Advertise on podcast: The Short Term Show

Margot Schmorak, CEO and co-founder of Hostfully, joins the show to discuss how property management software is evolving and what hosts should look for when choosing a PMS. She covers Hostfully’s latest developments in home automation, damage protection, accounting, and AI-powered guest communication, including AI that can handle routine guest questions and flag issues that require a host’s attention. Margot also shares why proper onboarding, configuration, and ongoing management are essential to getting the most out of any software platform, along with her advice for creating a better guest experience and growing a short-term rental business. Connect with Margot: Hostfully.com Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Christian Walston, an engineer and real estate investor who turned an accidental introduction to short term rentals into a successful investment in the Orlando market. Christian shares how he went from buying his first long term rental for just $33,000 to purchasing a seven-bedroom vacation rental near Disney, which has already exceeded its conservative first-year revenue projections. He breaks down the property's $700,000 purchase price, $75,000 in theming and game-room upgrades, and why he believes Orlando's reputation for oversaturation is overlooking the market's massive tourism demand. Christian also shares the wild story of a guest discovering a disconnected camera hidden in a bedroom, which temporarily led Airbnb to suspend his listing, and discusses what the experience taught him about documenting issues and having a strong support network. Connect with Christian: https://walstonwindsorhills.directstays.com/ Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Ben Levy, co-founder and CEO of Localbird, to discuss how short term rental hosts can turn local experiences into an additional revenue stream. Ben shares how a frustrating vacation in Hawaii inspired him to build a concierge platform that makes everything from private chefs and massages to tours, transportation, and rentals easier for guests to discover and book. He explains how Local Bird partners with hosts through revenue sharing, integrates with property management software, and uses personalized, timely recommendations to help hosts capture more of their guests’ spending while providing a better hospitality experience. Avery and Ben also discuss why premium properties have an especially strong opportunity to monetize experiences, how AI is making personalized concierge service scalable, and why responding quickly to guest requests can make a major difference in conversions. Connect with Ben: https://www.localbird.com/ https://www.localbird.com/pages/STR-experiences-2026  Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube  For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Melissa Nash, founder of Passively Rich with Rentals, to discuss how she built a portfolio of 20 rental properties after starting with just a $15,000 investment. Melissa shares how she uses short-term rentals to make markets like Southern California work, including buying properties that need some attention, turning them into profitable vacation rentals, and even selling them as turnkey businesses. She also explains her “lazy investor” method, why she prioritizes systems and time freedom, and how knowing your target guest can be more valuable than simply trying to maximize the number of people a property sleeps. Avery and Melissa also dive into realistic investment expectations, the importance of understanding your goals, and why consistent “base hits” can build a stronger portfolio than chasing one huge deal. Connect with Melissa: https://www.passivelyrichwithrentals.com/ Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Leslie Carbajal to explore three Arizona short-term rental markets: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Scottsdale. Leslie breaks down what makes Sedona such a compelling luxury market, including its iconic red rocks, strong tourism, limited pool inventory, and potential for higher revenue, while also explaining why Flagstaff offers a more affordable entry point with demand driven by skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. They compare the three markets based on price point, property type, amenities, regulations, and traveler demand, with Leslie emphasizing that there is an investment opportunity for nearly every budget. Leslie also shares her personal journey from Short Term Shop client to agent and how Avery's book completely changed her perspective on real estate investing. Connect with Leslie: [email protected] Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Gian Pazzia, one of the founders of KBKG and a longtime expert in cost segregation, to break down how short term rental investors can use tax strategies to maximize depreciation deductions. Gian explains the difference between traditional depreciation and cost segregation, how the short term rental tax strategy can allow qualifying investors to use deductions against active income, and why properly tracking material participation hours is so important. They also discuss the limitations of real estate professional status, what investors should look for when choosing a CPA or cost segregation provider, and how tools like Track750Tax and CostSegregation.com can simplify the process Connect with Gian: kBKG.com https://www.costsegregation.com/  use code: track750STR at track750.tax Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Mary Mueller, a first-time short term rental investor who shares how she and her husband went from feeling priced out of vacation rentals to purchasing and renovating an affordable cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Mary explains how balancing homeschooling, raising three young children, and navigating family health challenges didn't stop them from finding a value-add property, completing a major renovation, and launching a successful rental that has exceeded their early expectations. She discusses the importance of continuous learning, leaning on experienced mentors, and embracing the beginner mindset, while offering an honest look at the challenges of getting a property rent-ready, managing guests, and building confidence as a new investor. The conversation is an encouraging reminder that ordinary families can build long-term wealth through short term rentals with patience, education, and consistent action. Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Luke and Laura Hintermeister to share how their family's passion for renovation, hospitality, and outdoor adventure led them to purchase and transform a vacation rental overlooking Lake Superior. The couple explains how years of researching the North Shore market, finding an overlooked value-add property with incredible views, and completing a major renovation themselves helped turn a dated two-bedroom home into a high-performing short term rental. They discuss why buying in a market you know can create a competitive advantage, the importance of focusing on irreplaceable features like location and views, and how involving their children in the renovation has laid the foundation for a family business. Luke and Laura also offer advice for new investors on overcoming the fear of getting started, continually learning the business, and building long-term wealth through thoughtful investing and hospitality. Connect with Luke and Laura: https://lagomescapes.hospitable.rentals Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Courtney Petrovich, founder of Denori Designs, to explore how thoughtful design can dramatically improve the performance of short term rentals and boutique hotels. Courtney shares how she transitioned from long-term rental investing into hospitality design after doubling the annual revenue of her own North Myrtle Beach vacation rental, and explains why successful design starts with market research, guest psychology, and return on investment rather than personal taste. They discuss the importance of creating a strong sense of place, choosing amenities and furnishings that maximize revenue, and avoiding costly design mistakes that don't add long-term value. Courtney also offers practical advice on hiring the right designer, budgeting for renovations, and treating every design decision as an investment rather than an expense Connect with Courtney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denoridesigns/  Website: https://www.denoridesigns.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denoridesigns/ Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Lucas Papageorgiou, a manufacturing consultant and real estate investor who shares how careful analysis, patience, and disciplined decision-making helped him build a portfolio of both long-term and short-term rentals. Lucas explains how purchasing a four-unit property at age 24 allowed him to live nearly rent-free while building equity, before expanding into the Smoky Mountains vacation rental market through methodical research and conservative financing. He also discusses why he refuses to chase rapid growth, emphasizing the importance of saving for down payments, resisting overleveraging, and viewing real estate as a long-term investment rather than a get-rich-quick strategy. Throughout the conversation, Lucas offers practical advice on avoiding analysis paralysis, trusting your own due diligence, and building wealth through consistency instead of shortcuts. Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery Carl is joined by Tim Grillot, real estate investor and former Short Term Shop agent who has built a successful vacation rental photography business. Tim shares how his passion for photography evolved into a full-time career, explains why professional photography is one of the highest-return investments a host can make, and offers practical advice for choosing a photographer who understands the unique goal of selling a vacation experience rather than simply documenting a property. He also discusses the importance of telling a property's story through photos, avoiding common listing mistakes, and building a business around work you genuinely enjoy. Connect with Tim: timgrillot.com scrollstopperphotography.com tim grillot photgraphy on FB and Instagram Connect with us: Get connected with a Short Term Shop agent: [email protected] The Short Term Shop: https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Lindsey Pleasant, founder of Hostie Vacation Rentals, to discuss how she built one of the largest short term rental management companies in rural Texas by focusing on exceptional hospitality and operational excellence. Lindsey shares how she grew from managing a single property to more than 80 luxury vacation rentals across Round Top and the surrounding area, explaining why cleanliness, high standards, and strong owner relationships have been the foundation of her success. They also explore the unique Round Top market, where antique shows, weddings, and city dwellers seeking a peaceful escape create steady demand despite relatively low occupancy rates, as well as why appreciation—not cash flow—is often the primary investment play. Along the way, Lindsey offers practical advice for aspiring property managers, emphasizing the importance of understanding your market, building a great team, and creating memorable guest experiences that keep visitors coming back. Connect with Lindsey: https://hostievacationrentals.com/  Connect with us: Get connected with a Short Term Shop agent: [email protected] The Short Term Shop: https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Yok to revisit the Blue Ridge, Georgia market and explain why it's one of the most overlooked opportunities for short-term rental investors. They discuss what continues to drive demand from Atlanta, Florida, and other nearby metro areas, why Blue Ridge offers less competition than the Smoky Mountains, and the types of cabins that perform best in today's market. Yok shares what buyers should prioritize—including mountain views, modernized interiors, and proximity to downtown Blue Ridge—while explaining why investors don't need over-the-top amenities to be successful. The episode also covers current pricing, the growing demand for waterfront properties, and why Blue Ridge remains an attractive option for both first-time and experienced STR investors. Connect with us: Get connected with a Short Term Shop agent: [email protected] The Short Term Shop: https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

Avery is joined by Jeremy Udovich, founder of Sheboygan Vacation Rentals, to discuss how he went from a career in golf and software sales to building a thriving short-term rental portfolio and management company in Wisconsin. Jeremy shares how a single property near Lake Michigan grew into a portfolio of owned and managed vacation rentals, why Sheboygan’s beaches, golf courses, racetrack, and outdoor recreation create strong year-round demand, and how access to capital helped him scale quickly. He also explains why he waited years before leaving his W-2 job, the importance of education and preparation before taking on risk, and what he looks for when deciding whether to manage a property for another owner. The conversation offers valuable insight into scaling responsibly, building a management business organically, and finding overlooked opportunities outside of traditional vacation rental hotspots. Connect with Jeremy: www.sheboyganvacationrentals.com Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Kelsey Ardoin to break down what’s working right now in the Galveston and Crystal Beach short-term rental market. Using one of her own properties as a case study, Kelsey shares how investors can dramatically improve bookings without spending tens of thousands on major renovations, focusing instead on guest experience, outdoor entertainment spaces, hot tubs, and highly photographable amenities. She explains why large-group properties continue to perform well in this drive-to market, how to design beach houses that stand out from the competition, and why maximizing comfortable sleeping arrangements is critical to success. Avery and Kelsey also discuss current market conditions, why Crystal Beach remains one of the more affordable beach investment markets in the country, and how today’s buyer-friendly environment compares to the frenzy of the COVID-era boom. Connect with Kelsey: [email protected] Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon