[steve3860]

I'm considering buying my second home here in TV to use as a rental. I understand many residents here do that. Is it better to find a year around renter or furnish it and make it a seasonal rental? Can you find a renter in the summer here?

Has anyone had success doing AIRBNB?


My plan is to buy one a year for the next five years

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, if you are going to buy 5 houses, the best way to make money is to buy cheap, older houses, furnish them as seasonal rentals, and do the management work yourself. You will be able to rent some of them in the summer, but, it will be more difficult. I would not do any airbnb. It is too risky, and you will not have a good relationship with your neighbors.

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

In my opinion, if you are going to buy 5 houses, the best way to make money is to buy cheap, older houses, furnish them as seasonal rentals, and do the management work yourself. You will be able to rent some of them in the summer, but, it will be more difficult. I would not do any airbnb. It is too risky, and you will not have a good relationship with your neighbors.

Actual (former) rental owner here. Retired Guy (quoted) could not be more wrong.

Buy new or nearly new. Close to a desirable location, usually a town square. Skip GC garage, upscale landscaping, a premium lot. Get Formica counters. No need to do any fix up.

I had 87% occupancy on a seasonal rental. I used dynamic pricing. The high season rates were amplified by timing (scarcity) while summer was at bargain prices.

Skip airb&b and use vh4r. That site releases rentals for prime season at one time, pass on that. After a few months put yours on the market when it is the only one available. Vh4r is cheap and does not take a percentage. Use professional photos, add wall art to enhance the photos. Use great ad copy. Basic business 101.

[vintageogauge]

I went for a new patio villa for my first rental. I locked up a 2 year lease unfurnished, no pets, no smoking, great tenants. With new you don't have to worry about fixing anything that breaks the first year, just call warranty and they handle it. I would rather deal with one tenant than several per year. No cable, no gas or electric.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

In my opinion, if you are going to buy 5 houses, the best way to make money is to buy cheap, older houses, furnish them as seasonal rentals, and do the management work yourself. You will be able to rent some of them in the summer, but, it will be more difficult. I would not do any airbnb. It is too risky, and you will not have a good relationship with your neighbors.

Yes, Yes, Yes.
You can buy & rent.
BUT
Cashflow wize, breakeven.....make your money on appreciation and the final sale.
BUT
IZZZ it worth it.
If you need a project, enjoy it, do it.

[asianthree]

Have owned 3 long term rentals since 2010. You will get good advice from those who have actually managed rentals.
Profit for long term is on the higher side since you only have lawn, water, amenities, trash, insurance. Use V4rent, and each new term we have 20 plus possible tenants, that we turn away. Short term, is little more work, but if you want to use the home for yourself it works

Buy new, you can manage long distance, and have few issues. No need to buy one home you think you will rent and live in. In 5 years you will change what you thought you needed, and where to live.