowitz, founder of STR Super Cleaners, a rapidly growing short-term rental cleaning company operating in multiple U.S. markets. Rubin shares how he scaled from solving his own cleaning headaches in the Poconos to managing over 700 properties across markets like the Smokies, Emerald Coast, and Nashville. They dive deep into automation, team building, property maintenance support, and how his company partners with hosts and managers while steering clear of full property management. Reuben also offers tips for creating five-star guest impressions—like integrating welcome screens and maintaining scent standards.
Visit strsupercleaners.com to request a quote or consultation
How to connect with Luke:
The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group
Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon