The Landlord Diaries

In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we sit down with Amanda Han, Managing Director of Keystone CPA and one of the nation's top real estate tax strategists. Amanda, a third-generation real estate investor, has helped countless investors maximize wealth through powerful, proactive tax strategies. With best-selling books on Amazon and features in Money Magazine, Google Talks, and CNBC, Amanda brings her unparalleled expertise to the show. Whether you're new to real estate investing or a seasoned pro, this episode will provide valuable insights into building a tax-efficient portfolio. Amanda has 46k subscribers on Instagram & frequently appears as a speaker or author on the Bigger Pockets network. 🔑 Episode Highlights:How tax savings make real estate a powerful wealth-building toolWhen and why you should move your rental property into an LLCDeep dive into cost segregation and how it can supercharge your tax savingsUnderstanding the $25,000 tax allowance for real estate investors with W-2 incomeHow to achieve Real Estate Professional Status and unlock massive tax benefitsTop tax tips for MTR hosts and how to find the right CPA for your real estate journey📊 Tax Q&A for Furnished Finder Hosts: This episode covers frequently asked tax questions from real estate investors managing midterm rentals, including the pros and cons of LLCs, cost segregation strategies, and tips for reducing your tax burden.In this episode we cover:0:00 The Landlord Diaries Intro2:40 How Amanda became one of the leading real estate tax strategists3:50 Amanda grew up NEVER wanting to invest in real estate4:35 Robert Kiyosaki’s book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” changed Amanda’s mindset5:35 Build a real estate portfolio that’s designed to fit your lifestyle7:50 Keystone has many client’s in the MTR space8:40 Why real estate is a preferred asset class10:00 Tax savings can become a wealth building addiction12:55 Don’t be scared to ask your tax advisor questions14:45 When to talk with your tax advisor15:25 Tax Q&A: Furnished Finder host questions answered16:20 At what point should you put your rental under an LLC?20:25 Should you set up an LLC on your own or with a professional? 22:50 Cost segregation strategies & depreciation tips24:40 Around 40% of tax returns are not optimized 26:55 Pros & cons of cost segregation31:55 The midterm rental tax loop hole33:15 The $25,000 tax allowance against w2 income34:40 What are the qualifications to become a real estate professional38:30 How to find the right CPA49:45 Can you have a different CPA & tax strategist?40:55 A mistake to avoid & the right questions to ask a CPA43:55 Overcoming the challenges of bookkeeping50:45 Tips for arguing property taxes52:40 Top 3 tax tips for mom & pop MTR real estate investors56:10 Connect with Amanda Han through KeyStone CPA & access her amazing resources!Website Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keystonecpa.com/ 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.

Welcome to The Landlord Diaries! In this episode, we dive deep into the profitable niche of mid-term rental insurance with real estate expert Ruben Kanya. With over a decade of experience and a portfolio controlling over 30 homes, Ruben reveals how he rents homes to families displaced by disasters at 4x the long-term market rate. From building a real estate portfolio to navigating insurance housing, Ruben shares game-changing strategies to optimize for mid-term rentals in today’s tight housing market.Learn how Ruben’s buy box strategy helps him secure 4-5 bedroom homes, perfect for displaced families, and how data-driven decisions in mid-term rentals can significantly boost your ROI. Ruben’s “napkin math” example shows a displaced family in his area of Atlanta, GA, would likely have $86,000 available for housing which breaks down to $7,166/month for 12 months. (Catch this part of the conversation at 45 minutes.)If you’re a real estate investor looking to maximize your rental income & leverage insurance contracts, tune in now!In this episode we cover:0:00 Intro- Welcome to The Landlord Diaries3:50 The exciting mid-term rental insurance space7:45 Hosting someone through disaster9:10 Ruben’s real estate buy box or deal criteria10:50 Don’t be a penny wise & a dollar foolish with tenant requests11:55 There are SO MANY ways you can take an MTR13:30 Insurance housing is more prevalent than you might think15:45 The Invested Escapes Portfolio & Mastermind Training Program17:30 Embracing market shortages with 4-5 bedroom homes18:15 Imagine hotel life for a family of 5 with 2 dogs…19:45 Half of the Furnished Finder supply is studios or 1 bedrooms20:30 Data is all relative, do the math & see the value of MTR22:35 Katie’s jump from 10-14 properties in months24:25 Ruben's insurance corporate housing blueprint29:05 Relocation specialists swipe quickly through Furnished Finder30:35 STR/Airbnb hosts optimize for experience, MTR hosts optimize for functionality 32:25 MTR is an art, not a science. Brag about your functional amenities. 33:45 Optimize for MTR: 30 day notice to vacate & fill gaps w/ STR37:25 When the STR/MTR hybrid strategy fails38:35 National Gross Housing Margin: The calculated formula insurance companies use39:45 Know Insurance Terms For Gross Profit Calculation: Coverage A & Coverage D42:20 How to research 4-5 bedroom supply in your market45:15 Ruben’s Insurance Napkin Math ExamplePurchase Price: $480kAtlanta Land Value- 10% on averageDwelling Value- $432kLoss of Use Value- $86k51:05 B2B Contract Advice w/ relocation companies & arbitrage/partnership opportunites55:00 Connect directly on Furnished Finder w/ no booking fees, no commissions, save thousandsWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Ruben.Kanya Social: Ruben Kanya @therealestateexperiment 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.

Are you ready to level up your real estate game? In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we sit down with Nicole Bansal, a San Diego-based investor who went from accidental landlord to a seasoned real estate strategist. Nicole shares her 3-step process for defining your buy box (buying strategy) and identifying investment properties that both appreciate in value and generate cash flow.Nicole’s strategy led her to invest in a 4-bedroom, 2-bath hybrid property in Savannah, GA, which perfectly fits her buy box criteria—properties under $500K, in growing communities, and with strong equity potential. Tune in to learn about how Nicole is making $7,000 per month in revenue on one property, the power of mid-term and short-term rentals (MTR/STR), using AI tools like ChatGPT for city research, and how data-driven platforms like AirDNA and Furnished Finder can help pinpoint profitable neighborhoods.0:00 Intro- Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:20 How do you become an accidental landlord?3:40 Real estate mistakes lead to a clear buy box6:50 What is a real estate buy box?7:20 Strategic decisions when considering your buy box9:30 3 ways Nicole breaks down her buy boxPersonal GoalsNews Updates3 main tools including Furnished Finder data9:55 Nicole’s personal deal criteriaIncrease in equity/appreciationReal estate wealth over monthly income needGrowing communitiesLess than $500k purchase price11:55 Use AI tools like ChatGPT to research cities that fit your strategyPopulation growthLandlord friendly lawsLarge tourism industry12:45 Why STR/MTR hybrid properties were part of Nicole’s portfolio strategy15:55 It’s really hard to cash flow with long term rentals, shift to mid term now17:50 Why are you waiting to enter the market?18:45 Deep dive on the data side: Finding the right STR/MTR propertyFurnished Finder mapAirDNARabbu (completely free to use)Chat with Furnished Finder landlords23:15 How Nicole finds neighborhoods w/ the highest rents on Furnished Finder27:00 Amenities can be really important so don’t skip that part of your research28:30 When purchasing an investment property, a spreadsheet is a must29:55 Real estate partnerships can keep you on the right track29:50 Host Katie & Kelly share their buy box strategies32:45 You don’t always have to do a bunch of research to get started34:30 Nicole’s epic midterm purchase in Savannah, GA37:00 Nicole hit the 1% rule with MTR: $7,000 in monthly revenue on one property43:05 Katie’s most interesting tenant type yet44:00 Nicole & Katie share a love for all things marketing45:35 Canva’s AI tool can transform your property photos46:30 AI prompts for your property descriptionsWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.furnishedfinder.com/stats https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=nicole.bansal 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 sit down with Darel Ison, a full-time professional who’s built an impressive portfolio of 19 rental properties spread across Ohio, Kansas, and Florida. With 7 duplexes, 1 triplex, and several single-family homes under his belt, Darel has mastered the art of converting long-term rentals into lucrative mid-term rentals.Starting his journey in 2002, Darel's success isn't just about property accumulation; it's about strategic portfolio management. Discover how he’s transformed 4 of his properties into mid-term rentals, driving 85-90% of his bookings through Furnished Finder. Darel shares actionable insights into maximizing rental income without expanding your portfolio, by tapping into the mid-term rental market.Key highlights include:The strategic shift from LTR to MTRInsights on managing out-of-state propertiesEssential tips for property improvements and tenant communicationLeveraging tools like KeyCheck & Worry Free WaiverIn this episode...0:00 Intro2:30 Darel’s W2 & investing goals3:20 The journey to 19 doors4:00 Darel’s current focus: portfolio improvements & increasing profit4:20 Darel caught every Bigger Pockets episode up to 600!5:20 Struggling with tenants in your LTRs? Consider MTR7:00 Host Katie Lyon’s investing goals for her kids & family9:45 The difference in LTR & MTR tenants from Darel's experience12:15 Not getting bookings? Tune in now.15:00 Stay active in your Furnished Finder account17:40 Want marketing feedback? Tag your Furnished Finder listing in the comments18:15 Moving your first LTR to MTR21:00 Fill your MTR gaps with STR stays: Darel got his normal rent in 4 nights26:10 The revenue difference between LTR & MTR31:35 Working with your contractors as an out of state property owner35:35 Digital lock tips: which locks to buy, which to avoid, do not disturb feature & how they integrate with your channel manager39:25 KeyCheck provides peace of mind throughout your MTR booking process40:10 Travelers & landlords alike trust KeyCheck tenant screenings42:00 KeyCheck makes splitting payments easy for travelers sharing a home43:55 Worry Free Waiver: protect yourself & your guests50:20 3 ways to present Worry Free Waiver to tenants52:15 A separate pet guideline comes in handy58:30 Incorporating QR codes & virtual tours into your real estate marketing1:01:55 Finding strong multi-family deals on market1:03:35 When your getting out bid over & over, change your strategyFurnished Finder’s Worry Free WaiverDarel’s Listings on Furnished FinderKatie’s Lighting ProductSEO Keywords:Mid-term rentals, real estate investing, rental properties, Furnished Finder, portfolio management, property conversion, rental income, Bigger Pockets, real estate podcast, tenant management, digital lock tips, multi-family deals, property marketing, out-of-state investing, real estate strategies.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 sit down with mid-term rental expert, William Dotson, who specializes in insurance housing hosting families that have been displaced from a disaster. His level of hospitality, expertise & heart for the guest(s) is contagious. At this time, Will's portfolio is all mid-term rentals. He operates around 10 locally in Nashville & 2 out of state. With over 12 properties under his management and more in development, William has become a master at leveraging partnerships with Furnished Finder hosts and navigating the complexities of MTR insurance housing. Tune in for expert advice on property management, building partnerships, insurance intricacies, and tips on successfully managing properties across state lines.In this episode we cover:0:00 Intro- Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:05 Podcast recording from an active renovation2:35 Mid-term rentals in 3 states3:20 Will has 12 properties under management, 3 in the works3:35 Nova Havens journey to MTR insurance5:20 Impactful MTR insurance story7:25 Follow the fire department on Instagram!9:20 You can be the solution in the midst of chaos9:25 Do you know your ALE coverage?12:15 Presenting yourself as an expert in the MTR space13:00 Will’s mid-term rental booking process through KeyCheck14:10 Round Table Discussion: Addendums to add into your midterm rental leases18:05 Do midterm rental hosts include caps on electricity? 20:20 Rent payments with insurance agencies22:30 Will partners with other Furnished Finder landlords on his insurance leads!25:00 Furnished Finder was built with the landlord-tenant relationship in mind26:05 Will builds his mid-term rental insurance property list on Furnished Finder27:15 How do Furnished Finder hosts respond to Will’s arbitrage & partnership calls? 28:30 Setting up partnership contracts with other Furnished Finder hosts30:55 Marketing best practices on Furnished Finder33:35 Out of state property management tips35:10 You don’t really know your property until after the first year35:40 Why Will purchased out of state in California & Washington37:30 Will tried out 4 CPA’s before finding the right tax strategist 40:20 Say goodbye to the 9-5 and hello to entrepreneurship?42:25 Superintendents are an emerging tenant type on Furnished Finder43:15 Connect with Will DotsonWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ Will’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=william.dotson https://www.novahavens.com/ Some of Will’s co-host properties:PID 678810PID 672165PID668846PID491055PID667212Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the mid-term rental space, William’s journey offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you succeed in the real estate world.Enjoying our show? We would be honored to receive your 5* review.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.

