Vacation Property Secrets

The Airbnb game is evolving — again. In 2025, beautiful decor alone won’t cut it. In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Show, hospitality expert Erin Lenhardt breaks down exactly what short-term rental hosts MUST do to stay competitive and profitable in today’s market.

Discover why guest experiences are now the top priority, how to design for your ideal avatar, and what makes a 5-star listing in a sea of lookali...

Looking for the best AI tools for property management? This episode shows you how to automate vacation rentals, improve efficiency with property management automation, and scale your STR business using tools like ChatGPT for real estate. Heather Bayer shares expert vacation rental business tips on using AI for vacation rentals, including practical short term rental automation strategies that save time and grow your business.

In this episode, Sarah Weaver shares how she created a lifestyle business through remote real estate investing and mid-term rentals. From managing 20 units across 4 states while traveling globally to building a team and launching multiple businesses, Sarah breaks down how to invest for cash flow, design a life of freedom, and avoid burnout. If you're looking to turn rentals into real wealth — without being tied to your phone —...

You'll be suprised at how you can Finance your dream Vacation Home with Limited Capital!  

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets podcast, host Rodman Schley discusses common misconceptions about vacation home investing. He outlines various financing options available for potential investors, including FHA loans, HELOCs, and DSCR loans. Schley emphasizes the importance of partnerships in reducing financial b...

Are we in a buyer’s market for vacation rentals? Real estate powerhouse Avery Carl, CEO of The Short Term Shop and author of Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth, breaks it down in this powerful episode.

📉 With interest rates high and buyer competition at a 35-year low, Avery explains why savvy investors are jumping into short-term rentals now. Discover her proven strategies for finding deals, navigating economic cycles, a...

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Podcast, host Rodman Schley interviews Drew Hittner, a real estate expert and founder of Hostlo, who specializes in lending for short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). They discuss the concept of house hacking, the intricacies of managing a vacation rental portfolio, and the various lending options available for investors. Drew shares insights on navigating the lending landscape, includ...

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Podcast, we reveal why buying right is the key to vacation property profitability. Adam Norko, Chief Growth Officer at Travel Advantage Network and host of The Art of Hospitality Podcast, shares how purchase price, market research, and upfront planning directly impact cash flow and long-term success. Learn why many investors overlook critical factors when acquiring vacation rentals a...

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Podcast, we uncover the top mistakes investors make when financing vacation properties—and how to avoid them. Guest expert David Little, co-founder of Crown Capital Resources, shares insider tips on hard money lending, DSCR loans, and how to secure funding for short-term rental deals. Learn how to sidestep common financing pitfalls, structure your deals smartly, and position yourself...

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Podcast, we dive into the biggest tax mistakes rental property owners make and how to avoid them. Guest expert Amanda Han, CPA and real estate tax strategist, shares the most overlooked deductions, entity structure missteps, and costly errors investors make when managing vacation rentals and long-term properties. Plus, we'll reveal the number one biggest mistake that CPAs make t...

Is investing in resort-style Airbnbs the future of short-term rentals? In this episode of Vacation Property Secrets, we dive into why high-end, experience-driven vacation homes are outperforming traditional rentals. Guest expert Alon Orbach shares insights on designing luxury resort-style properties, attracting high-paying guests, and maximizing cash flow. Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to scale your portfolio, thi...

Ready to scale your short-term rental business like a pro? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Herrlein, CEO of Purveyors of Leisure, a short-term rental expert specializing in high-end vacation homes and boutique hotels. Kim shares her insider strategies for expanding a rental portfolio, optimizing operations, and creating unforgettable guest experiences while maintaining profitability. We’ll dive into the systems, technology, an...

Financial Forecasting for Vacation Homes: How to Accurately Predict Profitability & ROI

Are you thinking about investing in a vacation home but unsure how to project its financial performance? In this episode of Vacation Property Secrets, host Rodman Schley sits down with real estate expert Mike Litton to break down the fundamentals of financial forecasting for vacation rentals.

You'll learn how to accura...

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Show , we dive into the ultimate financing hack that every short-term rental investor should know. Mortgage expert Emmett Dempsey breaks down how Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans can help investors secure funding without traditional income verification. Learn how lenders evaluate rental cash flow instead of personal income, making it easier for entrepreneurs and self-employed...

In this episode, Rodman Schley sits down with safety expert Justin Ford to talk about why vacation property safety should be a top priority for rental owners. 

They cover common risks like slips, trips, falls, and pool safety, as well as steps owners can take to make their properties safer for guests. Justin shares insights on identifying hazards, the role of insurance, and simple, effective strategies to create a secure a...

In this episode of *Vacation Property Secrets*, we dive deep into how natural disasters impact vacation rentals and what property owners can do to safeguard their investments. 

Rodman Schley is joined by Nick Massey, Director of Sales at Prosper Insurance, to discuss essential insurance strategies for short-term vacation rental owners. Learn how to mitigate risks, navigate rising insurance costs, and prepare for the unexpe...

In this episode, host Rodman Schley welcomes Zach Lemaster, founder and CEO of Rent to Retirement, to share expert insights on vacation rental investing. Together, they dive into topics such as how to project rental income, estimate operating expenses, and calculate net operating income (NOI) to build a strong financial pro forma. They discuss the importance of market diversification, tax advantages like 1031 exchanges and accelera...

How Accessibility Upgrades Can Maximize Your Vacation Rental Income - Mobility Friendly Rentals

In this episode of the Vacation Property Secrets Podcast, host Rodman Schley welcomes Lorraine Woodward, CEO and founder of Becoming Rentable, to uncover the untapped potential of the $558 billion accessible vacation home investment market. Lorraine, a full-time wheelchair user and accessibility advocate, shares how vacation hom...

On this episode Rodman Schley welcomes Rose Tipka, founder of Your Family’s Place. Rose shares her expertise on creating family-friendly vacation rental experiences diving deep into how you can transform your property into a welcoming space for families, covering everything from child-proofing and thoughtful amenities to crafting unforgettable experiences that keep guests coming back. Rose’s strategies will help you stand out in a ...

In this episode, Tanya Rooney, host of the Tribe Builders podcast and seasoned real estate proprietor, shares her insights on how automated guest messaging can significantly enhance the guest experience and boost five-star reviews. Tanya delves into her strategies for using personalized, automated communications to maintain strong guest relationships, even in challenging situations. She emphasizes the importance of clear, empatheti...