Blake and Jeremy went from managing shared co-living spaces to running 80 short-term rental properties. In this episode, they share the systems, deals, and mindset that made it possible. • How they pivoted from co-living to STRs • The growth path from a handful of units to 80 • Systems they rely on to keep operations tight • The partnerships that accelerated their scale • Lessons learned about market selection and timing 00:04:31 - Learning from a high-functioning real estate company 00:05:52 - ...
Aug 18, 2025•38 min•Ep. 255
Being the #1 property manager in the U.S. isn’t all glamour—it’s grind. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to scale, the operational demands behind success, and how to grow without sacrificing your life. • How the top U.S. property manager was built since 2021 • The workload reality behind rapid STR growth • Why work-life balance is elusive in property management • How to keep guest satisfaction high while scaling • Lessons on building a sustainable management model Want to get crystal ...
Aug 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 24
Most STR owners get stuck putting out fires instead of building the business they actually want. In this episode, we break down the systems, hiring moves, and mindset shifts that free you from the day-to-day grind—so you can grow faster. • Why you always need that next big goal • The real reason we become entrepreneurs: time control • How to qualify and hire your first key player • Setting up turnover checklists that run without you • The role that keeps properties guest-ready every day • Why yo...
Aug 11, 2025•30 min•Ep. 254
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the latest STR WealthCon. From attracting 30 members to the mastermind to tactical takeaways from a 2000+ person event, we break it all down. • Why raw content works better than polished • The one onboarding question that reveals true goals • STR WealthCon recap: biggest takeaways • How to get ROI from live events • The vibe shift in the STR community - Want to get crystal clear on your goals and scale your STR business? Click the link below to book a ...
Aug 07, 2025•28 min•Ep. 23
Most homes look good on paper. But they’re not designed for how people actually *live.* In this episode, guest architect Zeke Freeman shares the hidden design flaws baked into most houses — and how his process reshapes spaces around *real human behavior.* Whether you’re remodeling a home, designing an Airbnb, or dreaming about your next property, this episode will flip how you think about space, function, and flow. What you’ll learn: - Why most homes don’t reflect how people actually use them - ...
Aug 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 253
If you want to win in cohosting, you need to sell. In this episode, Adam breaks down the 5 core sales frameworks he teaches to high-performance closers in STR and beyond. From reframing rejection to diagnosing like a doctor, this is the mindset, structure, and clarity that separates amateurs from closers. What You’ll Learn: The “doctor frame” for every sales call Why connection > charisma The mindset shift every new closer must make Why your pitch must pass the “grunt test” How sales becomes ...
Jul 28, 2025•44 min•Ep. 252
Most people lose in STR because they think small. This episode breaks down exactly why $150K–$200K is now the minimum to win, and how to outpace the competition by investing in what actually matters. You’ll learn: • How Mike’s team turned a $715K property into a 26%+ cash-on-cash winner • Why outdated listings are getting crushed in today’s market • The new furnishing rule of thumb (hint: it’s not $6K per room anymore) • Why “I’ll add amenities later” is the biggest red flag from investors • Rea...
Jul 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 22
He’s not managing Airbnbs, he’s buying the companies that do. In this episode, Patrick breaks down his roll-up strategy for short-term rental management businesses, focusing on Joshua Tree. You’ll learn: • How to value STR property management companies • The hidden formula top performers are using (4.9+ reviews + max RevPAR) • How he’s creating additional revenue from Netflix, OF shoots, and more • The underrated power of real hospitality, hyper-local service, and partner alignment This isn’t ju...
Jul 21, 2025•41 min•Ep. 251
The new Trump-era bill just brought back 100% bonus depreciation and STR owners are about to get a massive tax break. In this episode, we break down exactly how the short-term rental tax loophole works, how you can use it to eliminate 5–6 figures of taxable income, and what rules you must follow to stay IRS-compliant. Whether you own 1 property or manage dozens, this is one of the most powerful tools in your financial playbook. You’ll Learn: • Why this loophole can save you $40K+ per property • ...
Jul 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 21
Furnished Finder’s CEO, Jeff, joins us to break down why thousands of hosts are moving away from Airbnb and into the booming midterm rental space. In this episode: • Jeff’s journey from VRBO and Expedia to Furnished Finder • Why monthly rentals are the most underserved niche in real estate • How to price your MTR listings for max profit • The 3 types of hosts who thrive on Furnished Finder • Tech upgrades, new guest demographics, and the future of midterms • Why most Airbnb hosts still don’t und...
