Cash Flow Positive

You don’t have to stop at single-family short-term rentals. You can build the systems and businesses that help others scale, too.In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, host Kenny Bedwell sits down with Tyler Gruskiewicz, a full-time real estate investor and entrepreneur from Louisville, Kentucky. Tyler shares his journey from leaving a W2 job to building a growing portfolio of STRs, boutique hotels, and vertically integrated businesses, including a cleaning company, renovation arm, and property management service, all designed to solve the pain points he faced as a host.They dive into the mindset shifts needed to scale sustainably, the lessons learned from operational chaos, and the power of turning real problems into real opportunities. Tyler also reveals his latest project: transforming one of Kentucky’s oldest bed-and-breakfasts into a mission-driven property supporting veterans and children with speech challenges.If you’ve ever felt “stuck” at the single-family level, this conversation will show you how to think and build bigger.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] Meet Tyler: From Ohio roots to full-time investor in Louisville[01:00] Growing a 7-property STR portfolio + hotels in Florida and Missouri[02:00] What vertical integration really looks like for real estate investors[05:00] Faith Renovations and Signature Stays: turning problems into services[07:00] How Tyler built cleaning, install, and property management teams[08:30] The cleaning nightmare that pushed him to start his own company[13:00] Why checks and balances matter in STR operations[17:00] How one bad turnover led to a total systems overhaul[21:00] Building culture, communication, and shared vision inside your team[25:00] The importance of purpose-driven leadership[29:00] Turning early check-ins into new revenue and guest satisfaction[32:00] The story behind Kentucky’s oldest B&B—and how it became a mission[36:00] Giving back to veterans and kids through real estate[40:00] The takeaway: No one’s coming to save you—build the solution yourselfAbout the GuestTyler Gruskiewicz is a real estate investor known for owning several short-term rental properties in Kentucky with a proven track record in the short-term rental (STR) market. He has gained recognition through interviews and podcasts for his unique approach to growing wealth through STR investments, highlighting both the challenges and strategies for success in this niche real estate segment.​ In addition to his property investments, Gruskiewicz also owns and operates a renovation and cleaning company, leveraging his experience to support and scale his rental business. Recently, he expanded his real estate portfolio by purchasing a 29-door hotel in Branson, Missouri, indicating significant growth and diversification in his hospitality ventures.🔗 LinkedIn | Website Important LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @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.

What does “scaling” really mean for you?In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, host Kenny Bedwell breaks down what it truly takes to grow beyond single-family short-term rentals and why the definition of “scaling” should be unique to every investor.Kenny walks through his personal evolution from duplex house hacking to managing multi-unit portfolios, building a co-hosting business, and partnering with investors to acquire large-scale STRs and boutique hotels. Along the way, he shares the mindset, strategies, and lessons that help hosts move from buying one property at a time to building a sustainable, scalable business model that fits their goals, not social media’s definition of success.Timestamped Highlights [00:00] Why “scaling” looks different for every STR owner [00:01:00] Kenny’s early investing story, from house hacking to Airbnb [00:04:45] How Buffalo, NY shaped his mindset on scaling and diversification [00:06:30] Breaking through capital limitations with rental arbitrage [00:09:00] The rise (and fall) of arbitrage and what works better now [00:10:30] Scaling into co-hosting and property management [00:11:45] The power of sharing your wins to attract partnerships [00:13:40] How to start small but think like a business owner [00:15:20] Diversifying across markets for long-term stability [00:18:00] Leveraging other people’s money (OPM) to scale faster [00:20:20] Building partnerships and equity deals with no capital invested [00:22:00] Why hotels aren’t the only way to scale and how big STRs can outperform [00:24:00] Choosing properties that match your goals, not trends [00:25:15] The truth about hotel deals vs. high-performing STRs [00:26:40] Redefining success and scaling on your own terms [00:27:50] A look ahead: scaling through new business opportunitiesResources MentionedLaunch Hosts by Kim Fitzpatrick - Example of scaling through servicesImportant LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @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.

