The Hotel Investor Playbook

Sujay Mehta, a dynamic hotel entrepreneur who built a $187M hospitality portfolio by 30, shares his journey from neuroscience to real estate. He discusses how to smartly select hotel brands and operational models, drawing on personal triumphs and setbacks. Sujay reveals the secrets to competing with major chains and maximizing hotel value without extensive renovations. He also emphasizes the significance of culture in operations and the pitfalls of third-party management versus self-management. His insights provide a roadmap for budding hotel investors.

Dave Cook, the founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire, shares his remarkable journey from a volunteer to a successful hostel owner. He reveals how he transformed an old chicken coop into a bustling basecamp for climbers and adventurers using sweat equity. The conversation dives into strategies for attracting guests to a seasonal market and navigating the complex regulations of rural hospitality. Dave candidly discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the balance between personal values and business growth, and his vision for the future.

Austin Phippen, the dynamic owner of Chama Trails Motel and Turquoise Antler Hospitality, shares his journey of transforming a small roadside motel into a successful brand. He discusses the 'Motel Hack' mindset, emphasizing seller financing and the importance of positive reviews over immediate renovations. Austin explains how bundling properties enabled full staffing and highlights effective rural marketing strategies that drive direct bookings. His insights into navigating challenges in small-town hospitality make this a must-listen for aspiring investors.

Brian Linton, co-founder of Finding Promised Land and a former $20M apparel CEO, discusses his pivot to outdoor hospitality. He reveals how a COVID-era motel purchase blossomed into a booming glamping brand. Linton shares insights on navigating zoning challenges, selecting prime land, and the benefits of owning business outright versus raising capital. His franchise model aims to expand Ferncrest to over 100 locations. Plus, he highlights the power of social media for brand growth, amassing 350K followers while keeping creativity alive in the hospitality sector.

Not sure if your tax advisor is actually optimizing your returns, or just filing forms? In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we’re joined by Kelly Tate, a CPA with over two decades of experience helping real estate and hospitality investors navigate the tax code with confidence.We dive into key strategies like bonus depreciation, Section 179, and cost segregation, and explore how to structure your entities to maximize tax efficiency, especially when you’re juggling both real estate ownership and active operations.Whether you’re an experienced sponsor or just scaling into your first hotel deal, this conversation will help you ask better questions, avoid common pitfalls, and gain peace of mind that your CPA is adding real value.Topics Covered:The difference between Section 179 and bonus depreciationHow cost segregation works and when to use itWhy your entity structure matters more than you thinkHow to know if your CPA is the right fit for real estate investingWhen to consider getting a second opinion on your tax strategyAbout KellyKelly Tate is a seasoned CPA, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder/CFO of KTA Financial Services, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in bookkeeping and tax preparation for franchise owners. With over 15 years of experience, Kelly has built a reputation for helping clients navigate taxation, deal structure, and financing. Through KTA and his own firm, Kelly Tate CPA, he serves hundreds of businesses with innovative financial solutions and proprietary technology. His mission: to simplify and elevate financial operations so business owners can focus on growth. Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Explore the exciting world of hostel investments and discover why they're an untapped goldmine in the U.S. market. Learn how to transform underperforming assets into thriving destinations with innovative guest experiences. Uncover the secrets of successful marketing strategies that fuel growth, especially targeting Gen Z travelers who crave community. Delve into the financial advantages of rethinking revenue models and why flawed properties can be lucrative. This insight could reshape your view on hospitality investments!

Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality, shares insights from his extensive experience in hotel management and development. He emphasizes the power of aligning with third-party operators to transition from small-scale to institutional investors. Bryan discusses common pitfalls owners face during acquisitions and sheds light on the complexities of franchise agreements. He also highlights the importance of building a strong team and makes a compelling case for strategic brand alignment in creating a successful hospitality portfolio.

After helping scale a family office real estate portfolio from $3 million to over $320 million, Reilly Brennan walked away from the comfort of a W-2 job to carve his own path in boutique hospitality.In this episode, we sit down with Reilly to unpack how he sourced and acquired two independent hotels in Duluth, Minnesota, one through creative seller financing, the other straight off LoopNet. We break down his underwriting process, deal structure, construction strategy, and how he’s building a brand that reflects his values, not someone else’s investment thesis.You’ll also hear:Why Reilly left the multifamily world for experiential hospitalityHow he underwrote a $700K deal in real time, then moved fast to close itHis approach to FF&E, design, and building a team from scratchWhat it actually feels like to go all-in on your own visionThe hidden value of small deals when you’re playing a long gameWhether you’re just getting started or thinking about scaling, this episode is full of honest insight about the hard work and fulfillment that come with betting on yourself.Connect with Reilly:Website: https://www.thetrailsidehotel.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.brennan.buzz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reilly-brennan-258968172/ Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Ian Joseph, founder of Branch, shares insights on leveraging USDA Rural Business Development loans to fund a $6M micro resort in West Virginia with just 3% down. He discusses the often-overlooked financing strategies for boutique hospitality projects and the importance of community partnerships. Ian also explores the design of high-ADR resort cabins, effective marketing techniques for pre-selling stays, and the economics behind luxury micro resorts versus typical short-term rentals. His journey highlights innovative approaches in hospitality development.

Suraj Desai, a hospitality finance expert leading the practice at Black Bear Capital Partners, shares invaluable insights on hotel financing. He dissects crucial funding options, from SBA loans to CMBS lending, and clarifies why some banks are hesitant now. Suraj emphasizes the importance of good collateral and strong sponsorship while navigating complex financing landscapes. Listeners will learn strategic uses of bridge and mezzanine loans, and the differences between predominant SBA loans, making this a must-listen for aspiring hotel investors.