Podcast
STR Investing, The Podcast
Hosted by Mark Lumpkin & Taylor Jones · EN
Unlock financial freedom through short-term rental investing with hosts Mark Lumpkin and Taylor Jones. Each week, they sit down with the biggest names in the STR industry to uncover what’s working right now — from acquisitions and design to operations, marketing, and scaling portfolios.
Taylor has helped acquire and manage over 500+ STRs, while Mark brings years of hands-on experience transforming properties into high-performing investments.
Together, they break down real strategies, real numbers, and real stories that help investors grow smarter and faster.
Whether you’re buying your first Airbnb or expanding a multi-market portfolio, this show is your roadmap to building wealth and freedom through short-term rentals.
Subscribe and start turning your STR goals into results.
27episodes
Episodes
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Monday Market Data: Breakdown of St. Louis, MO Amenities Market
1w ago00:06:36Tap to summarizeIn this week's Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental market in St. Louis, Missouri—and the data reveals one of the biggest opportunities we've seen all year.With more than 25 million annual visitors, growing STR occupancy, and an incredibly under-amenitized market, St. Louis may be the perfect place to build a true "super property."In this episode, Mark covers:Revenue potential by bedroom countWhy 4, 5, and 7-bedroom homes see the biggest revenue jumpsThe current STR regulations and market trendsThe amenities your competitors have—and more importantly, the ones they don'tThe numbers are shocking:• Game Rooms → Less than 7% of listings• Playgrounds → Less than 7%• Pickleball Courts → 2%• Mini Golf → 1.5%• Pools, Hot Tubs, Saunas, Fire Pits & Home Gyms → Less than 1%The takeaway?Most St. Louis Airbnbs have almost no amenities. That means investors willing to build something unique have an opportunity to create a true one-of-one property with very little competition.Subscribe for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
Transcribe →Monday Market Data: Breakdown of Destin, FL Amenities Market
2w ago00:09:14Tap to summarizeIn this week's Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down one of the most requested short-term rental markets in the country: Destin, Florida.With more than 8 million annual visitors across the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area, this Emerald Coast destination continues to be one of the strongest beach markets for STR investors.In this episode, Mark covers:Revenue potential by bedroom countWhy larger homes dramatically outperform condos and smaller propertiesThe amenities every Destin investor needs to competeWhich upgrades still help you stand out in a crowded marketHere's what the data shows:• 1 Bedroom → ~$50K/year average• 2 Bedrooms → ~$80K/year average• 3 Bedrooms → ~$103K/year average• 5 Bedrooms → ~$164K/year average• 8 Bedrooms → ~$250K+/year averageOn the amenity side:Pools → 92% of listingsHot Tubs → 45%Game Rooms → 22%Waterfront → 22%The biggest opportunities?Less than 10% of properties have pickleball courts, gyms, or playgrounds, while movie theaters, mini golf, and saunas remain extremely rare.If you're buying or optimizing an STR on the Emerald Coast, this episode is your roadmap to standing out and maximizing revenue.Subscribe for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
Transcribe →Your Next Booking is Coming From ChatGPT
3w ago00:29:50Tap to summarizeAI is changing the way travelers discover short-term rentals—and it’s happening faster than most hosts realize.In this episode, Mark Lumpkin sits down with Gil Chan, Founder & CEO of Crafted Stays, to discuss how AI search, direct bookings, and modern website strategies are reshaping the future of the STR industry.Gil explains why relying solely on OTAs is becoming increasingly risky, how AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are influencing guest booking behavior, and what hosts can do today to position their properties for the next generation of search. He also shares how Crafted Stays is helping operators build high-converting direct booking websites that are optimized for both traditional SEO and AI-powered discovery.Whether you're managing one property or hundreds, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you future-proof your business.In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI is changing how guests search for vacation rentals How direct bookings compound over time while OTA bookings stay transactional The importance of identifying your ideal guest avatar What SEO, AEO, and GEO mean—and why they matter How to build a website that's ready for the future of travel search Why hospitality and guest experience still matter more than ever If you're serious about growing your direct bookings and staying ahead of where the industry is headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss. __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
Transcribe →Monday Market Data: Breakdown of Asheville, NC Amenities Market
3w ago00:10:07Tap to summarizeIn this week's Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental market in Asheville, North Carolina, combining revenue by bedroom count with amenity data to show investors exactly where the biggest opportunities are.Despite the challenges following Hurricane Helene, Asheville continues to be one of the country's fastest-growing mountain destinations, welcoming millions of visitors each year and showing strong signs of recovery.In this episode, you'll learn:How revenue changes by bedroom countWhy 5 and 6-bedroom properties dramatically outperform smaller homesWhich amenities are becoming must-havesHow to differentiate your property from the competitionThe data shows:• Fire Pits → 71% of listings• Hot Tubs → 53%• Game Rooms → 24%• Saunas → 11%• Pools → 5.5%• Pickleball & Mini Golf → Less than 2%The takeaway?A fire pit and hot tub help you compete. Adding amenities like a sauna, pool, pickleball court, or mini golf is how you create a true standout property.If you're considering investing in Asheville, this episode provides a data-driven blueprint for building a top-performing STR.Subscribe for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
Transcribe →The Airbnb Taxes You Likely Don't Know About
4w ago00:30:53Tap to summarizeMost short-term rental owners assume Airbnb and Vrbo handle all of their lodging taxes.They don't.In this episode, Mark Lumpkin sits down with Julie Banting Rogers from Avalara to uncover one of the biggest blind spots in the STR industry: lodging tax compliance.Julie explains why thousands of hosts and property managers unknowingly fall out of compliance, how platform-collected taxes actually work, and why failing to file the right paperwork can result in massive penalties, interest, or even liens on your properties.In this episode, you'll learn: How Airbnb and Vrbo handle lodging taxes (and what they don't do) The difference between state, county, and local lodging taxes Why many STR operators unknowingly owe back taxes The costly mistakes property managers make How to stay compliant without spending hours on paperwork What every STR owner should know before buying their next property If you own, manage, or are planning to invest in short-term rentals, this episode could save you from an expensive mistake.__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
