
The Landlord Diaries
The Landlord Diaries is a podcast all about Mid-Term Rentals and real estate investing. On the show, hosts and fellow Mid-Term Rental Landlords Kelly Bailey & Katie Lyon discuss topics like investment strategy, property management, and tips for using Furnished Finder to be a top Mid-Term Rental Landlord. By listening, you’ll walk away with creative ways to maximize your real estate investment, create passive income, as well as hear some entertaining and interesting landlord stories. The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, the trusted leader in Mid-Term Rentals. We are the go-to source for millions of travelers seeking monthly furnished housing throughout the US. Best of all, Furnished Finder never takes any booking fees or commissions, and has one simple, annual listing fee for property owners. List your property today! Visit FurnishedFinder.com to learn more.
Latest episodes

Jan 13, 2025 • 44min
Why Accessory Dwelling Units Are the Solution to Housing Shortages, FF128
Are accessory dwelling units (ADUs) the ultimate real estate hack? In this episode, we sit down with Derek Sherrell, aka "That ADU Guy," to explore the benefits of accessory dwelling units and how ADUs are transforming the housing market. With over 49,000 Instagram followers and 26,000 YouTube subscribers, Derek is on a mission to influence the creation of one million ADUs nationwide.Discover why ADUs are called the "missing middle" of housing and how they solve affordability issues while delivering unparalleled cash flow opportunities. Derek shares his personal real estate journey, the mindset needed to start building ADUs, and actionable strategies to overcome zoning and planning challenges. Plus, hear real-life case studies of successful mid-term rental ADUs and how they cater to traveling professionals and other niche markets.Whether you're new to real estate investing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, including why ADUs are the gateway to creative investing, how they add value to communities, and the market trends shaping midterm rentals.Video Chapters:0:00 Welcome to the Landlord Diaries2:20 Are ADUs worth the investment?3:35 The mission: influence one million ADUs nationwide9:15 Does an ADU add value to a house?11:40 How ADUs open the door to increased cash flow12:40 Why ADUs are the "missing middle" in housing19:15 Overcoming zoning and planning challenges24:55 These 7 states support additional dwelling units25:45 Real stories of successful mid-term rental ADUs29:20 The viability of this housing asset type34:55 Major market trends with midterm rentals38:10 Midterm rental demand is growing quickly38:45 Derek's practical tips on the market, ADUs and MTRsTune in to discover how ADUs can revolutionize your real estate portfolio and create meaningful, lasting impact in your community. Don't forget to connect with Derek at ThatADUGuy.com or @ThatADUGuy for free tools, courses, and consultations!List Your Property on Furnished Finder Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources Derek's Listings on Furnished Finder: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=derek.sherrellFurnished Finder's ADU Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLokjj6PCc5Xxufs1djS8aQ-kO6akkEcOPThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Dec 30, 2024 • 28min
10 Insider Secrets When Listing Your Mid-Term Rental, FF127
Ready to transform your Furnished Finder listing into a traveler’s dream? Join us for an in-depth tutorial on how to set up your first—or next—property listing, complete with insider advice you won’t find anywhere else. Kelly and Katie dive deep into key questions like: How do I price my mid-term rental? Should you invest in a full kitchen or stick with a kitchenette? What fees and amenities matter most to tenants?In this episode, we cover everything from writing a killer headline to selecting must-have amenities and pricing strategies that ensure profitability. You’ll also learn why being pet-friendly gives you a competitive edge, how to stand out with your photos, and which Furnished