The last two years have felt like a slow-motion car crash in commercial

real estate. 

That goes for office space, of course, but it also goes for multifamily

and other commercial property classes. Look no further than this piece

by BiggerPockets if you need a refresher. Two regional banks went under

because of the industry’s woes in 2023. 

But even in one of the worst stretches for commercial real estate on

record, many operators and passive investors have continued earning

solid returns. Since 2022, I’ve invested in nearly 30 passive real

estate deals as one more member of SparkRental’s Co-Investing Club. Of

those, only one has imploded and resulted in a loss—and it was one of

the first deals we invested in as a club. 

One advantage to getting together with a group of other passive

investors every month to vet deals is that you get better at doing it

and quickly. This year, I’ve shifted how I think about risk. 

As you continue (or start) investing passively in real estate, consider

this framework for looking at risk.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/the-extra-downside-protection-i-look-for-in-investments

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Pre-pandemic, short-term rentals (STRs) seemed to answer burned-out landlords’ prayers. Guests paid their money upfront, eliminating the need to evict, and homeowners could use their personal residences to earn extra income should they wish to travel or rent out individual rooms. 

The hotel industry quaked and pressured cities to introduce restrictions. However, STR fever was rampant. Soon, entire apartment buildings were dedicated to the vacation rental phenomenon. Everyone with a granny flat, RV, and spare room seemed to be competing for STR dollars. Would it last? Were hotels over?

Inevitably, some markets became saturated, and the narrative about short-term rentals changed amongst investors. Post-pandemic, the number of vacation homes in the U.S. increased by 23.3% from October 2021-2022. That spring, at the height of the STR booking season, 80,000-88,000 new short-term rentals were added to the market monthly.

Bookings dropped, and landlords fretted. Hoteliers breathed a sigh of relief. 

After a shaky couple of years due in part to the economic downturn, the short-term rental business is expected to grow at a stable pace. Equally, the hotel business in the U.S. is predicted to exhibit an annual growth of 3.8% (CAGR 2024-2029), with a projected market volume of $133.3 billion by 2029. 

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/is-investing-in-hotels-a-better-move-than-scaling-short-term-rentals

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On this episode, Austin Wolff dives into the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut and what it really means for property investors. In this eye-opening episode, Austin demystifies the complex web connecting Fed policy, inflation, and mortgage rates – revealing why a Fed rate cut doesn't automatically lead to cheaper mortgages.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, you'll gain invaluable insights into what's driving today's mortgage market. Austin explores the critical relationship between 10-year treasury yields and mortgage rates, while offering a realistic outlook on where rates are heading. Get expert perspective on why waiting for significantly lower rates might be a costly mistake, and discover why property values are poised to climb despite high borrowing costs.

Don't miss this essential guide to navigating the current economic landscape and making smarter real estate investment decisions in today's complex market environment.

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Starting a short-term rental business sounds like a dream—passive income, glowing reviews, and a thriving property portfolio. But before you dive into the STR game, there are critical steps to master for long-term success. This guide breaks down the five essentials: budgeting and financing, market research, choosing the right property, preparing and listing, and building a seamless management plan. From dynamic pricing strategies to standout amenities and tools like Hospitable for automation, we’ll arm you with the tips and tricks to ensure your Airbnb or VRBO stands out in a competitive market.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/5-steps-to-starting-a-short-term-rental-business

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Turnover can make or break your cash flow as a landlord. In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for reducing tenant turnover, speeding up make-ready processes, and optimizing your rental property operations. Learn how proactive maintenance, lease renewal incentives, and efficient contractor management can slash vacancy costs and boost profitability. Plus, discover why standardizing materials, leveraging scope-of-work templates, and tracking key performance metrics can transform your turnover process. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode will equip you with actionable insights to keep your properties profitable and your tenants happy.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/mastering-tenant-turnover-can-help-increase-income-and-lower-costs

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The Federal Reserve is poised for another quarter-point rate cut, marking its third consecutive reduction and signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. In this episode, we break down what this latest decision means for consumers, from credit cards and mortgages to auto loans and savings rates. Will this be the last rate cut for a while? How will President-elect Trump’s fiscal policies influence the Fed’s next move? And what can borrowers and savers expect in the months ahead? Join us as we explore the ripple effects of the Fed’s decisions, where rates are headed, and how to navigate this changing economic landscape.

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Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, are booming with population growth and skyrocketing real estate values, but what makes the Tar Heel State stand out beyond its pandemic-era gains? In this episode, we dive into North Carolina’s business-friendly tax environment, its vibrant Research Triangle with prestigious universities driving STEM innovation, and the long-term growth potential these metros hold. Discover how corporate tax cuts, demographic shifts, and expert insights from local agents are shaping this state into a prime investment destination. Whether you’re a real estate investor or just curious about the future of North Carolina’s housing market, you won’t want to miss this episode!

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Why do states like West Virginia and Mississippi, with some of the lowest incomes per capita, also have the highest homeownership rates? In today’s episode, we explore the surprising data behind this phenomenon and what it means for real estate investors. We’ll dive into the role of housing affordability, zoning laws, and shifting migratory patterns as Americans move away from big cities to smaller towns. Plus, learn how corporate expansions by big-box retailers like Chipotle and Starbucks can offer clues for your next investment opportunity.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/there-are-more-renters-than-homeowners-in-wealthy-states

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As a landlord, taxes can either be your worst enemy or your secret weapon. In this episode, we uncover the ultimate guide to minimizing your tax bill and maximizing your rental income. From leveraging depreciation and deducting expenses to reducing capital gains taxes and appealing over-assessed property values, you’ll learn the tips and tricks that keep more money in your pocket.

Whether you’re a hands-on landlord or prefer to outsource, these strategies will transform how you approach tax season. Plus, we’ll discuss tools like Baselane to streamline your bookkeeping and make tax prep a breeze.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-you-can-legally-minimize-rental-property-taxes-as-much-as-possible

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In this episode, we dive into Realtor.com’s predictions for the top real estate markets in 2025. From affordable Sunbelt cities to thriving tech hubs, these 10 metros promise strong growth, increased sales, and high investment potential. Discover why cities like Raleigh, Phoenix, and Miami are leading the charge and what makes them prime opportunities for flippers, landlords, and BRRRR investors. Plus, we’ll explore how affordability, population diversity, and government-backed loans are shaping these markets. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, this episode offers actionable insights into where you should focus next year. Tune in to find your next investment hotspot!

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With the college football playoffs starting, short-term rental hosts can reflect on the college towns that saw their properties fill up faster than a stadium on game day. Going forward, which towns offer the best investment opportunities for short-term rentals, and how can you strategize for success?

In this episode, we break down the top 10 college towns for STRs, diving into occupancy rates, appreciation potential, and rental revenue during football season and beyond. From Tuscaloosa’s dominance in cash flow to Madison’s high potential returns, we cover it all. Plus, we’ll explore key investment metrics like ADR, population growth, and even a fun tiebreaker metric: team relevance.

Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/best-college-markets-for-short-term-rental-investors

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