12 tasks · 4 weeks · $1,000-$5,000 budget
Launch a short-term rental property management service for Airbnb/VRBO hosts. Generated by the Living Blueprint framework.
Check city/county short-term rental rules, permit requirements, occupancy taxes, and zoning. Norfolk and most cities require permits and collect lodging tax. Have you checked your local government's STR page.
Choose service level: co-hosting (15-20% fee), full management (25-40% fee), or onboarding-only. Do you want to manage turnovers yourself or build a vendor network.
File LLC, get EIN, and open a business bank account. Property management touches other people's money. A dedicated legal entity and account are non-negotiable. Which step first.
Create contract covering fee structure, owner responsibilities, cancellation, damage claims, and liability. Have you reviewed a sample STR management agreement.
Insurance for property managers handling guest issues and owner assets (~$600-1,500/year). Property management E&O covers mistakes that cost owners money. Have you found an agent familiar with short-term rentals.
Lock in cleaners, handymen, locksmiths, and linen suppliers with 24-48 hour turnaround. Your cleaner is the most important vendor. Do you have 2 backup cleaners for peak nights.
Document cleaning standards, restocking list, damage reporting, and photo requirements. A repeatable turnover SOP lets you scale without being on-site. Have you created the checklist yet.
Management fee, onboarding fee, linen/restock markup, and maintenance coordination rates. Typical full-management fee is 25-35% of gross booking revenue. Will you also charge a setup fee per listing.
One-page site with service tiers and a free 'listing audit' lead magnet. A free listing audit is the best lead magnet for STR owners. What 5 things will you review in the audit.
Reach out to 20 local Airbnb hosts with underperforming listings or 1-2 property owners you know. Search Airbnb in your city for listings with few reviews or average photos. Those owners need help. Ready to send 5 personalized messages.
Close one property under management with signed agreement and access protocol. Your first client is proof of concept. Offer a 60-day trial at a slightly lower fee to remove risk. Making the offer today.
Complete first turnover and guest arrival. Document what worked and refine SOPs. You are now a property manager. What is the first system you want to automate or delegate.