With bonus depreciation back at 100%, many investors are once again rushing into short-term rentals to reduce their tax bills. But is chasing tax savings enough to make a property a good investment?

In this episode, Kenny Bedwell and Ryan Bakke, CPA, discuss how investor behavior has changed since the return of full bonus depreciation. They explain why cash flow should always come before tax benefits, how to identify markets with long-term potential, and the biggest mistakes investors make when buying under year-end pressure.

Whether you're purchasing your first short-term rental or adding to an existing portfolio, this conversation offers practical strategies for making smarter investment decisions that build wealth beyond tax season.

• Why buying solely for tax savings can become an expensive mistake
• How to evaluate cash flow versus depreciation when comparing investment opportunities
• What "market saturation" really means and why it's often misunderstood
• The characteristics Kenny looks for when identifying promising markets in 2026
• How guest avatars and property differentiation create a competitive advantage
• Why larger, experience-focused properties can outperform traditional vacation rentals
• Tax strategies that can improve cash flow throughout the year instead of waiting for a refund
• How investors can avoid making rushed purchases before year-end deadlines
• Why diversification matters as real estate portfolios continue to grow
• Markets that may be regaining momentum after several years of heavy competition

Ryan Bakke is a CPA and real estate tax strategist who helps investors maximize tax efficiency while building profitable real estate portfolios. Through his accounting firm and educational platform, he specializes in bonus depreciation, cost segregation, retirement tax strategies, and long-term wealth planning for real estate investors.

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Instagram: @kenny_bedwell

YouTube: Cash Flow Positive

LinkedIn: Kenneth Bedwell

Guest Instagram: @ryanbakkecpa

Ryan's Community: https://www.skool.com/taxes

Cash Flow Positive is an original podcast hosted by Kenny Bedwell. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

How do you grow an Airbnb from barely breaking even to one of the most wish listed properties in your state?

Janelle Gallucci joins Kenny Bedwell to share how she transformed a struggling Lake Tahoe Airbnb into one of the highest performing properties in Nevada. Starting with a property that barely covered its mortgage, she reveals the strategies that helped grow annual revenue from $25,000 to $165,000 while many hosts in competitive markets watched their earnings decline.

From identifying the right guest avatar to creating memorable experiences for families and pets, Janelle explains why thoughtful hospitality consistently beats chasing the latest trends. She also shares the operational systems, marketing strategies, and guest touches that helped her property become the most wish listed Airbnb in Nevada.

If you've ever wondered whether your current property still has room to grow, this episode offers practical strategies you can apply to create better guest experiences, increase revenue, and stand out in any market.

02:45 How Janelle grew one property from $25,000 to $165,000 in annual revenue

08:42 Why firing the property manager completely changed the business

15:07 The biggest mistake new hosts make when designing their property

20:54 How defining one guest avatar transformed bookings

26:38 The family friendly and pet friendly upgrades that guests love

36:15 Creating premium pet experiences that justify higher fees

44:20 The welcome basket strategy that generates five star reviews

53:12 Why amenities create experiences instead of filling space

59:46 Building a direct booking strategy that actually works

1:07:18 Why optimizing one property can outperform buying another

Janelle Gallucci is a short term rental investor, educator, and co founder of Seven Summers Host Academy. After leaving a successful career in tech sales, she now helps Airbnb hosts increase revenue through hospitality, branding, and operational excellence. Her Lake Tahoe property became the most wish listed Airbnb in Nevada while consistently increasing revenue in one of the country's most competitive vacation rental markets.

Want us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com

Instagram: @kenny_bedwell

YouTube: Cash Flow Positive

LinkedIn: Kenneth Bedwell

Guest Instagram: @sevensummershostacademy

Property Instagram: @thetahoehouse

Cash Flow Positive is an original podcast hosted by Kenny Bedwell. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What does it actually take to become one of the highest earning Airbnb properties in your market?

In this episode, Kenny Bedwell shares the strategies behind one of Kentucky's top performing short term rentals and explains why success is about much more than adding expensive amenities. From choosing the right market to understanding exactly who your property is designed for, he walks through the framework that has helped his properties consistently outperform the competition.

You'll learn why patience matters more than most hosts realize, how to evaluate a market before investing, and why the best properties are built around a specific guest instead of trying to appeal to everyone.

If you want to increase revenue, stand out in your market, and create a property guests remember, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply.

00:00 Why becoming a top performing property starts with the right strategy

02:10 The numbers behind one of Kentucky's highest earning short term rentals

05:08 Why your second year is often your most important

08:44 How investing more than your competition can create an advantage

13:15 When spending more stops producing better returns

17:02 How to find markets where you can stand out

22:10 Why many hosts struggle to keep up with changing guest expectations

28:06 How knowing your ideal guest influences every decision

33:08 The marketing mistake that causes properties to blend in

37:15 Four lessons every host can use to build a stronger business

Kenny Bedwell is a short term rental investor, educator, and founder of STR Insights. He owns and operates vacation rentals across the United States, including one of the highest earning properties in Kentucky. Through Cash Flow Positive, he shares practical strategies that help investors increase revenue, improve the guest experience, and build stronger hospitality businesses.

STR Insights

Airbnb

VRBO

Booking.com

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Want us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com

Instagram: @kenny_bedwell

YouTube: Cash Flow Positive

LinkedIn: Kenneth Bedwell

Cash Flow Positive is an original podcast hosted by Kenny Bedwell. Brought to you by STR Insights.