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your rental income year-round with expert real estate investor Leslie Hooper! In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, Leslie shares her unique strategy of balancing short-term rentals (STR) during peak football season and mid-term rentals (MTR) for the rest of the year. With over a decade of experience and a thriving portfolio in Athens, Georgia, Leslie’s insights are a goldmine for both seasoned and aspiring investors.In this episode:0:00 Intro- Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:05 Why Leslie loves The Landlord Diaries podcast3:25 Leslie’s accidental journey to mid-term rentals4:50 STR during football season, MTR the rest of the year5:45 Adding 4 seller financing condos to her MTR portfolio6:20 The Furnished Finder tenant types surprised Leslie 7:40 The real estate appreciation highway9:15 Leslie’s mid-term rentals are beautiful!10:05 Furnishing your MTRs at different levels to attract a variety of tenants14:15 Leslie’s example of a film crew renting her MTR14:50 The STR/MTR balance16:10 Planning your furnished rental calendar around local events17:15 Mid-term rentals can be a form of community service18:15 MTR is all about the balance, MTR is medium for everything19:15 How Leslie uses the Furnished Finder tenant tracking tool23:00 The proper way to keep your Furnished Finder calendar up to date24:45 Leslie’s last 5 purchases were seller financing deals from tired landlords26:55 A good reputation as a landlord leads to more deals or partnerships27:45 Tenants of 5 star hosts often bring your next tenant28:40 Leslie’s first mid-term rental was filled within 48 hours29:15 The Furnished Finder unit feature & why you should market each unit30:55 With a surplus of mid-term supply, many MTR landlords work together31:55 Words of wisdom from Leslie’s real estate journey33:50 Know your midterm rental exit strategies34:20 Leslie learned a lot of her risk tolerance from Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran36:55 Connect with Leslie through her Furnished Finder listing in the show notes37:20 Homework: Check your calculated MTR risk on FurnishedFinder.com/stats🚀 What You’ll Learn:The surprising journey from house hacking on Craigslist to dominating the mid-term rental market.How Leslie’s MTRs consistently attract high-quality tenants, from traveling professionals to film crews, through Furnished Finder.The importance of strategically planning your rental calendar around local events and how this can boost your revenue.Proven tips on furnishing your rentals to cater to a variety of tenant types and budgets.How to leverage seller financing deals from tired landlords to expand your portfolio.🔗 Resources:Learn more about Furnished Finder: WebsiteExplore Leslie’s Furnished Finder listings: Leslie’s ListingsLeslie’s IG: @lareinadefireThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Landlord Diaries! This week, we're thrilled to have Jeff Hurst, President & CEO of Furnished Finder, join us once again. If you missed Jeff's latest state of the union address, be sure to check out episode 100 for a comprehensive update.In today's episode, Jeff reveals exciting new platform updates and products designed to help you secure more bookings for your mid-term rental properties. From debunking common myths to sharing impressive landlord success stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips to boost your rental income.In this episode, we cover:0:00 Intro: Welcome to The Landlord Diaries3:45 Why Jeff Hurst is CEO & President at Furnished Finder4:25 Impressive facts we learned from landlords this quarter5:45 How landlords are making significant income through Furnished Finder7:10 Myth Buster: Our travelers are not just travel nurses8:10 Fastest growing tenant types on Furnished Finder11:05 Locations Furnished Finder excels13:30 Connecting landlords with relocation agencies16:10 Introducing our new Worry Free Waiver product20:25 Sneak peek: New look for the Furnished Finder property details page23:50 Stay updated with Furnished Finder's communication channels25:05 Tips for increasing bookings and meeting rising demand28:00 Various tenants types such as medical recovery stays29:40 Call to action for all Furnished Finder landlords30:05 Celebrating Furnished Finder's 10 year anniversary!30:50 Share your success story with Furnished FinderJoin us for this engaging discussion and discover how to maximize your rental potential with the latest tools and strategies from Furnished Finder. Whether you're a seasoned landlord or just starting, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in now and stay ahead in the ever-evolving rental market!Keywords: real estate investing, mid-term rentals, Furnished Finder, rental income, property management, landlord tips, Jeff Hurst, relocation agencies, travel nurses, rental market trends, new rental products, property updates, rental success stories, rental demand.Website Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ https://www.furnishedfinder.com/stats https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources https://www.travelnursehousing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/furnishedfinder.travelnursehousing/ Worry Free Waiver Details:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/worry-free-waivers Episode Blog:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/furnished-finder-updates-from-ceoNew Property Details Page Blog:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/new-property-details-pageEnjoying our show? We would be honored to receive your 5* reviewThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Welcome to The Landlord Diaries! In this episode, we sit down with Allen Duan, a mid-term rental powerhouse with a portfolio of over 26 managed and arbitrage properties in Southern California. Allen shares his incredible journey from short-term rentals (STR) to mid-term rentals (MTR), a strategic pivot driven by local restrictions and market opportunities.Allen's success story is a masterclass in leveraging platforms like Furnished Finder to host thousands of guests and generate substantial booking volumes, ranging from $2k/month for studios to $10k/month for three-bedroom homes. He provides a detailed walkthrough of his process, including the importance of networking, building a strong team, navigating real estate laws, and the nuances of rental management, arbitrage, and co-hosting.In this episode, we cover:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:45 Allen started in STR but shifted to MTR due to local restrictions3:30 What led Allen to real estate & specifically the arbitrage & management model?5:10 The Hospy Homes Team & portfolio6:00 Allen’s perspective on rental management, arbitrage & co-hosting7:35 Did state & local laws require Allen to obtain a broker’s license?9:30 Evaluating your portfolio in the growth stage10:30 Hospy Homes total booking volume was around $700k in 202311:40 Allen’s perspective on short term vs. mid term rentals14:55 Allen’s success with around 20 listings on Furnished Finder16:15 About 40-50% of Hospy Homes MTR bookings come from Furnished Finder17:40 Hospy Homes experience with studio to 3 bedroom homes19:25 What Furnished Finder has learned about tenant communication23:35 Hospy Homes takes a damage waiver of $150 rather than a deposit29:50 How Allen scaled to 26 managed & arbitrage mid-term rentals in 5 years31:10 Tips for partnering with arbitrage & management property owners36:20 Allen’s complimentary mid-term rental analysis for his potential clients38:20 Furnished Finder’s mid-term rental stats tool39:00 Details to include in your management & arbitrage contracts40:15 How Hospy Homes keeps their property owners informed41:15 Building your team & standard operating procedures42:45 Helping your team thrive & find value in their position44:15 Networking is a huge part in expanding your mid-term rental business48:45 How to connect with Allen, Founder of Hospy HomesWebsite Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ https://www.furnishedfinder.com/stats https://www.facebook.com/groups/furnishedfinder.travelnursehousing/ Connect with Allen, Founder of Hospy Homes:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=allen.duanhttps://hospyhomes.com/ @allenduan120E-Myth Bookhttps://a.co/d/iUOMeT8 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.

Eric Greenstein, a seasoned real estate investor and founder of LikeMinded, shares his journey in the real estate landscape. He discusses the transition from short-term to mid-term rentals, highlighting effective room rental strategies. Eric delves into the benefits of utilizing platforms like Furnished Finder for tenant leads and innovative management tools. He emphasizes the importance of tenant screening for harmonious living and offers insights on maximizing cash flow through unique amenities and understanding market trends. A wealth of practical advice for aspiring landlords!

Welcome to The Landlord Diaries! In this episode, we sit down with Christine Xie and Katie French, two of the innovative founders behind IZEAL STAY, a modern, fully furnished corporate housing solution in Las Vegas. Operating over 40 properties for mid-term and short-term stays, IZEAL STAY is revolutionizing the rental market.Episode Highlights:0:00 Intro: Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:50 The Founding of IZEAL STAY: Discover the journey behind IZEAL STAY's inception.4:20 Mid-Term Rental Arbitrage: Learn why this strategy is a game-changer in real estate investing.6:25 The IZEAL STAY Portfolio: Explore their extensive and diverse property portfolio.7:05 Three-Part Business Model: Uncover how their innovative approach attracts property owners.8:55 Rapid Growth: How IZEAL STAY scaled impressively within the first 5 months.10:10 Business Partnerships: Insights on scaling quickly with the right partners.11:45 Social Media & Relationships: Katie French's expertise in social media and networking.12:00 Financial Management: Eva's role as the finance guru and office manager.12:10 Staging & Quality Assurance: Christine's expertise in client relations and property staging.12:55 Valuable Partnerships: How Furnished Finder and KeyCheck have been pivotal to IZEAL STAY's success.15:25 Data Insights: Leveraging Furnished Finder data for business growth.19:50 New Arbitrage Partners: The appeal of mid-term rental clients.21:50 Marketing Hubs: IZEAL STAY's leading mid-term rental marketing strategies.24:10 Streamlined Booking: KeyCheck's role in simplifying the booking process.26:25 Tenant Screenings: A round table discussion on best practices.33:15 Design Expertise: Christine's experience in designing over 120 furnished rentals.34:15 Hotel Market Demands: Using hotel trends as a guide for rental designs.36:50 High-Touch Furnishing Items: Best practices for furnishing mid-term rentals.40:40 Cleaning Tips: Spot cleaner advice from Katie and Kelly.41:55 Security Deposits: Differences in deposit standards for mid-term versus long-term rentals.43:55 Travel Industry Insights: Katie’s travel industry experience and its impact on mid-term rentals.45:15 Popular Requests: Single-story homes as a favorite among tenants.48:15 Networking Strategies: How networking contributed to IZEAL STAY’s rapid growth.50:35 In-Person Networking Tips: Enhance your Furnished Finder marketing with these tips.53:15 Marketing Essentials: Using QR codes and profiles for effective marketing.Website Links:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ https://www.keycheck.com/ Our Furnishing Checklist:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/how-to-furnish-a-mid-term-rental Izeal Stay Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Rent2 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Eva.Hatten IG: @izealstayThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.