STR Investing, The Podcast

⭐ This is a featured encore of one of our most downloaded STR Investing episodes. Originally released on June 6th 2024, this episode continues to inspire investors to think bigger and execute smarter.In this episode of the STR Investing Podcast, co-host Taylor Jones welcomes Tyann Marcink, the "Queen of Guest Experience," to share how she transformed a $55,000 drug house into a $1.5 million short-term rental success story.Tyann walks through: • How she identified hidden potential others overlooked • The renovation strategy that unlocked massive value • The guest experience upgrades that drive revenue • Lessons learned from turning a distressed property into a high-performing assetThis episode proves that creative vision, execution, and guest-focused design can completely change the trajectory of a deal.If you’re serious about scaling your short-term rental portfolio, this is one to study.__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

In this Monday Market Data Report, co-host Mark Lumpkin kicks off a brand-new series focused on amenity-driven revenue — and we’re starting in Austin.Instead of just bedroom count, this episode breaks down which amenities actually move the revenue needle in Austin, how rare they are among top performers, and what kind of annual income boost they deliver.Inside the data, you’ll learn:Why pickleball courts are one of the highest-ROI amenities in AustinHow much hot tubs, pools, and game rooms increase annual revenueWhich luxury amenities are still extremely underutilizedWhy some amenities pay for themselves in months, not yearsHow to combine bedroom count + amenities to maximize performanceThe data shows that Austin is not heavily amenitized, which creates massive upside for operators who do it right. Some of the highest-performing amenities appear in less than 5% of top listings, yet deliver tens of thousands of dollars in additional annual revenue.If you’re investing in Austin, planning a renovation, or trying to outcompete similar listings, this episode gives you the blueprint.Want us to break down amenities in another market? DM Mark and we’ll bring the data.

AI is reshaping short-term rentals fast. In this episode, Mark sits down with Shahar, founder of Boom, to break down how operators can use AI + automation to scale without adding chaos.Shahar shares how he went from broker/investor to building a tech-enabled property management company (managing roughly $150M of property)—then spinning the technology out into Boom as a standalone platform built for operators running at scale.What you’ll learn:How Shahar validated his first Airbnb using staged “virtual design” photos before furnishingWhy “market fit” matters more than building a great product—and how his first tech product struggled to monetizeThe real operational pain that forces software creation: owner statements, task management, approvals, vendor payments, reconciliationWhy scaling STRs breaks from operations, not demand—and how “one system” reduces errors and laborThe shift from SaaS tools everywhere to one operating system + AI agents (guest messaging, reporting, workflows)How AI can reduce guest-message volume so teams can focus on real problems and higher-touch hospitalityWhere the industry is heading: AI travel planning, agent-driven bookings, direct booking disruption, and even the long-term impact of roboticsWhy companies that don’t adopt AI won’t survive—and how top operators will scale from 100 doors to 500–1,000 with the same team__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 325+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

In this Monday Market Data Report, co-host Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental numbers for Blue Ridge, one of the most popular mountain cabin destinations in the Southeast.This episode highlights just how wide the performance gap is in Blue Ridge — where top-performing properties can earn more than double what average listings make in the same bedroom category.Inside the data, you’ll learn:What 3-bedroom cabins earn at average vs. top-tier performanceWhy occupancy swings in Blue Ridge are some of the largest we’ve seenWhy adding a 4th bedroom doesn’t always move the needle — unless you’re a top performerHow 5-bedroom properties unlock a massive revenue jump when executed correctlyWhy 6+ bedroom homes can exceed $250K per year in the top tierThe takeaway is clear: Blue Ridge strongly rewards great locations, views, amenities, and execution, while average properties leave a lot of money on the table.Whether you already own in Blue Ridge or are underwriting a potential cabin investment, this episode gives you the real numbers to understand where the upside truly lives.Have a market you want us to break down next? DM Mark and we’ll bring the data.

Frank Bosi, Senior Director of Partner Development at Hostfully with a luxury hotel ops background (Ritz, W, Westin). He discusses why STRs need hotel-level systems, when a PMS becomes essential, and how automation, integrations, and branding let owners scale from a few properties to many. Practical tech stack priorities and sustainable growth get the spotlight.