Finder features (like real-time notifications and calendar best practices) are essential for success.If you’re looking to attract more tenants, maximize bookings, and boost your rental income, this guide has everything you need to stay ahead of the competition.Key Takeaways and Timestamps:🔑 1:30 Adding your first or next listing on Furnished Finder🔑 2:25 The power of your headline: Keywords that attract travelers🔑 6:25 The perks of being pet-friendly🔑 9:15 Three steps to price your mid-term rental successfully🔑 11:40 Standard property fees for mid-term rentals🔑 13:45 Must-have amenities: Do you need a washer/dryer and full kitchen?🔑 18:45 How to create standout listing photos🔑 22:10 Furnished Finder calendar tips🔑 24:25 Managing notifications for tenant leads and housing requests🔑 25:45 Setting clear house rules for tenant success🎯 Pro Tip: Optimize your listing by using search-friendly amenities, such as high-speed internet, king-size beds, and in-unit laundry. Plus, learn how thoughtful touches like starter essentials can earn you 5-star reviews from day one.List Your Property Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources Host Katie Lyon’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=katie.lyon8 Host Kelly Bailey’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly*|B. The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Dec 13, 2024 • 39min
Secrets to Mid-Term Rental Success | Must-Know Tips from Furnished Finder COO Cami Narino, FF126
In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we celebrate 10 years of growth in the mid-term rental (MTR) industry with Furnished Finder COO Cami Narino. From the company’s humble beginnings to its innovative tools today, Cami shares invaluable insights for landlords looking to succeed in the evolving MTR market. We discuss everything from the evolution of tenant leads to tips for creating top-notch listings and the importance of responsiveness. Whether you're new to MTRs or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive.Episode Highlights0:00 Intro to The Landlord Diaries1:20 The beginnings of Furnished Finder1:55 A decade of growth in the mid-term rental industry5:00 Analysis of MTR supply and demand7:15 The evolution of Furnished Finder tools9:35 The smooth tenant screening process10:15 Deposit-free protection with the Worry-Free Waiver10:55 The rise of KeyCheck for landlords12:25 Why every MTR should be on the Furnished Finder map13:40 Upcoming improvements to map and search tech15:45 Cami’s best practices for landlords18:45 How to create a standout listing26:30 The evolution of tenant leads on Furnished Finder30:10 Grow with Furnished Finder by maximizing the data32:55 Why responsiveness is essential for success35:45 How Furnished Finder’s team is scaling for growthList Your Property Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Dec 9, 2024 • 50min
$100K from 15 Insurance Stays in 30 Days: The Midterm Rental Blueprint w/ KP Akom (FF125)
KP Akom, CEO of Streamlined Stay Solutions and U.S. Army veteran, shares his journey in transforming midterm rentals into a lucrative business. He reveals how he filled 100 FEMA housing requests during Hurricane Helene and utilizes Furnished Finder to secure high-value contracts. KP discusses innovative market testing methods, creative financing strategies like subject-to deals, and the importance of community support during crises. His expertise shines through as he manages over 40 properties while navigating the complexities of the rental landscape.

Dec 2, 2024 • 45min
FF124 The Surprising Tenant Types You’ll Meet in Midterm Rentals w/ Realtor Candice Menard