What if your next short-term rental deal isn’t failing because of the numbers… but because of your reviews?In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, Kenny Bedwell digs into the “curse” of review-driven real estate—how guest expectations, property condition, and first impressions can quietly make or break your returns. He breaks down the two sides of STR investing (real estate + hospitality), shares real-world examples from his own portfolio, and explains why operations and guest experience are just as critical as deal analysis.You’ll learn what details guests really notice, how to find properties that support great reviews from day one, and the simple fixes that turn complaints into five-star ratings.If you want your short-term rental to outperform the market, hit play and start thinking like a guest, not just an investor.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] Why Kenny “hates” reviews 4and how they shape investor behavior[01:00] The two-headed monster of STR investing: real estate + hospitality[02:30] Why being a great host directly impacts revenue[04:00] How property age and updates influence guest satisfaction[06:00] Lessons from a historic 1860s home that became a five-star stay[09:00] The hidden cost of ignoring capital expenditures[10:40] When old systems (like HVAC) destroy the guest experience[12:00] How unfinished basements and outdated designs kill reviews[15:20] External factors: neighbors, privacy, roads, and power lines[20:00] Designing for privacy, accessibility, and comfort[23:00] How to impress guests from the moment they arrive[25:00] The power of small touches, like Kenny’s ice cream bar idea[27:00] Why first impressions make or break your ratings[30:20] The link between five-star reviews and long-term revenueImportant LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @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

How to Get Rich Quick with Real EstateIf you’ve been chasing the next “get rich quick” shortcut in real estate… this episode is your reality check.In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, Kenny Bedwell flips the script on fast money and exposes the truth about building real wealth through real estate. He shares insights from conversations with high-level investors: Those who buy $100M hotels and still play the long game and reveals why the biggest wins come from appreciation, tax strategy, and equity paydown, not just monthly cash flow.You’ll learn the four true pillars of wealth in real estate, how to think like an investor instead of a speculator, and why repositioning your assets the right way can transform your portfolio faster than chasing short-term returns ever will.Stop looking for overnight success. Press play now to learn how the smartest investors actually get rich with patience, data, and a long-term plan.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] Back from the flu and fired up about “get rich quick” myths[01:30] The problem with chasing only cash flow[03:35] Lessons from top-tier investors who buy $100M properties[05:00] The four wealth pillars: cash flow, appreciation, tax savings, and equity paydown[07:00] What “repositioning” really means and why it’s where wealth is built[09:25] When cash flow should be your priority and when it shouldn’t[10:30] Why high-income professionals invest differently (and what that means for you)[12:30] How to calculate true ROI using total return, not just cash flow[15:20] The mindset shift: stop chasing income, start building net worth[18:30] Defining your investment goals before you buy your next STR[21:15] How Kenny evaluates deals now and why forced appreciation beats “good enough”Important LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @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

Most investors look at bedroom counts at face value. Kenny Bedwell doesn’t.In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, Kenny reveals a deal-finding strategy he’s seen quietly pay off in competitive short-term rental markets: targeting properties with extra square footage and converting them into higher bedroom counts. From Sedona to the Poconos, Kenny explains why “heads in beds” is the #1 revenue driver, how to legally add bedrooms to force appreciation, and why average-performing STRs will always lose out to top properties.You’ll hear how to spot these overlooked opportunities, the math that makes them work, and why moving quickly under contract is often the difference between landing a deal and watching it slip away.Don’t settle for average returns. Press play now to learn how Kenny turns overlooked listings into high-cash-flow, high-appreciation wins.Important LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @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.

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://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @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:Part 2: Finding High ROI STR Deals with No Money with Rachel GniadyConnect with Rachel on LinkedInImportant LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @kenny_bedwellYouTube – Cash Flow PositiveLinkedIn – Kenneth BedwellDisclaimer: 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...Important LinksWant us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com Get Top Markers for STRs (2025) - https://rebrand.ly/28b1df Instagram – @kenny_bedwellYouTube – Cash Flow PositiveLinkedIn – Kenneth BedwellDisclaimer: 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.