Jul 14, 2025•47 min•Ep. 250
Airbnb quietly changed the rules, and if you’re not paying attention, you could be giving refunds you didn’t agree to. In this episode, we break down exactly what changed and what to do about it. Here’s what you’ll learn: • Why Airbnb is auto-switching hosts to a “Firm” policy, without clear consent • What happened to the original Strict policy (spoiler: it’s weaker now) • The difference between “Strict,” “Firm,” and the new “Limited” cancellation options • Real refund scenarios, who gets paid w...
Jul 10, 2025•14 min•Ep. 20
What started as a favor for one struggling homeowner turned into a multi-property, multi-market STR business, and a system built on honesty, hard lessons, and smart investing. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why most first-time hosts shouldn’t expect a profit (and what to aim for instead) • The $65K reno gamble that paid off, plus how to pitch owners to invest • 5 non-negotiables every STR investor needs to check before buying • How to match properties to real investor goals (not hype) • What t...
Jul 07, 2025•39 min•Ep. 249
Mark had 11 Airbnb units, a full-time medical sales job, and barely any profit. Just 18 months later? He runs 37 listings, left his W-2, and built a profitable, freedom-filled business, all without using his own capital. In this episode, we break down exactly how he did it: The red flags in his arbitrage model that forced a pivot How he turned losses into leverage with a co-hosting pitch A case study that took one property from $90K → $211K The “Underserved Investor Method” for finding hidden ge...
Jul 03, 2025•18 min•Ep. 19
Amanda Williams branded herself as The Traveling Realtor and built a thriving rental business, only to be banned from Airbnb overnight. In this episode, she shares how that crushing moment forced her to pivot into midterm rentals, automate with AI, and rebuild a better business that runs with less stress, higher profits, and total platform independence. What You’ll Learn: Why Airbnb banned her (and what you can do to prevent it) How midterm rentals (MTR) gave her 90–95% occupancy The AI tool she...
Jun 30, 2025•49 min•Ep. 248
Most co-hosts are blaming the market. But it’s not the market... ...it’s your offer. In this episode, we walk through how to dominate even when bookings slow down, using frameworks that helped our clients grow from 0 to 100+ properties (without lowering their standards). Inside, you’ll learn: The 2 sales you must make to land AND grow every client How to niche down with an offer big managers can’t touch Why “boutique” isn’t enough (and what to say instead) ChatGPT + Hormozi = your unfair advanta...
Jun 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 18
Most people quietly self-sabotage… Not because they don’t want success. But because they still talk like the person who doesn’t have it yet. In this solo episode, Mike and E breaks down how internal dialogue shapes your future, and how AI can help you become the version of yourself that already wins. What you’ll learn: How to reprogram your self-talk to unlock growth Why “watering down” your vision is killing momentum The AI tools Mike uses weekly to review sales calls, write listings, automate ...
Jun 23, 2025•32 min•Ep. 247
The end of an era. The final STR WealthCon is here, and Mike Sjogren and Bill Faith are going out with a bang. In this episode, we break down exactly what’s coming, why this event will never happen again, and how to make the most of it. What you’ll learn: • Why this is the last WealthCon hosted by Mike & Bill • The new format designed for all STR business levels • Speaker highlights: Cody Sanchez, Pace Morby & more • The 9 deep-dive masterclasses (creative finance, hotels, scaling) • Rea...
Jun 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 17
Most people can barely handle one business. Buck scaled two. In this episode, we break down how he went from managing one unseen unit in Nashville to running a 70-property short-term rental operation and a digital marketing agency at the same time. No fluff, just systems, AI, and strategic growth. What you’ll learn: How he jumped from 5 to 20 units with one key client The team structure and cashflow strategy that saved them in winter Using AI + Hormozi to craft irresistible offers The “$10 / $10...
Jun 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 246
Airbnb’s Summer 2025 update just launched, and buried inside is a feature that could destroy your margins and expose you to serious risk. It’s called “Services,” and it lets guests book things like chefs, trainers, and masseuses without your approval, while you carry all the liability. In this episode, I break down: Why this new feature is dangerous for pro hosts How to opt out in 3 steps How to beat Airbnb at its own game by building your own Services page Why relying on Airbnb in 2025 is a big...
Jun 12, 2025•29 min•Ep. 16
This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose. Diana and Josh, two married architects, were forced to reimagine their future after losing both their fathers in 2021. What began as a journey to escape the W-2 grind became Terra Palm Springs, the city’s first true wellness boutique hotel. They reveal how they: • Pivoted from flips and BRRRRs into commercial real estate • Used their design and construction edge to underwrite with vision • Created immersive guest experiences that transc...