In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we dive into the transformative mid-term rental (MTR) strategy with Candice Menard, a Realtor and Founder of Rent It Like A Saint in Lake Charles, LA. Candice has revamped her real estate portfolio, transitioning from aging long-term rentals (LTRs) to newer, high-performing midterm rental properties. Hosting travel nurses, construction teams, and displaced families, Candice shares her journey of building generational wealth and managing a family real estate business through intentional MTR strategies.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Guest Story: How Candice utilized 1031 exchanges to sell older LTRs and purchase modern 4 bedroom homes tailored for MTR tenants.Hosting Travel Nurses: Expert advice for renting by the room, setting house rules, and ensuring smooth tenant experiences.Construction Teams as Tenants: Tips for accommodating their unique needs, from parking strategies to ROI-driven amenities like king-sized beds.In this episode we cover:0:00 Landlord Diaries Intro2:55 Building generational wealth with real estate6:05 Candice first MTR experience: renting rooms to travel nurses8:05 Buying 4-bedroom homes for MTR tenants10:00 Selling older LTR homes to fund nearly new MTR homes12:05 Using 1031 exchanges to scale your portfolio16:15 Hosting med pros & construction teams in 4 bedroom homes16:50 Screen all your midterm tenants17:35 Types of MTR tenants19:20 House rules for MTR room rentals22:15 Parking strategies for MTR properties23:35 Are construction teams a steady source of MTR bookings?24:30 Disaster recovery housing opportunities26:45 Enriching your community w/ MTR housing28:15 MTR housing needs for court cases, restaurant openings & medical recovery29:40 Tips for hosting construction teams33:18 Using KeyCheck for MTR management35:15 Cost analysis or ROI (return on investment) for added amenities36:20 Why you should add king beds in each room if you have the space39:05 Handling property fees and deposit alternatives44:00 Connect w/ Candice MenardList Your Property Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyCandice’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Candice.MenardThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Nov 25, 2024 • 32min
FF123 Mid-Term Rental Gold Mines in Unexpected Cities w/ Lee Gierszewski
Ever wondered where untapped mid-term rental (MTR) opportunities could be hiding? On this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we’re joined by Lee Gierszewski, an innovative real estate investor in North Dakota, who's turning Bismarck’s multifamily market into a booming mid-term rental portfolio. Discover why Lee transitioned long-term rentals into MTRs, how he doubled his rental income, and the surprising demand drivers for mid-sized markets. We'll dive into Lee's strategy of purchasing eight multi-family properties in a single year, his success with travel nurse demand, and why Bismarck—and other small to mid-sized cities—are hotbeds for MTR success. Whether you’re looking to scale your portfolio or boost income with MTRs, Lee’s journey could reveal your next investment move.Tune in to learn about:Lee's strategy for doubling rents and filling units consistentlyTips on converting and marketing units, even without full kitchensKey demand drivers in cities you might overlook, like travel nursing and local industriesIn this episode we cover:0:00 Landlord Diaries Intro2:30 Lee’s MTR portfolio3:05 Why convert long term rentals to mid term4:15 Furnished Finder provides 85-90% of Lee’s bookings4:45 Double your rent: $600/mo LTR, furnished for $3-4k, $1,400/mo MTR7:00 According to Lee, North Dakota is the highest paid state in travel nursing7:30 Buying 8 multi-families in one year!9:50 Why invest in Bismarck, ND13:00 Small to mid-size cities have down to earth contractors14:25 Why Lee’s travelers extend an extra 3 months16:45 Providing solutions: murphy bed example19:45 Perks of naming your properties such as The Madison24:10 Round Table Discussion: Getting started in midterm rentals28:10 MTR demand in your area: FurnishedFinder.com/stats 29:45 MTR advantage: start marketing your property w/ “furniture coming soon”30:55 You don’t need a full kitchen to have MTR successList Your Property Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources Lee’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Lee.gierszewski The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Nov 18, 2024 • 43min
FF122 Is Your Rental Protected? Discover Why Midterm Property Insurance is Essential!
