How REI Hub Helps Hosts Take Control of Short-Term Rental Finances

When it comes to running a short-term rental, most hosts put their energy into the guest experience—clean spaces, welcoming touches, five-star reviews. But behind the scenes, one of the most overlooked parts of hosting is also one of the most important: your finances.

Without accurate bookkeeping, it’s nearly impossible to know if your rental is truly profitable. Many hosts focus on gross revenue—how much comes in each month—without accounting for the wide range of expenses that chip away at those earnings. From cleaning fees and utilities to repairs, supplies, and platform commissions, expenses add up fast.

REI Hub — Bookkeeping software built for real estate investors and STR hosts.

In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we’re joined by Adam Hamilton, co-founder of REI Hub, who shares insights into the unique bookkeeping challenges that come with running a short-term rental. We cover:

• Why tracking more than just revenue matters. Profitability depends on understanding your full financial picture, not just the payout from your booking platform.
• The most common mistakes STR hosts make. From mixing personal and rental finances to forgetting deductible expenses, Adam outlines what to avoid.
• How clean books open doors. Accurate records aren’t just for taxes—they make refinancing, scaling, or selling your property much easier.
• Simple systems that save time. We talk about how to set up a bookkeeping process that works in the background so you can focus on hosting.

REI Hub — Bookkeeping software built for real estate investors and STR hosts.

Bookkeeping may not be the most glamorous side of hosting, but it’s what separates a hobby from a true business. Treating your short-term rental like a business starts with managing your money like one.

For hosts who are ready to take the next step, there are tools and platforms built specifically for rental owners that make the process easier. In our conversation, Adam highlights how services like REI Hub help simplify bookkeeping by organizing transactions, automating categorization, and generating reports tailored to property owners. But whether you use software or stick with a spreadsheet, the key is having a system—and sticking with it.

At the end of the day, the numbers don’t lie. When you know exactly how your rental is performing, you can make smarter decisions, reduce stress at tax time, and set yourself up for long-term success.

What makes REI Hub different is that it was built with investors in mind. Instead of trying to adapt software made for traditional businesses, REI Hub offers:

• Direct integrations with STR platforms and banks.
• Automatic categorization of income and expenses specific to rental properties.
• Clear reporting that shows property-level performance.
• Scalability as your portfolio grows.

For hosts who are serious about treating their rentals like a business, tools like REI Hub can be game-changing.

Final Thoughts

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confusing. With the right systems in place, you can move from reactive to proactive—making decisions with confidence and setting yourself up for long-term financial success.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• REI Hub — Bookkeeping software built for real estate investors and STR hosts.
• #STRShareSunday: @roscommon_cabin
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

#STRShareSunday

@roscommon_cabin

Roscommon Cabin is a masterclass in setting crystal-clear expectations while showcasing pure mountain luxury.

Located in Georgia’s scenic Dahlonega area, this stunning property immediately caught our eye with how upfront they are about every detail—especially the hot tub access via outside stairs. No surprises, no disappointed guests, just honest communication that builds trust from the booking moment.

But what really impressed us? Their listing photos go beyond the typical beauty shots. They’ve included a graphic highlighting “10 reasons to stay” and even showcase local wineries, giving guests a complete picture of both the property and the experience waiting for them. It’s thoughtful marketing that shows they truly care about their guests’ entire journey.

The wraparound porch alone is swoon-worthy, offering that perfect mountain retreat vibe where you can enjoy the scenery rain or shine. With three thoughtfully designed bedrooms, gas fireplaces, and that coveted outdoor hot tub, they’ve created a space that balances rustic charm with luxury touches.

Their attention to detail in the listing—from seasonal fireplace availability to clear storage area boundaries—shows a level of professionalism that sets realistic expectations and likely leads to glowing reviews.

Give them a follow at @roscommon_cabin and see how transparent communication and stunning visuals can elevate your short-term rental game.

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.