545. The New Rules of Buying Short-Term Rentals in 2026

545. The New Rules of Buying Short-Term Rentals in 2026

From Thanks For Visiting by Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian

April 2, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 545

About this episode

The episode discusses the evolving short-term rental market and strategies for success in 2026 with guest Kenny Bedwell.

The short-term rental market is shifting—and what worked even a few years ago won’t cut it anymore. In this episode, we sit down with Kenny Bedwell to break down the new rules of buying short-term rentals in 2026. From changing demand patterns to increased competition and rising guest expectations, we’re unpacking what’s actually happening in the market—and how to adapt. Kenny shares how he’s still finding profitable deals across the country, why average properties are falling behind, and what it takes to create a top-performing listing today. They get into: Where STR investors should be looking right now Why drive-to markets are outperforming The biggest mistake people make when analyzing deals How to identify the right guest and design for them What separates top 10% properties from the rest How the industry is evolving and what to expect next If you’re thinking about buying—or trying to stay competitive—this episode will help you rethink your strategy and move forward with clarity.

People in this episode

Hosts: Annette Grant, Sarah Karakaian

Guest: Kenny Bedwell

Topics covered

  • short-term rentals
  • real estate investing
  • market trends
  • guest expectations
  • property management

Keywords

  • short-term rental
  • buying properties
  • market competition
  • guest expectations
  • investment strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Places: 2026

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