Experience Over Property: Shawn Moore on Winning in Short-Term Rentals

📘 Overview

In this powerful 38-minute conversation, Derek and Shawn Moore dive deep into the real story behind a 25-year real estate journey filled with massive wins, devastating losses, personal challenges, and ultimate reinvention. Shawn shares how he survived losing everything twice, rebuilt from scratch, discovered the power of the short-term rental (STR) asset class, and shifted his business — and life — toward building generational impact.

The episode blends real estate strategy, creative financing, mindset, failure, family, and the importance of understanding that STRs aren't just properties — they're experience-driven businesses.
It's raw, honest, emotional, and full of actionable lessons for any investor navigating changing markets.

⭐ Key Takeaways

• STRs are an experience business, not just real estate — hospitality matters more than granite countertops.

• COVID-era performance was a blip, not a baseline; supply has now caught up, exposing poor underwriting.

• Demand for STRs is still strong, growing ~11% annually, but only well-run properties win today.

• Creative deal structuring is essential, not optional — lease options, subject-to, and seller financing saved Shawn early on and still create opportunities today.

• Losing everything can be a blessing when it forces humility, growth, and better decision-making.

• True legacy isn't assets — it's self-reliance, responsibility, and teaching your kids how to build their own path.

• Market downturns create opportunity for those who know how to underwrite, negotiate, and structure deals.

💬 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Shawn's real estate start in 2000 and the rise/fall of fix-and-flip success

• Losing everything twice — and rebuilding with purpose

• Emotional challenges of infertility and family-building

• Why STR investors failed after the COVID boom

• How to correctly underwrite STR deals today

• Supply vs. demand and the new realities of the STR market

• Using creative financing to acquire deals when you're not bankable

• Legacy, mindset, humility, and entrepreneurship

🎧 Why Should You Listen?

This episode is for anyone who:

• Wants the real, unfiltered truth about long-term success in real estate

• Needs perspective on overcoming setbacks, both personal and financial

• Is considering investing in short-term