In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with real estate investor, developer, and unconventional short-term rental expert Kai Andrew. Known for his deep-dive content on YouTube and Instagram, Kai shares how he transitioned from traditional rentals to pioneering some of the most unique and high-performing short-term rental properties on the market—from shipping containers and domes to landscape hotels and RV pads.
Kai walks us through his first "land hack" project, how he finances builds with creative strategies like HELOCs and refinancing, and why understanding your demographic is more valuable than blindly chasing turnkey properties. This episode is packed with tactical insights on development strategy, burn rate budgeting, design ROI, and how to scale at your own pace—whether you're a fast mover or a slow-and-steady type.
You’ll learn:
- Why building for a targeted guest experience beats going “turnkey”
- The real difference between long-term vs. short-term rental ROI
- How Kai evaluates project payback periods and breakeven margins
- What investors need to consider for profitable land-based STRs
- Why trades knowledge and being hands-on still matters in 2025
- How to make small design moves that drive BIG revenue returns
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced STR developer, Kai’s practical advice will challenge the way you think about hospitality, real estate investing, and building long-term wealth with intentionality.
Connect with Kai Andrew:
- 📺 YouTube: Kai Andrew
- 📸 Instagram: @KaiJAndrew
Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot
Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/
Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.
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