Bill Faeth Unfiltered

The discussion uncovers the drastic split in the Airbnb market, where average properties face collapse while savvy operators thrive. Insights are shared on transforming ordinary condos into luxury jewels and understanding why traditional three-bedroom, two-bath rentals are losing appeal. Strategies for repositioning investments and critical tools like Super Property Grader are highlighted. Plus, there's guidance on when to cut losses and embrace innovative marketing approaches to elevate rental success. It's a call to pivot, not panic!

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✅ FREE Proforma - know exactly how much a property will make before you buy: https://buildstrwealth.com/proforma💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?If I had to start my Airbnb business from zero with just $125,000, here’s exactly what I’d do differently today. I’ll break down how I’d flip a property to grow my budget, launch a co-hosting business for immediate cash flow, and use the right tools and experts to avoid rookie mistakes. You’ll see how I think about fast, medium, and slow money—and why most investors get this wrong.Chapters00:00 – Starting from zero: what I’d do differently today01:07 – What I'd do first02:06 – Building cash flow in month one04:00 – Avoiding rookie mistakes with short-term rental cash flow05:22 – The “JICYFU” underwriting ruleConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

✅ FREE tool and training to spot the gaps and make strategic choices about amenities: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✨ Learn how to create show-stopping STR designs - without the expensive designer fees: https://www.buildstrwealth.com/strdesignschool💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Stop throwing money at random upgrades hoping for bigger payouts. A $7K hot tub won’t magically add $30K to your revenue.The real win? Marketability. Your property needs to stand out, and that comes from smart, intentional amenities—not copying what everyone else is doing. I’ve built properties that outperform the market by adding unique, affordable touches like a barrel sauna, a glamping tent, or spa-style bathrooms. These choices create experiences guests can’t find anywhere else.If you want to crush it in short-term rentals, focus on strategy over spend. Fill gaps your competitors ignore, and you’ll attract the guests who pay more and come back.Chapters00:00 – Why a Hot Tub Won’t Add $30K to Your Airbnb01:15 – The Real Secret to Amenities That Work02:35 – Stop Guessing: Fill Gaps in Your Market03:58 – How I Crushed My Market with One Simple Amenity05:20 – Why Marketability Beats Copying Competitors06:45 – Small Touches That Attract High-End Guests07:50 – Luxury on a Budget: The $1K Upgrade That Pays Off08:30 – Final Takeaways to Level Up Your STRConnect with Bill🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✅ FREE Proforma - know exactly how much a property will make before you buy: https://buildstrwealth.com/proforma💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Just picked up a two-bedroom condo in Panama City Beach for $395K that I’m projecting to bring in $110K–$115K gross and net around $40K a year. Brea crushed the design, Jon handled the renovations, and we leaned into murals, fireplaces, and details that make this place stand out. I’ll walk you through the full tour, break down why this is one of the highest cash-on-cash returns in my portfolio, and share how you can spot deals like this in your own market.Chapters00:00 – Inside My New Airbnb in Panama City Beach 01:10 – Why We Switched From Wallpaper to Murals02:21 – The Color Change That Transformed the Entire Design03:16 – Adding Fireplaces for Higher Bookings05:11 – Forced Appreciation: HOA Upgrades Driving Value06:28 – This Purchase That Beats Comps Next Door06:53 – Breaking Down the Projected Profit07:07 – Why This Is the Highest Cash-on-Cash Return in My PortfolioConnect with Bill🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

✅ FREE community: Join 33K+ hosts growing their wealth with STRs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508/?mibextid=oMANbw✅ FREE tool and training to find your own Super Property: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.Stop wasting money on turnkey Airbnbs. In this video, I’m breaking down why the best short-term rental deals are the ones you add value to after purchase—and how to spot them. I’ll show you how to find undervalued properties, what makes a true “unicorn,” and the simple renovations that can create massive equity and cash flow. You’ll see real examples from my own portfolio, plus a Montana deal I’m turning into a six-figure revenue stream with one creative twist. If you want to win in today’s market, it starts with buying smarter.Chapters00:00 – Why I Never Buy Turnkey Airbnbs (And What I Do Instead)01:00 – The Hedge Every Smart STR Investor Builds In02:10 – Skipping the Hotspots: How I Find Hidden-Gem Markets03:17 – The Marketing Edge of Smith Lake (And Why It Beats Bigger Lakes)04:25 – The Simple Renovation Trick That Adds Massive Value05:35 – What Makes a True “Unicorn” Property (And Why You Can’t Replicate It)07:14 – Turning a $2.75M Deal Into $3.5M With Strategic Upgrades08:28 – The Wedding Venue That Could Pay for the Whole Property09:30 – Building a Bougie Pickleball Court That Generates $350K/Year10:27 – The Creative Thinking That Separates STR Winners From the RestConnect with Bill🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Discover the secrets of the Airbnb algorithm and how to optimize your listings for success. Learn the importance of photo order and engaging captions that drive guest interest. Explore the necessity of filling every field to signal relevance and adaptability. Find out how local traffic drivers can enhance your search ranking. Plus, gain insights into analytical tools and A/B testing to continuously improve your rental performance. Uncovering these strategies could transform your Airbnb business into a thriving venture!