Jun 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 245
AirDNA just dropped its biggest platform update in years, and if you’re not using these tools, you’re falling behind. From custom comps to Airbnb integration, this episode breaks down the new features, how to use them, and what they reveal about the 2025 STR landscape. What you’ll learn: How to use the new Rentalizer confidence score and custom comps Why saved projections and expense tracking are game changers The truth about 2025 booking trends (and who’s winning) What AirDNA’s forecast says ab...
Jun 05, 2025•25 min•Ep. 15
Fouad spent 20 years in banking and 11 more consulting banks before walking away from corporate life when his wife’s income surpassed his. What happened next? A wild ride through the world of short-term rentals, driven by family, strategy, and a long-term vision few operators ever reach. In this episode, Fouad breaks down: How a personal medical emergency forced him to buy his first Airbnb Why most operators price listings wrong—and how he uses math instead The real difference between luxury and...
Jun 02, 2025•36 min•Ep. 244
Airbnb just rolled out its biggest update of the year, and if you’re a host, you need to know what’s coming. In this live breakdown, we cover: • The truth about Airbnb’s new “Services” feature and why it matters • What this means for photographers, chefs, massage therapists, and YOU • How Airbnb plans to monetize add-ons (and why you might not see a cut) • Major liability concerns Airbnb isn’t talking about • How this could affect your guest experience—and your reviews • Why this is really a piv...
May 29, 2025•16 min•Ep. 14
In this raw, no-fluff episode, Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader shares the hard-won lessons behind building a billion-dollar vacation rental software company, starting with zero industry experience. Marcus breaks down: Why most entrepreneurs aim too small and why it costs them everything The mental and physical toll of building at scale (including 7 years without a dentist visit) How he filters “good money” vs “bad money” when raising capital The future of short-term rentals in a regulated, AI-powered ...
May 26, 2025•36 min•Ep. 243
This episode unpacks the real playbook behind scaling short-term rental businesses with AI, leadership, and culture. Straight from the STR Boardroom event in Salem, hosts Chris and E break down their biggest takeaways from Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh’s AI workshop to the emotional breakthroughs in hot seats, to Mark from Minoan’s CEO mindset at 50+ employees. What you’ll learn: • The AI stacking method Rachel used to double her sales team’s close rate • The 5 levels of VA hiring, from cheap help to AI...
May 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 242
Most people screw up VA hiring, not because they pick the wrong person… …but because they don’t have a system. In this training, Mike and Chris break down the 3 proven models for hiring virtual assistants. Agency, recruiter, and self-hire. Plus the crucial 4R framework you need before bringing anyone on. Whether you’ve got 5 properties or 100+, this is the training that saves you from wasted money, broken systems, and constant turnover. What you’ll learn: • The 3 types of VA hiring models (and w...
May 15, 2025•24 min•Ep. 13
Most people aren’t missing strategy. They’re missing decision. In this episode, Mike and Emanuele break down the 5 mindset philosophies that transformed their lives... ...from escaping burnout and W2 jobs to building multi-million-dollar businesses and raising families with time freedom. If you feel like you keep “trying” but never break through, this episode will call you out... ...and pull you forward. What you’ll learn: The most powerful reframe for taking back control of your life Why saying...
May 12, 2025•34 min•Ep. 241
Your property is great. So why are guests still leaving 4 stars? In this episode, Mike breaks down the 7 most common mistakes that silently ruin guest experiences and the reviews that follow. These aren’t theories. They’re field-tested lessons from 1,200+ reviews, across 28 properties, and over 5 years of hosting. You’ll learn: Why nickel-and-diming your guests kills conversion The #1 amenity guests expect (but almost no one provides) How to stop losing stars from poor messaging and over-automat...
May 08, 2025•22 min•Ep. 12
THE STR GAME HAS CHANGED AND THE DATA PROVES IT. AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane joins the show to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes in the short-term rental market... ...and why most hosts are missing the shift. Inside this episode: The real story behind occupancy, rates, and guest demand in 2024 Why “big box” managers are losing properties fast The key numbers top investors are watching (and how to use them) How AirDNA’s new tools are reshaping STR deal analysis The wa...
May 05, 2025•46 min•Ep. 240
DIVORCED, BROKE… THEN SHE BUILT A 105-UNIT STR BUSINESS. Ashley Freeman wasn’t supposed to be here. Divorced, struggling to make ends meet as a tennis pro. She took a chance on Airbnb with her farmhouse. Now she manages over 105 units, leads a team of 25…… and lives a life most people only dream about. In this powerful episode, Ashley reveals: How a side hustle became a 7-figure business The mindset shifts that changed everything Why systems + a strong team scaled her from 4 to 100+ properties H...
Apr 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 239