In this Monday Market Data Report, co-host Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental numbers for Park City, one of the most in-demand ski towns in the country.This episode reveals some of the largest performance gaps we’ve seen in any market — where top-performing properties earn more than double what average listings make in the same bedroom category.Inside the data, you’ll learn:What 3-bedroom homes earn at average vs. top-tier performance levelsWhy performance matters more than bedroom count in Park CityHow 4- and 5-bedroom homes can push well into six figures annuallyWhy 6+ bedroom properties are producing $300K+ per yearHow nightly rates and occupancy combine to create massive revenue swingsThe takeaway is clear: in Park City, average properties get crushed, while well-designed, well-executed homes dominate the market.If you’re investing in ski towns, underwriting luxury STRs, or deciding whether Park City is worth the premium buy-in, this episode gives you the real numbers behind the hype.Have a market you want us to break down next? DM Mark and we’ll bring the data.

The short-term rental market has changed fast. The old “furnish it cheap and it still books” playbook is fading—and Merritt Harris breaks down what actually wins now.Merritt shares how he went from long-term rentals in New York to building a property management company during the COVID peak, then adapting as competition intensified and guest expectations rose.In this episode, we cover:Why “corporate” posting and insider jargon doesn’t convert—and what to post insteadThe shift from selling a bed to selling an experience-driven stayAmenities vs. design: what matters most and how to decideWhy larger properties are outperforming smaller ones in many marketsHow to find value-add opportunities (basements, egress, bonus rooms) to increase revenueThe systems-first approach to management: automation, cleaners, and scaling without burnoutA practical tech stack for operators and property managers (PMS, pricing tools, cleaning ops, comms)If you’re trying to compete in today’s market—whether you own one property or manage dozens—this episode will help you rethink what “good enough” looks like in 2026.__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 325+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

In this Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down Gatlinburg, Tennessee, one of the most talked-about short-term rental markets in the country. Using real performance data, Mark walks through how revenue, occupancy, and nightly rates change as you move from three-bedroom cabins to six-plus bedroom luxury properties.In this episode, you’ll learn:How three-bedroom STRs in Gatlinburg earn between $55K and $95K annuallyWhy four-bedroom properties can generate $20K–$45K more per year than three-bedroomsHow five-bedroom cabins separate average performers from true top-tier experiencesWhy six-plus bedroom properties show the largest revenue jump Mark has seen in any marketHow ADR and occupancy work together to drive outsized returns in GatlinburgWhat the data reveals about guest expectations for larger, experience-driven homesIf you’re considering investing in Gatlinburg or already own in the Smokies, this episode breaks down exactly what size property performs best and why.Tune in every Monday for market data reports and every Friday for expert guest interviews on the STR Investing Podcast.

Cody Cramer, a former hotel revenue manager, now runs Ascent Co-Hosting, a thriving multi-market short-term rental business. He shares insights on successfully managing properties remotely and highlights the importance of systems over location. Listen as he discusses how vital a reliable cleaning and maintenance team is, the tech tools that streamline operations, and the four key metrics driving property success. Cody also emphasizes that effective communication enhances guest satisfaction more than traditional welcome gifts.

In this Monday Market Data Report, co-host Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental numbers for Gulf Shores, a popular Gulf Coast vacation market with far more upside than many investors realize.This episode walks through how revenue, nightly rates, and occupancy change as you move from 3-bedroom homes to 6+ bedroom properties, and why larger, well-executed homes dominate this market.Inside the data, you’ll learn:What 3-bedroom homes earn at average vs. top-tier performance levelsWhy adding a 4th bedroom increases revenue even with slightly lower occupancyHow 5-bedroom properties unlock a major jump in annual incomeWhy 6+ bedroom homes in Gulf Shores can push $200K–$250K+ in annual revenueHow higher nightly rates — not just occupancy — drive strong net returnsThe numbers reveal a massive gap between average listings and top performers, proving that design, amenities, and bedroom count matter just as much as location in beach markets.Whether you already own on the Gulf Coast or are underwriting your next STR deal, this episode gives you clear, data-backed insight into what’s possible in Gulf Shores when you do it right.Have a market you want us to break down next? DM Mark and we’ll bring the data.