STR Vanity Metrics to Avoid

STR Vanity Metrics to Avoid

From Cash Flow Positive by Kenny Bedwell

April 21, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 167

About this episode

Kenny Bedwell discusses the pitfalls of relying on vanity metrics in short-term rental investments.

Are you obsessed with high booking rates, glowing reviews, or six-figure revenue? What if those metrics are secretly keeping you broke and blind to your property’s true potential? In this punchy solo episode, Kenny Bedwell, founder of STR Insights and host of Cash Flow Positive, exposes the most overhyped “STR swear words” in the business, metrics that sound good but can destroy your bottom line if you chase them blindly. You’ll learn why occupancy rate, guest ratings, and even jaw-dropping gross revenue can cost you time, money, and deal flow if you don’t dig deeper. Don’t gamble your freedom or future on surface numbers. Listen now to dodge expensive pitfalls, outsmart the sharks, and finally see REAL cash flow. Miss this episode, and you’ll risk overpaying for duds nobody else wants to touch. Timestamped Highlights 00:02 – The “STR swear words” that make Kenny Bedwell furious (and should make you nervous) 02:26 – The real story behind high occupancy rates—why 100% bookings can be a trap 04:24 – The 46% rule: How a “low” occupancy rate led to insane ROI (and less headaches) 06:53 – The year-round bookings myth and why chasing monthly returns kills your annual gains 08:00 – A…

People in this episode

Host: Kenny Bedwell

Topics covered

  • STR metrics
  • occupancy rates
  • guest reviews
  • gross revenue
  • cash flow
  • real estate investing

Keywords

  • STR
  • vanity metrics
  • occupancy rate
  • guest ratings
  • gross revenue
  • cash flow
  • real estate

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: STR Insights

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