How to Succeed with Short-Term Rentals: Expert Tips from a $7M Airbnb Host in Nashville

If you’re looking for proven short-term rental strategies to help yourself or your clients succeed in today’s competitive STR market, you’re in the right place. I recently hosted a conversation with Taylor, a licensed real estate agent and Airbnb pro who manages over $7 million in short-term rental properties in Nashville. And let me tell you—this was packed with gold.

Even as someone who’s hosted before, I walked away with game-changing ideas. Whether you’re managing one unit or advising investor clients, these short-term rental strategies will help you think bigger, smarter, and more profitably.

Why Learn Short-Term Rental Strategies Now?

Here’s what I’ve learned: success with STRs doesn’t happen by accident. You need the right systems, tools, and mindset. Maybe you already manage an Airbnb, you work with investor clients, or you’re planning your first STR purchase. No matter where you’re starting, having a strong strategy is the difference between high occupancy and high stress.

Short-Term Rental Numbers: What You Actually Take Home

Gross revenue means nothing without context. An Airbnb might show $80,000 in bookings, but after property management (15–27%), cleaning, utilities, repairs, supplies, and taxes, most owners net just 50–70% of gross revenue. That’s why every decision you make—pricing, management, design—should tie back to these short-term rental strategies.

💡 Pro Tip: Always ask for a real P&L or verified pro forma. Don’t trust inflated projections when advising a client or making a purchase yourself.

Where to Find Investment-Worthy STRs

These are some of the best ways I’ve learned to source or help clients find high-potential short-term rentals:

Join local STR and Airbnb Facebook groups
Reach out to property management companies
Network with other STR investors or agents

Be aware of local restrictions. In Nashville, STR permitting is complex. Understanding zoning and licensing is a core part of smart short-term rental strategies.

What Makes a Great STR Investment?

Here are the non-negotiables I now look for:

Walkability to bars, restaurants, and attractions
Group-friendly layouts (sleep 8–12 ideally)
Room for value-add upgrades (hot tubs, murals, saunas)
Proximity to high-traffic generators like universities or venues

Evaluating the Market: Use Tools + Your Gut

Tools like AirDNA can help evaluate rental potential by area. But Taylor also showed me how to scroll Airbnb listings manually to look for:

Listings with strong bookings
Popular amenities like pools or rooftop decks
Average price-per-night by date type (weekend, weekday, off-season)

Design Strategies for Standout Listings

Don’t just decorate—design with a strategy. Pick a niche, lean into it, and price accordingly. A great design can attract the right guest and even filter out the wrong ones. Amenities like margarita machines, hammocks, robes, and themed décor help listings go viral (and get booked fast).

Optimizing Your Airbnb Listing for Visibility

Great short-term rental strategies don’t end with your listing going live. Here’s how to stay competitive:

Use professional, high-quality photos
Respond quickly—Airbnb tracks it and rewards you
Reply to all reviews (yes, every one)
Make regular listing edits to show activity

Revenue-Boosting Add-Ons That Guests Love

These small touches can make a big impact:

Offer early luggage drop-off (free or paid)
Provide grocery delivery or pre-stock the fridge
Partner with local chefs, drivers, or tour guides
Upsell “orphan nights” between bookings

Build a Brand, Not Just a Listing

Every listing Taylor runs has a name, Instagram handle, and branded photos. Guests reach out directly through IG to ask about dates and discounts. Creating a brand identity builds loyalty, visibility, and off-platform booking power—one of the most overlooked short-term rental strategies today.

Think Exit Strategy From Day One

Would your STR work as a mid-term or long-term rental? Can it be resold as a primary residence? Is it in a safe, residential area? These questions protect your investment and your client’s future flexibility.

Pro-Tip:

These are just a few of the short-term rental strategies I’ve picked up recently—and I’m still learning more every day. Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned real estate pro, I hope this helped give you actionable steps to take your STR game to the next level.

Want more practical, tactical advice like this? Visit modernmentor.co to access on-demand videos, templates, and real coaching from agents and experts who are in the business every day.