Cash Flow Positive

Is refinancing your short-term rental a smart move—or a trap that eats away your cash flow?In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, Kenny Bedwell sits down with veteran mortgage broker and STR financing expert Matt Stout. With over 32 years of lending experience and thousands of deals funded, Matt pulls back the curtain on when refinancing actually makes sense. From dropping interest rates and shifting housing trends to creative ways to redeploy “dead equity” into higher cash-flowing properties, this episode delivers the unvarnished truth about refinancing in today’s market.You’ll learn the right (and wrong) reasons to refinance, how to weigh costs versus cash flow, and why keeping versus selling a property can make or break your long-term wealth.Don’t guess your way through one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll face as an investor. Press play now to get Kenny and Matt’s proven framework for knowing when to refinance and how to use it to build real generational wealth.About the GuestMatt Stout is “The STR Loan Guy” and founder of Consumers Financial, a mortgage brokerage licensed in 48 states. With over three decades in lending and a personal background in real estate investing, Matt specializes in STR and DSCR loans that help investors unlock equity and scale their portfolios. He’s known for creative lending strategies, hybrid loan solutions, and his straight-shooting approach to helping investors win deals.🔗 STR Loan Guy Website | YouTube – STR Loan Guy | Facebook | TikTok @thestrloanguyImportant LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025)  https://www.strinsights.com/top-investable-short-term-rental-markets-2025-reportInstagram – @kenny_bedwellYouTube – Cash Flow PositiveLinkedIn – Kenneth BedwellCash Flow Positive is an original podcast hosted by Kenny Bedwell. Brought to you by STR Insights and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

In this discussion, Erin Wegrzyn, a real estate consultant specializing in short-term rental strategies, shares her journey from long-term rentals to her focus on family-friendly STRs. She delves into the importance of choosing the right markets and how to avoid the tempting but costly amenities arms race. Erin emphasizes researching emerging markets, building a reliable local team, and the value of hands-on experience before investing. Plus, she offers key insights on setting realistic ROI goals and leveraging community resources for untapped rental destinations.

What would you do with a sudden $250,000? The discussion dives into investing in short-term rentals, revealing why choosing the right financing is crucial. Learn about five often-overlooked cost factors that can erode your budget. The importance of setting a clear ROI is highlighted, along with strategies for pinpointing profitable markets. From beach hotspots in Florida to affordable lakefronts in Michigan, expert insights help navigate the complexities of real estate investments while aligning them with personal financial goals.

What does Airbnb’s latest fee increase mean for your bottom line, and how should it change the way you evaluate deals?In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive Podcast, Kenny Bedwell sits down with Rachel Gniady, full-time real estate investor and STR Insights consultant, to talk about how the new 15.5% host fee is reshaping underwriting, deal selection, and long-term strategy.Rachel shares how she is being even more conservative with revenue estimates, why she is rejecting deals that don’t have a wide enough margin, and why being “one of one” in a market is more important than ever. Together, Kenny and Rachel dive into moats, market trends, appraisals, and the importance of thinking like an investor first, even as competition heats up and the “middle” of the STR market gets squeezed.Want to keep spotting high-margin STR deals even as fees climb? Listen now and sharpen your strategy. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:Why Airbnb’s fee change demands more conservative underwritingHow to evaluate properties with a “good, better, best” revenue approachWhy being unique in your market protects your profitsThe dangers of chasing trends and how to know when to walk awayWhy comps, cost basis, and appraisals matter more than everHow to protect yourself in today’s “Wild West” real estate marketWhy stability can beat higher short-term returns in the long runThe importance of making offers quickly and confidentlyAnd much more...Guest Bio:       Rachel Gniady is a full-time real estate investor and consultant for STR Insights, where she has helped over 50 clients close deals and build profitable short-term rental portfolios. Based in New Orleans, she has nearly 20 years of experience buying, improving, and selling properties. Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramPart 2: Finding High ROI STR Deals with No Money with Rachel GniadyConnect with Rachel on LinkedInDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

Airbnb has just announced a major change to its fee structure, and for hosts, the impact could be huge.In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, Kenny Bedwell breaks down the shift from a split-fee model to a single-host fee of 15.5%. He explains what this really means for your payouts, why simply raising your rate isn’t the answer, and how the wrong pricing strategy could tank your rankings and bookings.Kenny walks through the math behind the change, why some hosts will be hit harder than others, and what you can do to protect your bottom line. From understanding price elasticity to planning ahead with discounts and direct bookings, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss.Don’t let Airbnb’s new fee structure cut into your earnings. Tune in to learn the smart strategies that keep your payouts strong.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:Why raising your prices could hurt your rankingsHow pricing without a strategy leaves you vulnerable to underpriced competitorsWhy cookie-cutter properties are more exposed than unique listingsThe exact percentage increase needed to maintain your current payoutsWhy timing your price adjustments can affect your Airbnb search rankingsHow to think about cause and effect when responding to platform changesAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What separates investors who land the best deals from those who watch them slip away?In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, Kenny Bedwell continues his deep dive into the reasons most people miss out on profitable real estate deals. Building on Part 1’s discussion of vision and creating a moat, Kenny highlights three more critical factors that separate average investors from top performers: acting fast, knowing your guest avatar, and truly understanding what makes a property special in its market.Through real-world examples, Kenny shows why hesitation, personal bias, and limited knowledge often cost investors life-changing opportunities. This episode is a practical roadmap to spotting hidden value and moving with confidence when great deals appear.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:Why hesitation and “analysis paralysis” cause investors to miss out on dealsThe importance of acting fast while protecting yourself with contingenciesHow top investors use due diligence periods to secure multiple opportunitiesWhy buying for personal preference instead of guest demand leads to missed dealsHow understanding your “guest avatar” reveals what drives revenue in each marketWhy many investors fail simply because they don’t know what to look forHow to elevate a property’s value by adding design, decor, and amenitiesThe difference between a natural moat and a completed moat — and how to build oneAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