In today’s episode of The Landlord Diaries, we're pulling back the curtain on a game-changing partnership between Furnished Finder and Steadily Insurance Company, the leading name in furnished rental property insurance. Join us as we sit down with Darren Nix, Founder & CEO of Steadily, to explore why midterm landlords need unique insurance protections and what makes Steadily the best choice for furnished rentals.From discussing the gaps in traditional homeowner policies to diving into the specific coverage midterm landlords need, Darren walks us through everything you should know to protect your investment. With endorsements from CBS News, NBC, and an impressive rating on Trustpilot, Steadily is leading the charge in the insurance world—and we’re thrilled to partner with them.Timestamps: 0:00 Landlord Diaries Intro3:30 Steadily filled the gap in landlord insurance5:00 An insurance program built for rental property investors6:45 Why Furnished Finder focuses on midterm rentals7:40 The difference in long term and mid term insurance policy needs9:40 How Steadily handles claims when damage occurs12:30 Damage waiver, renter’s insurance & landlord insurance15:25 What landlord insurance really covers17:15 Adding an umbrella policy to Steadily19:55 Why switch from homeowner’s to landlord insurance23:05 Updating policies when changing rental terms26:30 How Steadily’s structure provides maximum coverage28:00 The Furnished Finder - Steadily process29:45 The ultra-fast Steadily quote process32:50 Insurance tips for room rental hosts, co-hosts & arbitrage landlords39:30 Why Furnished Finder chose Steadily🔗 Ready to learn more about Steadily? Start your quote in seconds and protect your midterm rental today from within your Furnished Finder dashboard!List Your Property Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Nov 11, 2024 • 29min
FF121 Increase Your Bookings With Travel Nurses - Lessons From TravCon 2024
In this must-listen episode of Landlord Diaries, we're diving into the world of mid-term rentals for travel nurses and traveling medical professionals—straight from the 2024 TravCon conference, the ultimate gathering for travel healthcare experts! If you're a landlord or property manager eager to attract high-quality, responsible tenants, tune in to discover the essential best practices to make your property stand out and keep your calendar booked.We'll share insights from the recent TravCon survey, revealing the incredible demand among traveling med pros and the success they’re finding through Furnished Finder—America’s top platform for mid-term rentals. From booking tips to safety must-knows and practical tips for handling cancellations, we’ve got the inside scoop on serving the traveling med pro community like a pro.Key Takeaways:TravCon 2024 Recap: What landlords need to know from the largest travel healthcare conference in the U.S.Why Host Med Pros? A look at Furnished Finder’s origin story and its rapid growth, offering mid-term rental solutions with over 300,000 listings.Survey Says: 71% of med pros have used Furnished Finder, with 79% successfully finding housing and 36% booking four or more stays.Don’t miss this chance to increase your booking potential, elevate your landlord skills, and cater to the growing travel healthcare workforce—hit play now!Time Stamps:0:00 Landlord Diaries Intro0:25 Insights from Travcon 20241:20 Furnished Finder’s Origin Story2:35 Landlords love traveling medical professionals3:05 Travcon Survey71% have used Furnished Finder for assignments79% have successfully found housing81% have booked more than 1 stay through Furnished Finder36% have booked over 4 stays through Furnished Finder22% are just starting their travel career8:10 Is there enough travel nurse demand?10:15 Reliable mid-term rental booking process11:00 Book your med pros through KeyCheck12:15 Safety is very important to traveling med pros13:30 Earn while you travel with midterm rentals14:55 Host Katie Lyon’s MTR profit margins17:30 Room rentals are a great option for traveling med pros18:30 Landlord best practices housing travel nurses & med pros19:35 Travelers are concerned about getting their security deposit back and love our new damage waiver that can replace a security deposit21:50 How to handle canceled contracts23:25 Worry Free Waiver lease termination benefits24:30 Be practical when responding to Tenant Leads25:40 No Ghosting: please respond to all messages26:20 Hospital screenings are different than KeyCheck screenings27:40 List your property on Furnished Finder nowWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ https://www.furnishedfinder.com/stats https://www.travelnursehousing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/furnishedfinder.travelnursehousing/ The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Nov 4, 2024 • 45min
FF120 Travel Nurse Housing: Double The Profit of Long Term Rentals w/ Jesus Jimenez
Imagine transforming a standard rental into a profitable midterm rental, achieving double the income while catering to the high-demand travel nurse market. In this episode, real estate agent and investor Jesus Jimenez shares his journey from traditional long-term rentals to making $4,100/month with his 2-bedroom condo by shifting to travel nurse housing during the winter months.Starting out in the midterm rental (MTR) space may seem intimidating, but with Jesus' strategies and insights, you’ll learn how to overcome common roadblocks, calculate MTR profits, and attract reliable tenants. Jesus dives into his journey, including his unique approach to managing properties with a co-host, navigating family concerns, and developing a tenant-friendly “look book” to ensure smooth operations from day one.In this episode, we cover:• Handling Hesitations: How Jesus addressed MTR concerns with his spouse• The Profit Potential: Real numbers on MTR earnings vs. long-term rentals• Seasonal Planning: Align your rental pricing & availability w/ seasonal demand• Streamline Bookings: Managing leads and efficient bookings • Pro Tips: MTR essentials like parking, utilities, & creating a hassle-free tenant experienceIn this episode we cover:0:00 Intro- Landlord Diaries Intro2:35 Shout out to our Furnished Finder CEO & Customer Service Team4:20 How Jesus overcame his wife’s hesitation with the MTR strategy7:15 Calculating midterm rental numbers9:00 The biggest concerns were utilities & vacancy9:45 Year one was a success!11:00 Create a “look book” for tenants prior to furnishing your space14:35 Determining your short term, mid term seasons18:45 Travel nurse hosting advice19:25 Midterm rental parking needs22:00 Hiring a co-host at the beginning of your STR/MTR journey25:30 The business side of partnering with a co-host27:00 Managing Furnished Finder leads & 48 hour booking process30:20 Round table discussion: Booking an MTR stay35:25 Katie’s Worry Free Waiver tenant presentation39:00 How does Jesus' wife feel now about MTR?40:45 Hot tips to get started in MTR todayWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ https://www.travelnursehousing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/furnishedfinder.travelnursehousing/ Jesus Jimenez Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Jesus.Jimenez15 IG: @jesusj661 Katie Lyon’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=katie.lyon8 Kelly Bailey’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly*|B. The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Oct 28, 2024 • 52min
FF119 Strategies for 3+ Bedroom Rentals: Ferrari vs. Honda Approach w/ Tiffany Rosenbaum
In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we dive deep into the world of mid-term rentals with Tiffany Rosenbaum, Co-Founder of Stunning Stays, a company that manages over 20 mid-term rental (MTR) properties in the Phoenix area. Tiffany shares her inspiring journey from overcoming poverty to achieving real estate success, and why operating larger MTRs that sleep 10+ people is a game changer for investors.Tune in as Tiffany uncovers the operational secrets that help maximize rental income, attract diverse tenant types, and optimize property pricing — from the “Ferrari vs. Honda” approach. Plus, Tiffany reveals her strategies for furnishing and marketing these larger properties, as well as tips on how to build the right team to scale your MTR business effectively.Key Takeaways:How converting a 3 bedroom home into a 4-bedroom can boost your rental appealBudgeting and furnishing strategies for larger propertiesA deep dive into the science of team-building and hiring for MTR successExpert tips for scaling your MTR operations and avoiding common pitfallsWhether you’re new to mid-term rentals or an experienced investor looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you level up your real estate investment game.Time Stamps0:00 The Landlord Diaries Intro2:10 From poverty to real estate success4:40 Why to turn your 3 bedroom home into a 4 bedroom if you can8:15 MTR tenant types staying in larger homes9:25 Varying types of guests you attract based off minimum # of days11:10 Pricing larger midterm rentals- “Ferrari vs. Honda” 13:40 Tiffany’s problem with mid-term rental operators…19:20 Do you start marketing your larger properties once furnished or prior?20:30 Furnishing & budgeting for larger properties24:15 A less intimidating way to get started in midterm rentals27:15 Don’t forget the wall art!29:50 Mid-term rental property fees & deposit replacement options30:40 Tiffany captured a baseball accident on camera & confronted the guest(s)31:40 Tiffany’s bed bug story32:15 Eliminate security deposits with Furnished Finder’s “Worry Free Waiver”34:05 The science behind building your business with the right team35:20 Tiffany is a strong believer in the DiSC profile for building & operating your team38:00 Why personality tests are valuable for new hires & periodically for existing employees39:25 Tiffany’s advice for adding your first MTR employee- hire your opposite42:20 Tips for working with partners or family members44:55 Vendors are key: The #1 reason STR/MTR properties don’t grow is because of cleaners47:20 We all start with one property, well structured operators can scale successfullyWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ Tiffany’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Rosenbaumhttps://stunningstays.com/Social Media: TiffanyMRosenbaumThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.