The Landlord Diaries

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this expert episode, we sit down with Jackie Wolf, Director of Sales at Waivo, to dive into the benefits of Furnished Finder's latest offering—the Worry Free Waiver. Designed specifically for midterm rental (MTR) hosts, this innovative security deposit alternative brings peace of mind by protecting your property while keeping tenants happy.We’ll explore how the Waivo partnership provides rental hosts with an edge in the market by eliminating the need for traditional security deposits, simplifying claims, and ensuring fast payouts. This episode will discuss everything from damage coverage to passing the cost to tenants, providing a win-win for both hosts and travelers.🔑 Key Takeaways:Benefits of the Worry Free Waiver for MTR hostsHow Waivo simplifies damage protection with zero tenant involvementCoverage options ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 for property damage, pet damage, and lease terminationUnderstanding the waiver vs. insurance—what’s covered, what’s notFast claims process: Payouts in just 3-4 business daysHow to present the waiver to potential tenants and reduce their move-in costsTime Stamps0:00 Worry Free Waiver Benefits2:30 The Waivo partnership story should excite MTR hosts!4:25 Innovative products that emerge out of MTR needs4:45 It's a security deposit alternative that doesn't involve the tenant6:10 Overcome property management fears with this damage waiver product7:10 Shift your mindset from “the cost of doing business” to peace of mind 8:55 What is “Worry Free Waiver” and how to use it for your midterm rental stays9:35 What is the difference in a damage waiver, homeowners insurance, landlord insurance, renter’s insurance, etc10:40 It's not insurance, it’s tenant damage protection12:20 Think of it as tenant damage protection, not normal wear & tear13:00 This waiver covers unexpected tenant damage15:10 Waivo Exclusions: visual damage that can be captured in a photo19:35 Why you should not go another stay without worry free waiver21:35 Furnished Finder’s 3 waiver plans 23:30 Traveler security deposit fears: being blamed for something they didn’t do24:05 Lease termination factors26:50 The Furnished Finder waiver purchase process28:05 The claim submission and payout process29:35 After the tenant checks out, you have a 14 day window to submit the claim30:30 A picture of the damage is the main requirement for submission31:45 Claim response: 2 business days35:35 The tenant will not be contacted throughout the process36:20 The payout: 3-4 business days39:00 How to present Worry Free Waiver to potential tenants46:10 Waiver coverage for room rentals, 90 day stays, extended dates48:35 This waiver has a 30 day minimum49:25 Q&A from Furnished Finder hosts51:15 A $50 claim minimum, no deductible53:20 Does coverage include cleaning costs?54:40 Is the exterior of the home covered?WFW LinkIntroducing Worry Free WaiverWorry Free Waiver vs. Security DepositWFW Tenant BlogWFW WebinarThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we sit down with Coty LeBlanc, a real estate dynamo from New Hampshire, who has successfully embraced the hybrid strategy of short-term and mid-term rentals. With 85% of his portfolio dedicated to mid-term rentals (MTRs), Coty shares how he built a thriving business using rental arbitrage and partnerships—many of which started from Craigslist connections! He walks us through his journey of scaling from low credit to managing 17 properties and consistently adding 2 MTR units each quarter.With 80% of his bookings coming through Furnished Finder, Coty reveals how this platform has been integral to his success. Tune in now for pro tips on designing spaces, optimizing listings, and leveraging the "Worry Free Waiver" product.In this episode we cover:0:00 Intro- Landlord Diaries Intro2:15 Are midterm rentals a year around business in New Hampshire? 2:50 One of the hospitals close by has over 80% travel workers3:10 Tenant type: construction workers in the area for new developments4:05 Coty’s portfolio of 17 properties- 10 arbitrage, 7 co-host listings4:30 The Goal: Add 2 MTRs a quarter to keep up with demand5:00 Over 85% midterm occupancy for his 1-3 bedrooms places6:05 The path to arbitrage started with Bigger Pockets & a low credit score7:45 The Lightbulb Moment: $4,200 payout for one month on a $1,000 rent8:25 The First Craigslist Partnership: A real estate investor w/ over 50 doors8:40 How do you get a landlord to agree to MTR arbitrage or partnership?12:45 Should you forgo your w2 & embrace full time real estate professional status?15:35 Finding partners & making back your initial investment16:00 Coty’s lightbulb moment started with an eviction notice17:05 Once Coty had 4 MTRs operational, he borrowed $40k to add 4 more MTRs18:10 80% of Coty’s bookings come from Furnished Finder19:00 Quick Design Tips: Plan Ahead For Success26:50 Guest Communication: Coty’s nine touch points!31:25 Furnished Finder’s “Worry Free Waiver” is a security deposit alternative35:05 Furnished Finder headline & main photo best practicesWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ https://www.snappr.com/ Check Out Our Furnishing Checklist:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/how-to-furnish-a-mid-term-rental https://opendoorhousing.hospitable.rentals/ Coty’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Coty.LeBlancThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Unlock the secrets of the ultimate house hack in this week’s episode of The Landlord Diaries! Join us as Karen Lombardo shares her journey of transforming her property into a real estate goldmine. From a 700 sqft ADU to three hotel-style master suites, Karen is a master of the mid-term rental (MTR) game. Learn how she’s achieved 100% occupancy using Furnished Finder and why she prefers it over Airbnb.Discover Karen’s insider tips on designing for MTR success, networking to find undervalued properties, and creating an unforgettable guest experience. Don't miss out on this real estate investing masterclass—perfect for anyone looking to grow their MTR portfolio, hack their housing costs, and generate passive income!In this episode we cover:0:00 The Landlord Diaries Intro1:45 Karen’s journey to house hacking & her midterm rental portfolio3:05 House Hack Phase 1: 700 sq ft ADU with kitchenette4:25 Karen’s first tenant stayed 7 months4:40 MTR Building Decisions: Kitchenette vs. Kitchen 6:30 Know your local laws & have a plan in place before you start your addition(s)7:30 Preview of Phase 2- Building Three 5* Hotel Master Suites8:55 The House Hacking Mindset: Landlording from the convenience of your home9:55 Landlord Diaries content led Karen to buy a 1 bed, 1 bath condo for MTR14:10 Networking with neighbors led to a 2nd purchase in the same complex that was under market by at least $100k16:10 Karen’s “hotel style” midterm rental experience w/ weekly linen service & restocking18:40 Karen sets her price a bit higher than market rate to include her “hotel style” services19:00 Furnished Finder travelers love seeing 5* reviews & will even book prior to furnishing!22:45 Why hosts choose to advertise exclusively on Furnished Finder25:45 Karen’s occupancy rate is 100% with same day flips & guests waiting to move in 27:10 Check out Furnished Finder’s suite of midterm rental booking tools through KeyCheck27:55 Tenants feel comfortable with KeyCheck’s Tenant Screening process28:15 Tenants like paying by credit card through KeyCheck to earn points28:55 House Hack Phase 2: 3 MTR master suites being built at Karen’s home30:30 “Karenizing” the property- king beds only, California themes & hotel style experience32:00 5 tips when building an MTR rentalLighting & ceiling fansCustom closets rather than dressersC-shape tables rather than a coffee tableEnvision yourself in the homeRelax & unwind featuresWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Karen.Lombardo 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.