Transcribe →Monday Market Data: Breakdown of West Palm, FL Amenities Market
4w ago00:10:24Tap to summarizeIn this week's Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental market in West Palm Beach, Florida, combining bedroom-count revenue data with amenity-stack analysis to show investors exactly where the biggest opportunities exist.West Palm continues to see strong tourism growth, with more than 10 million annual visitors and growing demand fueled by major corporate relocations from cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.In this episode, Mark covers:• Revenue potential by bedroom count• Why 4, 5, and 6-bedroom homes dramatically outperform smaller properties• The amenity combinations driving $200,000+ annual revenue• What amenities are becoming mandatory in the market• How investors can still stand out from the competitionKey takeaways:4-bedroom properties average over $100K annually6-bedroom properties average more than $200K annuallyTop performers can exceed $300K+ per yearPool + Hot Tub + Waterfront is the highest-performing amenity combinationOnly 4% of properties have pickleball courtsLess than 1% have movie theatersIf you're investing in South Florida, this episode provides a roadmap for building a high-performing STR that stands out in a growing market.Subscribe for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
Transcribe →28 Years in the Hospitality Industry
Jun 1900:35:51Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to stay relevant in the short-term rental industry for nearly three decades?In this episode, Mark Lumpkin sits down with Michael St. Pierre, a hospitality veteran with 28 years of experience spanning vacation rentals, luxury resorts, revenue management, owner acquisition, and some of the industry's most recognized brands.Michael shares how he got started in the business, the lessons he learned from working in Hawaii and with Hyatt-affiliated properties, and why hospitality is still the foundation of long-term success in a rapidly changing industry.They also discuss:• What investors can learn from luxury hotel brands• Why relationships are one of the most valuable assets in business• The evolution of revenue management and dynamic pricing• How AI is changing the vacation rental landscape• The importance of building systems, standards, and memorable guest experiences• What the next generation of STR operators needs to focus onWhether you manage one property or hundreds, this conversation is packed with practical insights on hospitality, growth, and building a sustainable business in the vacation rental industry.Connect with Michael St. Pierre on LinkedIn to learn more about revenue management, owner acquisition, and the future of short-term rentals.🎧 Listen now and be sure to subscribe for more STR Investing Podcast episodes.__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
Transcribe →Monday Market Data: Breakdown of Sevierville, TN Amenities Market
Jun 1500:07:52Tap to summarizeIn this week's Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down one of the most competitive short-term rental markets in America: Sevierville.With more than 15 million annual visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains and over 13,000 active short-term rentals in the surrounding market, Sevierville has become the perfect example of the "Amenities Arms Race" that has transformed the STR industry.The data is eye-opening:• Hot Tubs → 94.8% of listings• Game Rooms → 77.8%• Fire Pits → 52%• Pools → 45%• Pool Tables → 50%These aren't luxury amenities anymore. They're the baseline.In this episode, Mark breaks down what amenities you need just to compete and which upgrades can still help you stand out from thousands of competing cabins.If you're investing in the Smokies, this episode is a masterclass in understanding what it takes to win in a mature STR market.Tune in for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
Transcribe →STR Tax Loophole with Ryan Carriere
Jun 1200:50:50Tap to summarizeTax season just got a lot more interesting.In this episode, Mark Lumpkin sits down with CPA and real estate tax strategist Ryan Carriere to break down one of the most powerful tax strategies available to short-term rental investors today.Ryan explains how the return of 100% bonus depreciation under the One Big Beautiful Bill impacts investors, why the Short-Term Rental Tax Loophole remains a game changer for high-income earners, and the specific rules you must follow to qualify.They cover:• The return of 100% bonus depreciation and what it means for investors• How the Short-Term Rental Tax Loophole actually works• The 7-day average stay rule explained• Material participation requirements and common mistakes• How to track hours correctly for audit protection• Personal use rules that can destroy your tax benefits• Why most investors need a tax strategist, not just a tax preparer• Real-world examples of how investors can potentially save six figures in taxesIf you're buying short-term rentals for cash flow, appreciation, and tax savings, this episode is essential listening.Connect with Ryan Carrier:Website: CarrierTaxConsulting.comLinkedIn: Ryan Carrier, CPAYouTube: Ryan Carrier, CPA__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
Transcribe →Monday Market Data: Breakdown of Seattle, WA Market
Jun 800:07:54Tap to summarizeIn this week’s Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin heads to the Pacific Northwest to break down the short-term rental market in Seattle, Washington.With more than 5,000 active listings, nearly 40 million annual visitors, and inventory growth exceeding 50% over the past few years, Seattle has become an increasingly competitive market for STR investors. But despite the growing competition, the data reveals something surprising:Seattle may be one of the least amenitized STR markets we've analyzed.In this episode, Mark covers:Seattle's tourism demand and seasonalityThe impact of corporate and mid-term rental travelersCurrent STR regulations and licensing requirementsWhy occupancy and revenue vary so dramatically across the marketThe amenities that can instantly separate your property from the competitionThe takeaway?Unlike many markets where amenities have become standard, Seattle still offers tremendous opportunity for investors willing to create something unique. A simple hot tub and gym combination immediately puts you ahead of most of the competition, while a true "super property" would have virtually no competition at all.If you're considering investing in Seattle, this episode provides a roadmap for how to stand out in one of the country's fastest-growing STR markets.Subscribe for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
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