Hello, STR superstars,

This past weekend was full of retail deals between Valentine’s Day leftovers and the odd correlation between President’s Day and appliance sales. If only we could get that short-term rental we have been eyeing for 25% off and 0% interest for 60 months. 

Let’s get into the news that matters for STR hosts everywhere.  

–Garrett Brown (BiggerPockets STR Expert)

In this email:

Let’s check in! ⤵️

🏡 The Best STR Markets for Every Budget

Not all short-term rental markets are created equal, and picking the right one can mean the difference between solid cash flow and a significant headache. Whether you’re working with $200K or pushing $1M, there’s an STR market that fits your goals. 

I picked over 12 markets in total, but here are three highlights.

📍 Budget-Friendly ($200K Range): Stanton, KY
Once a rising star in the STR world, Stanton saw massive growth in recent years, but has cooled slightly in 2024. Despite this, it boasts one of the list’s highest yield percentages (22.8%). Investors should focus on unique stays to stand out in a market that’s becoming more competitive.

📍Mid-Tier ($500K Range): Panama City Beach, FL
One of the most STR-friendly markets in the U.S., PCB saw 14% growth in AR and ADR, while listings only rose by 1%. Strong demand makes this a great option, but insurance costs are a factor in Florida markets.

📍Higher-End ($800K+ Range): Flagstaff, AZ
One of the least seasonal STR markets in the country, Flagstaff offers year-round demand thanks to outdoor tourism and national park access. In 2024, RevPAR and AR jumped 8%, making it one of the most stable investments on this list.

👉 Whether you're looking for affordability, high revenue, or long-term appreciation, the right STR market is out there—you just need the right strategy to make it work. 

Are you considering these markets?

Airbnb’s Best Day Ever—Here’s Why

Airbnb stock had the most significant jump ever on Friday, Feb. 14, climbing 14.5% after posting stronger-than-expected Q4 earnings. With host earnings and nights booked up 12% YoY, the platform shows no signs of slowing down. 

From the company’s earnings release:

Despite a strong Q4, the company’s Q1 forecast was lighter than expected. What does that mean for hosts? Read more about Airbnb’s latest numbers and what’s coming next.

Smarter STRs

Ever since I started investing in STRs around 2019, one name has continuously taught me more things than anyone else: Avery Carl.

With over a decade of experience in the vacation rental industry, she has seen it all and continues to prosper in her favorite asset class.

Avery is back with her second STR book at BiggerPockets, Smarter Short-Term Rentals, and it truly will set you up for success in an ever-changing industry. 

Follow in the footsteps of thousands of her successful clients and grab your competitive edge today by getting your copy.

📊 Thinking About Buying an STR? Watch This First

Buying a short-term rental sounds fun—until you realize math is involved. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This spreadsheet does the number-crunching for you, so you don’t buy a “cash-flowing” rental that eats your wallet for breakfast.

✅ See how much an Airbnb can profit (before you quit your job).
✅ Calculate cash-on-cash returns & cap rates (fancy terms for “will this make money?”).
✅ Avoid bad deals and only invest in properties that actually pay for themselves.

Stop guessing; start investing like a pro (literally). Watch this video to see how the BiggerPockets STR Calculator works, and grab it for free with a BiggerPockets Pro free trial today!

Use code BP2025 to get RentRedi’s 6-month subscription for $1!

RentRedi is the best software to manage your rentals. Learn how to organize your business and reduce costs with property management software. With RentRedi you can:

Call, email, or text to talk to RentRedi’s team—we want to hear from you and help! Plus, you get unlimited units, tenants, and teammate accounts. Use code BP2025 to get RentRedi’s 6-month subscription for $1!

What were Airbnb's two most visited cities in the U.S. during Valentine's Day?

Sedona, AZ and Gatlinburg, TN