Why do so many investors pass up incredible opportunities that are sitting right in front of them?In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive Podcast, Kenny Bedwell breaks down the number one reason most people miss out on great real estate deals: a lack of vision. Using real-world examples, including a six-bedroom Montana property overlooked by more than ten investors, Kenny illustrates how the best opportunities often require foresight, creativity, and the willingness to see potential where others only see problems.From the concept of building a “moat” that sets your property apart, to understanding why people default to safe, turnkey investments, Kenny shows how successful investors think differently. Discover how one investor turned a rejected Montana property into a top-performing STR.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:Why most investors fail to recognize the potential in overlooked propertiesThe importance of having vision when evaluating dealsHow to identify and build a “moat” that separates your property from the competitionWhy great deals often come in the form of outdated or overlooked homesHow one investor turned a rejected Montana property into a cash-flowing success storyWhy copying turnkey models is short-term thinking, and how long-term strategies create real wealthAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What does it really take to turn a rundown property into a high-return investment? In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, host Kenny Bedwell is joined by Kyle Powers, a top-producing agent and experienced real estate investor, to continue the discussion on the infinite return model.Kyle shares his hands-on approach to finding undervalued properties, forcing appreciation, and navigating the emotional roller coaster of major renovation projects. From choosing the right markets to building reliable teams, Kyle explains how smart planning and execution can eliminate risk and create life-changing financial wins.Want to know how pros turn rundown homes into cash-flow machines? Hear the infinite return model explained step by step in this episode. Don’t just buy another property—discover the strategy that pays you back in full and keeps paying you forever.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:Why having “boots on the ground” is invaluable for successful real estate projectsHow to budget realistically and prepare for surprises in renovation projectsThe emotional side of investing and why big returns require taking calculated risksWhy eliminating risk comes down to working with the right people and running the right numbers.How to find the best markets for forcing equity and long-term gains.Kyle’s coaching insights on what makes the infinite return model sustainable.And much more...Guest Bio:       Kyle Powers is a Top Producing Agent from Manhattan, Kansas, ranking in the top 5% of Realtors with over 400 homes sold in just 8 years. Beyond sales, he invests in long-term and short-term rentals, house flips, and co-founded The Elevated Realtors, where he trains agents to scale their businesses.Resources:Connect with Kyle on LinkedInConnect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk

What if you could own a property that pays you back entirely and then continues to cash flow year after year, with no money left in the deal? In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, Kenny Bedwell breaks down the infinite return model and shows how real estate investors can use it to create cash flow with minimal long-term capital tied up.Kenny explains how this strategy works in both short-term rentals and larger projects, including his own experience renovating a hotel in New Orleans. From understanding appraisals and refinancing to leveraging other people’s money, this episode offers practical insights into achieving truly infinite returns in real estate.Don’t just buy another property. Learn the strategy that can give you returns with no money left in the deal. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:What the infinite return model is and why it matters in real estate investingHow to force appreciation through renovations or strategic value-add projectsThe role of appraisals, refinancing, and financing options in pulling money back out of a dealWhy short-term rentals are uniquely positioned for infinite returnsHow building or renovating with short-term rentals in mind creates long-term advantagesKenny’s real-world hotel investment example and how it demonstrates this model in actionAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

If you want to dominate your market and attract guests who keep coming back, your property needs to stand out in ways others can’t (or won’t) replicate. In this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, Kenny Bedwell shares advanced strategies for turning an ordinary property into a top-performing short-term rental that crushes the competition.Kenny explains why unique property characteristics, “Wow” spaces, and smart upgrades can make your listing nearly impossible for competitors to match. He also discusses how to identify undervalued opportunities, keep expenses down, and plan for long-term profitability, all while staying laser-focused on guest experience.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Cash Flow Positive podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! Listen now and enjoy!Key takeaways:Why the most successful properties have attributes that competitors can’t easily replicateHow to identify and enhance unique characteristics in your propertyThe role of “Wow” spaces in boosting bookings and enhancing guest satisfactionWhy keeping expenses low is just as powerful as finding undervalued dealsHow Kenny applies his own “Crusher Competition” strategy to make his Airbnbs unbeatableAnd much more...Resources:Connect with Kenny on LinkedInFollow Kenny on InstagramThe Strategy That Makes My Airbnbs Impossible to Compete WithDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Cash Flow Positive podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.