When Software Fails: What a Hostaway & Airbnb Glitch Taught Me About STR Revenue Management
Managing short-term rentals at scale requires more than just great guest communication and solid cleaning teams, it demands accurate financial reporting, especially when investor money is on the line. Recently, I experienced a series of revenue reporting discrepancies between Hostaway and Airbnb that could’ve had serious consequences for my clients if I hadn’t caught them. […]
AI at the Front Desk: How Chatbots Are Transforming STR Guest Communication
When AI chat tools first became widely available, one of the most immediate changes we noticed in our short-term rental (STR) business was in how our offshore front desk agents communicated with guests. Their ability to sound more natural—and more American—improved almost overnight. AI became a real-time assistant, helping them parse nuanced guest messages, understand […]
Our Party Prevention System: How FIBI Protects Your Short-Term Rental from Risk
Parties Are More Than Just a Nuisance, They’re a Revenue Threat In the world of short-term rentals, the word “party” sends chills down the spine of every serious investor. And for good reason. Just one unauthorized event can lead to: That’s why FIBI Vacation Rentals takes party prevention seriously—not just as a guest policy, but […]
Why St. Louis May Be the Best Opportunity Zone Market for STR Investors in 2025
St. Louis, MO has quickly emerged as one of the top-performing short-term rental (STR) markets for real estate investors looking for high cash flow, long-term appreciation, and powerful tax advantages. Thanks to the city’s abundance of Opportunity Zones (OZs) and its favorable economics, STR investors who are willing to renovate distressed homes are consistently achieving […]
Noise Monitoring, Identity Checks & a 3-Strike Rule: Tech + Policy That Works
Party Prevention Isn’t About Guesswork—It’s About Systems Parties, loud gatherings, and code violations are the biggest threats to short-term rental operators—especially those managing multiple properties across high-risk markets. But where most hosts rely on reactive strategies (like calling the guest after a complaint), FIBI is proactive. We’ve built a technology-backed enforcement system that allows us […]
How Trump’s Executive Order Could Open the Doors to STR Investing with Your 401(k)
By Trevor Scelso, Founder – FIBI Vacation Rentals For Investors, By Investors 📣 A Game-Changer for Retirement Savers & Real Estate Investors The Wall Street Journal recently reported that President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Labor (DoL) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to help unlock access to private […]
How We Manage Airbnb Guest Communication So You Don’t Have To
Why Guest Communication Can Make—or Break—Your Airbnb Investment When it comes to short-term rentals, guest satisfaction doesn’t start at check-in—it starts with the very first message. From late-night lockouts to simple parking questions, communication directly impacts reviews, occupancy, and revenue. At FIBI Vacation Rentals, we specialize in hands-off, full-service STR management for real estate investors. […]
Guest-Centric Amenities That Drive Revenue Growth | Lessons from FIBI Vacation Rentals
Why Guest-Centric Stays Win in Today’s Exploding STR Market The U.S. short-term rental market is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2005, the industry brought in just $2 billion in revenue. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has skyrocketed to $67 billion, with over 2.7 million STR listings nationwide, most of which are found on Airbnb. […]
Why I’m Only Doing Creative Deals Right Now
I haven’t seen a deal that pencils using traditional financing and MLS-listed properties since rates went up and asset prices peaked. I’ve underwritten hundreds over the past couple years, and the only real opportunities I’m seeing are in creative finance. Last year, some partners and I bought a home subject-to the existing mortgage—it has a […]
Blurring Lines with Hotels: STRs Compete by Offering Personalized, Flexible Stays
How Short-Term Rentals are Elevating Guest Experiences to Outperform Traditional Hotels The hospitality landscape is shifting dramatically. Hotels, once the undisputed choice for travelers, now face fierce competition from Short-Term Rentals (STRs) that are transforming the guest experience. In a market projected to exceed $100 billion in 2024, staying competitive means innovating beyond traditional offerings. […]