Visualizing Land Projects & STR Potential With Annette Grant

Welcome back to Success Unlocked, where our hosting business master membership coaches discuss operations, social media, unique builds, co-hosting strategies, and so much more. This week’s episode is Vacation Ventures, hosted by Michael Hicks.

In this episode, Mike helps Annette work through her recent experience scouting two 100+ acre properties for potential STR development. From septic to signing – there are hundreds of things to keep your eye on in this process, and Mike’s just the guy to help us put a method to the madness. 

His vast building experience proves valuable in aligning early priorities with the city, county, and zoning commission; explaining how to make the math work; and avoiding beginner’s mistakes like overlooking natural water features, alarming nosy neighbors, and caving on your own preferred timetable for due diligence.

(00:02:55) Existing Structures & Utilities: Bonus or Burden?

• Both properties have functioning utilities 
• Getting soil tests and septic inspections 
• Check for existing analysis in county records 

(00:09:41) First Steps & Important Early Priorities 

• What can you do on the property?
• Contacting the Planning & Zoning Commission 
• When and how to reveal your short-term rental plans 
• Determining a realistic search radius 
• Four questions to ask when qualifying a piece of land

(00:16:10) Common Roadblocks & Beginner Mistakes 

• Cross-reference legislative restrictions 
• Double check for power and water
• Avoid the urge to place structures too closely together 
• To flip or not to flip? 
• Inspecting 100+ acre locations
• Look into easements and agreements

(00:24:05) Dollars & Sense: The Math Behind it All

• Calculating the dream 
• Mike shares real-life prices of his most recent buys
• How to get dependable help on site
• Hacks to fast track early profits 

(00:31:32) Revisiting Annette’s Research & Next Steps

• Placing a call to the county 
• Gaining valuable experience on walkthroughs 
• Meet your neighbors and discuss intentions 
• Doing due diligence on natural water occurrences 
• Any animals or plant species to avoid?
• Finals notes on septic and soil

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com