STR Investing, The Podcast

Andy Newman shares how a backpacker’s curiosity turned into a 140-property, multi-state operation - and why the true moat isn’t software, it’s a team with years of lived hospitality “stories” you’ll never find in a manual. We dig into hiring for heart and skill, right-sizing tech, and building resilient portfolios that survive seasonality, HOAs, and hurricanes.What you’ll learnWhy tenure matters: the power of a team averaging 5+ years of on-the-ground scenariosThe tech trap: streamline tools, keep the robust PMS, avoid shiny-object overloadHiring that sticks: HR-led recruiting, multi-interviewer veto power, and benefits that retain A-players (PTO, sick days, parental leave, 4-day weeks for top performers)Culture > shortcuts: why “VAs run it while you sip drinks on a beach” is a mythRisk-smart growth: diversify by seasonality, regulation, and climate (Andy’s 50-mile & ~1500-mile rules)Owner advisory: treat STRs like a portfolio—location, amenities, and booking windows tailored to returnsThe road ahead: professional management and selection matter as the industry enters its “third inning”Connect with Andy: andy@newmanhospitality.comNewman Hospitality: newmanhospitality.comNew interviews every Friday + the Monday Market Report!____Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 255 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Monday Market DataPanama City Beach, FLAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $38,58875th Percentile: $56,23290th Percentile: $74,794Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $30875th Percentile: $37590th Percentile: $446Occupancy50th Percentile: 44%75th Percentile: 57%90th Percentile: 67%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $64,07875th Percentile: $83,94990th Percentile: $106,593Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $45675th Percentile: $55490th Percentile: $652Occupancy50th Percentile: 48%75th Percentile: 57%90th Percentile: 65%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $84,45075th Percentile: $105,95190th Percentile: $133,184Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $66075th Percentile: $78390th Percentile: $933Occupancy50th Percentile: 42%75th Percentile: 53%90th Percentile: 61%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $97,95175th Percentile: $135,06290th Percentile: $189,739Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $92775th Percentile: $1,14290th Percentile: $1,264Occupancy50th Percentile: 35%75th Percentile: 48%90th Percentile: 55%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

Discover innovative ways to secure last-minute bookings with insights from the co-founder of a groundbreaking OTA. Learn how to capture market demand without jeopardizing existing reservations on major platforms. Explore the pivotal role of host economics and the diverse traveler demographics embracing spontaneity. Delve into strategies for optimizing supply and demand, including valuable partnerships and effective distribution tactics. This conversation reveals how to turn unbooked nights into profitable opportunities with minimal hassle.

Monday Market DataBroken Bow, OKAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $47,82075th Percentile: $66,49390th Percentile: $90,007Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $35875th Percentile: $42190th Percentile: $498Occupancy50th Percentile: 38%75th Percentile:48%90th Percentile: 59%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $67,78875th Percentile: $88,15190th Percentile: $114,333Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $47475th Percentile: $57390th Percentile: $676Occupancy50th Percentile: 37%75th Percentile: 47%90th Percentile: 54%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $83,93875th Percentile: $112,86390th Percentile: $147,964Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $64475th Percentile: $76790th Percentile: $916Occupancy50th Percentile: 36%75th Percentile: 46%90th Percentile: 54%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $106,29975th Percentile: $135,42190th Percentile: $194,200Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $81875th Percentile: $95090th Percentile: $1,097Occupancy50th Percentile: 38%75th Percentile: 45%90th Percentile: 53%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

Valerie Gangas, CEO of Juniper Holiday + Home and hospitality expert, shares her journey from Chicago's restaurants to STR management. She emphasizes the importance of creating unforgettable guest experiences with personal touches like fresh flowers and cookies. Valerie discusses effective team building, trusting instincts in hiring, and setting boundaries for personal health. She advocates for meditation as a way to foster calm leadership and underlines the need for community knowledge-sharing in the evolving hospitality landscape.

