STR Investing, The Podcast

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?

In this special co-hosted episode of the STR Investing Podcast, Mark Lumpkin and Taylor Jones sit down together for only the second time to deliver a real-time “State of the Union” for short-term rentals in mid-2025.From front-end data and acquisitions to back-end renovations and management, they share what’s working, what’s not, and where the smart money is moving right now.You’ll hear:Why investors are winning at the ends of the bedroom count spectrum and why 3-4 beds are becoming “no man’s land” in many marketsHow small, niche 1-2 bedroom getaways are rivaling the returns of mega propertiesThe rising costs, permitting headaches, and contractor pitfalls impacting renovationsWhy picking the right property manager can make or break your investmentHow the “Big Beautiful Bill” is driving high-income earners into STRs for tax strategy and wealth buildingThe design and amenity decisions that actually move the revenue needleHow to think strategically about interest rates, seasonality, and timing your next purchaseIf you want to understand the shifts shaping today’s STR market and how to adapt before you get left behind, this episode is packed with timely insights you can put into action.

Jeremy Werden, founder of BNB Calc and a savvy property manager, shares his journey through the evolving landscape of short-term rentals. He discusses how traditional strategies have faltered and the importance of adapting to unique, amenitized 'super properties.' Jeremy reveals his quest for extraordinary assets like a sprawling Kentucky estate, boasting creative features that attract guests. He emphasizes the role of viral marketing in driving bookings and offers insights on leveraging data tools for smarter property management. Prepare to rethink your investment approach!

Sam Smith, an in-demand short-term rental photographer, shares his journey from real estate novice to sought-after expert. He reveals the crucial differences between capturing spaces and experiences, emphasizing the emotional impact of lifestyle shots. Sam discusses the importance of staging and preparation for top-notch photos, while also recounting his adventurous road trip with multiple pets. He touches on the unique challenges of photographing diverse properties, from cozy mountain cabins to bustling beach rentals, all aimed at boosting guest engagement.

Connor Paton, CEO and co-founder of Noshable, shares insights on revolutionizing guest hospitality in short-term rentals. He discusses how stocking fridges enhances guest experiences and increases 5-star reviews. Surprisingly, beer and bagels top the guest order list! Connor also dives into how property managers can leverage Noshable for upsells and delight moments. He emphasizes the importance of creating magical experiences that drive loyalty, and sheds light on the fascinating grocery spending habits of vacation rental guests.

Discover a treasure trove of insights for short-term rental projects! Learn how to work with professional designers for free, ensuring your space blends style with durability. The Wayfair Project Solutions team shares tips on sourcing furniture that meets both hospitality and residential needs, avoiding common pitfalls, and accessing high-quality goods. Explore how detailed staging and thoughtful design can transform your rental into a booking magnet, while navigating the evolving market landscape and leveraging social media to engage with potential guests.

Taylor sits down with Nico, a former tech sales executive turned short-term rental entrepreneur, to unpack one of the most creative and strategic STR journeys we’ve heard.Nico shares how he:Went from selling software to CFOs of billion-dollar tech companies to flipping homes in AustinUsed STRs to offset a major tax bill after a liquidity event—and never looked backBought and converted a 110-year-old Piggly Wiggly grocery store into a cash-flowing Airbnb duplexBuilt a 12-unit portfolio, including midterm arbitrage units for corporate travelersLaunched Live in Luxury, a white-glove service for high-earning W2 professionalsPartnered with data-driven operators to scale his business and serve busy investorsLeveraged cost segregation and depreciation to legally eliminate his tax burdenIf you're looking for ways to optimize your tax strategy, generate consistent cash flow, and invest in memorable, high-performing STRs, this episode is packed with insight. Learn more: LiveInLuxury.co___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Sean Moore, a real estate veteran with 25 years of experience and founder of Vodyssey, shares invaluable insights from his journey in the short-term rental industry. He discusses how he stumbled upon STRs in 2006 and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building a coaching community. Sean reveals the three pillars of success: location, experience, and marketing, while cautioning against common costly mistakes. He advocates for unique guest experiences and long-term investment strategies, inspiring both newcomers and seasoned investors to think intentionally.

John Bianchi, co-founder of STR Search and known as the Airbnb Data Guy, shares his expertise in identifying lucrative short-term rental properties. He discusses how to analyze key revenue drivers like amenities—think hot tubs and pickleball courts—that can significantly impact profitability. From strategic capital allocation to presenting Airbnb listings with high-quality photos, he reveals practical tips for maximizing ROI. Bianchi’s insights on avoiding bad buys and focusing on effective data analysis make this conversation invaluable for both new and seasoned investors.