Hey there! I’m Brittany, and in the very first episode of The Airbnb Roadmap, we’re kicking things off with the basics of short-term rentals—what they are, how I got started, and why you might just fall in love with the chaos (I mean charm) of Airbnb hosting.

So... What Even Is a Short-Term Rental?

You’ve probably heard of Airbnb, but short-term rentals (or STRs if we’re getting fancy) go beyond just one platform. Think cute cabins, quirky guesthouses, or even bougie yurts that people book for a few nights. If it’s under 30 days, it counts. And yes, people really do book yurts.

A Little Backstory—How I Got Here

Clay (my husband) and I didn’t exactly plan to dive into STRs. We started with long-term rentals, but something about hosting short stays—designing cozy spaces, chatting with guests, watching revenue roll in while sipping coffee—hooked us. We’ve made a few mistakes (okay, a lot), but learned how to make it work. And now I get to help you do the same.

I also run Front Porch Realty, my real estate biz here in Wisconsin, so I’ve got one foot in the investing world and the other in local real estate. It’s a fun combo, I promise.

Where Should You List Your Place?

Let’s talk platforms. I personally stick to Airbnb and VRBO—Booking.com gave me weird vibes (and even weirder guests). It’s not just about visibility, it’s about the right guests, easy messaging, and helpful tools.

The Good, The Bad, and The... Weird

Hosting is incredible and unpredictable. There’s money to be made, creative energy to pour into decor, and lovely guests to connect with. But also? Seasonality, startup costs, township rules, and the occasional broken toilet handle. We cover all of that in this episode.

Want to Start Your Own Airbnb?

Here’s where to begin:

• Research your market (and no, TikTok doesn’t count)

• Pick a property that actually makes sense

• Know the local rules (this one’s big—please don’t skip it)

• Get that space guest-ready with comfort and Instagram vibes

Bonus: If You're in Wisconsin...

Looking to buy a place for your STR dreams? That’s literally what we do at Front Porch Realty. I help investors (like you!) find properties that work for you, your budget, and your business goals. I also geek out over zoning maps so you don’t have to.

Let’s Wrap This Up

This episode is your starting line—no fluff, no “get rich quick” nonsense. Just real stories, actual strategy, and a whole lot of heart.

Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, pop in your earbuds (or turn it up in the car), and join me for Episode 1 of The Airbnb Roadmap.

You in?