Monday Market DataGalveston, TXAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $21,52475th Percentile: $33,87590th Percentile: $51,117Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $25375th Percentile: $31790th Percentile: $392Occupancy50th Percentile: 29%75th Percentile: 42%90th Percentile: 55%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $34,99375th Percentile: $55,34190th Percentile: $82,615Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $37175th Percentile: $49990th Percentile: $669Occupancy50th Percentile: 32%75th Percentile: 43%90th Percentile: 55%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $56,39375th Percentile: $81,49390th Percentile: $109,429Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $53975th Percentile: $69990th Percentile: $864Occupancy50th Percentile: 33%75th Percentile: 42%90th Percentile: 55%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $77,78975th Percentile: $119,80090th Percentile: $182,643Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $72075th Percentile: $93190th Percentile: $1,178Occupancy50th Percentile: 35%75th Percentile: 49%90th Percentile: 63%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

Zach Busekrus, a growth marketer and co-founder of Journey, shares his journey from higher education marketing to creating a loyalty platform for short-term rentals and boutique hotels. He reveals how his unique vision helps operators increase repeat bookings without heavy OTA fees. The conversation covers the importance of loyalty programs, how Journey enables guests to earn and redeem points, and strategic insights on brand credibility and monetization. Zach also dives into the challenges of developing a two-sided marketplace in the hospitality industry.

Monday Market DataHot Springs, ARAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $27,06275th Percentile: $37,71590th Percentile: $51,713Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $17975th Percentile: $24690th Percentile: $330Occupancy50th Percentile: 38%75th Percentile: 49%90th Percentile: 59%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $35,18475th Percentile: $47,92590th Percentile: $72,837Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $29275th Percentile: $38190th Percentile: $467Occupancy50th Percentile: 34%75th Percentile: 45%90th Percentile: 52%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $58,09375th Percentile: $86,18990th Percentile: $109,254Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $44275th Percentile: $60290th Percentile: $754Occupancy50th Percentile: 37%75th Percentile: 44%90th Percentile: 48%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $101,87875th Percentile: $131,15890th Percentile: $151,194Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $76175th Percentile: $95390th Percentile: $1,275Occupancy50th Percentile: 38%75th Percentile: 41%90th Percentile: 46%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

What if you could turn everyday travelers into a social media content army - one that boosts your visibility, drives direct bookings, and promotes the local experiences your guests already ask about?In this episode, Mark sits down with Maddie Rifkin, founder & CEO of Mount, to unpack how she’s helping short-term rental operators, property managers, and even mom-and-pop vendors monetize recommendations and go viral without relying on big-budget influencers or OTAs.They dive into:How Mount connects hosts with local vendors & turns recs into revenueWhy normal travelers often outperform big influencers in content creationWhat it takes to launch your own “content army” and build massive brand awarenessThe truth about follower count vs. post performanceHow one host added $200K in direct bookings with a single viral strategyThe best platforms to focus on for real ROI in the STR spaceHow to prepare for a viral spike so it doesn’t fizzle outPlus: Maddie reveals what makes a great content creator, how her team trains and deploys stewards across the country, and why now is the best time to build your brand on social media before it’s too late.If you’re tired of the OTA hamster wheel and want to future-proof your business with better guest experiences, content marketing, and direct booking strategies, this episode is your jump start.Connect with Maddie: LinkedIn Learn more about Mount: www.mountlocks.com___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 255 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Monday Market DataBoulder, COAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $61,79275th Percentile: $87,58090th Percentile: $122,967Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $34775th Percentile: $44590th Percentile: $550Occupancy50th Percentile: 53%75th Percentile: 66%90th Percentile: 78%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $93,94375th Percentile: $104,80690th Percentile: $148,924Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $56375th Percentile: $62390th Percentile: $706Occupancy50th Percentile: 51%75th Percentile: 59%90th Percentile: 76%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $92,91475th Percentile: $152,93890th Percentile: $195,129Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $66475th Percentile: $79690th Percentile: $1,197Occupancy50th Percentile: 44%75th Percentile: 53%90th Percentile: 60%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $279,87175th Percentile: $300,06490th Percentile: $422,097Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $1,40275th Percentile: $1,43590th Percentile: $1,850Occupancy50th Percentile: 56%75th Percentile: 60%90th Percentile: 65%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?