Discover how to fill your Airbnb calendar with creative strategies. Learn about critical pricing mistakes and an intriguing Facebook tactic that’s driving bookings. Uncover the 'Emoji Stack' trick to capture attention, while focusing on selling the experience over just the property. Find out how to generate impressive income with short minimum stays and avoid the pitfalls of pricing wars in the competitive short-term rental market.

✅ FREE masterclass - how to earn $250K+ NET per year from Airbnb:https://buildstrwealth.com/550250masterclass✅ FREE tool and training to find your own Super Property: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.There are five markets I’m avoiding completely in 2025 and they’re probably not the ones you think. I’m breaking down the biggest investor mistakes I’m seeing right now, why I pulled my money out of certain spots, and what actually matters when choosing your next STR market. I’ll also walk you through the updated Do Not Buy List and explain why some of the “hot” markets are about to burn you.Chapters00:00 – The Worst STR Markets to Avoid in 202501:28 – The #1 Mistake Investors Make When Choosing a Market03:07 – Why Turnkey Properties Are a Dangerous Trap05:01 – How to Underwrite the Right Bedroom Count (And Unlock More ROI)07:10 – This One Design Trick Can Add Massive Value08:45 – The Hidden Risk of Following Social Media Into Hot Markets10:03 – Why I Pulled Out of Fort Morgan (And What I Bought Instead)12:12 – The Only Way I’ll Invest in a Risky Market14:08 – Why They’re On My “Do Not Buy” List16:02 – You Can Still Win...If You Stick to This RuleMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

✅ FREE tool and training to find your own Super Property: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.This is the last video I’ll ever shoot at Sunset Point, my Smith Lake property… because it just sold for full price. Not because it wasn’t performing—this house crushed $165K–$185K/year. But I ran the numbers, did a return on equity audit, and saw an opportunity to double down by repositioning and redeploying the cash from this into another property with more upside potential. Listen to find out why we design for the next buyer just as much as we do for guests.Chapters00:00 – Why I’m Saying Goodbye to This Property Forever02:01 – The #1 Mistake Investors Make When Holding Too Long03:01 – Why This Home Sold at Full Asking (And the Last One Did Too)04:08 – The Design Strategy That Attracts Buyers—Not Just Bookings05:20 – Cash Flow vs. Appreciation: How I Decide When to Sell06:28 – Doubling My Equity to Fund a $2.75M Upgrade07:30 – How I’m Using a 1031 Exchange the Smart Way08:45 – The Bookkeeping Tool That Finally Replaced QuickBooks10:25 – The Real Reason This House Sold (And How to Replicate It)Mentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

✅ FREE tool and training to find your own Super Property: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Struggling to choose between two great Airbnb properties? You're not alone. I'm breaking down the exact decision-making process I use when I’ve got two top contenders. One’s a private beach townhouse with insane VRBO upside. The other’s a mountain property with built-in wedding venue income and big tax advantages. I walk you through how I analyze cash flow, appreciation, and bonus depreciation—plus what tools I use to run the numbers the right way. 00:00 – When Even I Can’t Decide on a Property01:12 – Beach vs. Mountain: The Two Properties I’m Torn Between03:00 – This Beach Property Has a Secret Advantage Most Miss05:05 – $110K in Passive Income? The Mountain Property’s Wildcard07:18 – Which One Wins on Cash Flow (And Which One Doesn’t)09:04 – How Appreciation Could Flip the Decision11:22 – The Hidden Tax Play Most Investors Ignore13:05 – My Framework for Underwriting a Property15:10 – Why I Don’t Start With a Pro Forma (And What I Do First)17:28 – The Real Secret to Making Smarter STR Investment CallsMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.