Short Term Rentals for Beginners

Name: Short Term Rentals for Beginners
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

Learn how to launch your STR business!

Created byLani Sanethong

Last updated 11/2025

English

What you'll learn

Start a short-term rental business
Become an Airbnb host
Become a short-term rental investor
Learn how to buy, finance and setup a short-term rental property

Course content

4 sections • 13 lectures • 1h 17m total length

Introduction3:21
A brief introduction to short-term rentals, the benefits of owning, how your personal goals factor in, planning considerations, and pitfalls to avoid.
Outline:
Benefits of STR Ownership
What are your personal goals?
Building a Property Portfolio
Planning Considerations
Pitfalls to Avoid

Mortgages & Financing9:19
A look at the mortgage and financing options, the process, documents needed, and other tips.
Outline:
Mortgage Process
Why Get Pre-approved
Loan Types
Importance of Property Use
Interest Rate Factors
Selecting the Right Loan
Should You Put 20% Down?
Down Payment Sources
Income & Asset Documents
Mistakes to Avoid
Searching for Homes & Selecting the Right Property8:32
Tips on searching for and selecting the right property for short-term rental success (including researching local STR rules).
Outline:
Property Features
Site & Layout
Amenities
Safety & Comfort
Location
Local Attractions
STR Restrictions
Types of Restrictions
Resources
Existing STR Properties
The Goal
Profitability Analysis5:17
How to evaluate profitability for a potential short-term rental property.
Outline:
Information Needed
Resources
Financials
Cash Flow
Profit & Loss
Return on Investment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Balancing Risks
Property Damage and Liability Insurance3:30
Homeowners insurance versus property damage and liability protection offered by rental listing platforms.
Outline:
Insurance Options
Rental Platform Insurance
Airbnb Air Cover Insurance
VRBO Damage Protection
Liability versus Property Damage Protection
Important Reminders

Business Structure & Registration3:48
Options for structuring your business entity and where you'll need to register.
Outline:
Sole Proprietor or LLC
LLC Pros and Cons
Name Your House
Business Registration
Leveraging Partnerships3:35
Should you leverage partnerships when purchasing a short-term rental property?
Outline:
Benefits of Partnerships
Discussion Topics for Potential Partners
What Makes Good Partners
Ownership Percentages
Partnership Terms
Accounting & Tax Tips10:23
Tips for establishing good books and record keeping.
Outline:
Tools & Services Needed
Investment Property Tax Benefits
What Is Depreciation?
Depreciable Assets
Cost Segregation Study
Operating Expenses
Taxable Profit vs. Mortgage Qualification
Personal Use Days
Passive Income/Loss
Short-term Rental Loophole
Qualifying Real Estate Professional

Go-Live Overview3:30
Once you have a home under agreement, it's time to start preparing for go-live.
Outline:
Business Setup
Furnishings & Decor
Property Setup
Listing Setup
Furnishing & Staging9:38
Tips on furnishing and staging short-term rentals to appeal to renters.
Outline:
Importance of Staging
Selecting Theme & Decor
What to Buy
Optimal Decor Pieces
Furniture Selection
Linens & Bedding
Smart Home Devices
Where to Buy
Receipts & Returns
Ordering & Setup Timing
Selecting Service Providers4:17
Considerations for selecting service providers for your short-term rental.
Outline:
Qualities of a Good Cleaning Crew
Hiring the Right Handyman
Landscaping Services
Snow Removal
Electrician & Plumber
Pest Service
Short-term Rental Managers
Rental Listing Setup6:33
Guidance on preparing your listing for different platforms.
Outline:
Establish Rules
Listing Platforms
Photography
Property Description
Pricing Tips
Welcome Book
Day-to-Day Operations5:28
A look at the day-to-day tasks of managing a short-term rental property from listing management to marketing and bookings.
Outline:
Listing Management
Marketing & Advertising
Rental Negotiations
Booking Management
Business Management
Home Maintenance & Repairs
Tools & Apps

Requirements

No Prerequisites

Description

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Ready to start your short-term rental business but not sure where to begin? This course is your complete, step-by-step roadmap to purchasing, setting up, and managing your first short-term rental property. Designed specifically for beginners, it walks you through every stage of the process—from securing a mortgage and choosing the right market to analyzing profitability, protecting your investment with insurance, and selecting the best business structure.

You’ll also learn practical tips on furnishing and staging your home for maximum appeal, building a dependable team of service providers, creating a standout listing to attract renters, and managing day-to-day operations like a pro. Each lesson follows a natural flow that mirrors your path to launching your rental business, so you can easily follow along and apply what you learn.

Unlike many beginner courses that only scratch the surface, this program gives you the full picture. You’ll gain immediate access to downloadable resources, helpful checklists, and customizable spreadsheets designed to simplify every step. Watch the lessons from start to finish to build your foundation, then revisit specific modules anytime as a handy reference library.

Whether your goal is extra income or long-term financial freedom, this course gives you the knowledge, confidence, and tools to turn your first rental into a thriving business—and your dreams into reality.

Who this course is for:

Beginners who are looking to buy their first short-term rental property

Short Term Rentals for Beginners

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 3min

Buying a Home4 lectures • 27min

Business Setup3 lectures • 18min

Go-Live5 lectures • 29min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: