On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke Carl brings together four professional short-term rental cleaners from diverse markets—Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, and Panama City Beach—to dive deep into the challenges and systems behind running successful cleaning operations. The conversation explores boundaries between cleaning and property management roles, scaling pains, communication systems, expectations from hosts, and the importance of deep cleans and trust.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

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For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:

Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke hosts a dynamic panel of experienced short-term rental owners to explore the crucial role of cleaners in vacation rental operations. The discussion covers how panelists find and retain reliable cleaners, the pros and cons of small operators versus large cleaning companies, deep clean schedules, linen systems, and how to keep cleaners happy—often with performance bonuses and thoughtful gestures. The episode also features a round of wild cleaner horror stories, leading into next week’s follow-up: interviews with actual cleaners.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group

Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:

Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke chats with tech professional turned real estate investor Gideon Spencer. Gideon shares his journey from renovating a San Antonio fourplex with his wife to acquiring a 24-key boutique hotel in Solvang, California. He dives into why he favors short-term rentals over long-term tenants, why he hired a VA with a smaller portfolio, and details the structure of his recent $6 million hotel syndication deal. They also discuss raising capital through a 506(b), the operational turnarounds he’s implementing, and his dream of acquiring a nature-immersed landscape hotel next.

How to connect with Gideon:

@gideonspencer_

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group

Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:

Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke dives into the current real estate market conditions in spring 2025, highlighting a significant slowdown in home sales, particularly in the vacation rental space. He shares personal insights from his recent property shopping experiences, noting that many 2021-era "COVID hosts" are looking to sell, often at a loss, while new buyers are hesitant due to economic uncertainty and interest rate fluctuations. Luke emphasizes that while the market is slow, this presents a prime opportunity for savvy investors to acquire properties at a discount. He also reassures hosts that competition is decreasing as more short-term rental owners exit the market, making management easier for those who remain.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

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Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group!

Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties

- https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke discusses the power of brand genericization, focusing on how Airbnb has become synonymous with short-term rentals, much like Kleenex for tissues. He explores why people say they "rented an Airbnb" even if they booked through Vrbo and contrasts this with Zillow, which has not achieved the same linguistic impact despite its dominance in long-term rentals. Luke also makes a compelling case for Zillow to introduce a vacation rental listing option, arguing that hosts would benefit from the platform's visibility.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

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Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group!

Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties

- https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke discusses the perception of landlords and the misconceptions surrounding property ownership. He reflects on a social media thread filled with anti-landlord sentiment and shares his perspective on what it truly means to be a responsible and caring property owner. Luke emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality homes, excellent customer service, and maintaining a positive relationship with tenants and guests, even in the face of negativity.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group!

Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties

- https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke explores whether short-term rental owners are overcompensating with excessive amenities like fire pits and pickleball courts. He questions whether adding expensive features truly boosts bookings or just increases maintenance headaches and guest complaints. Luke emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between providing value and keeping management simple, urging hosts to focus on smart investments rather than unnecessary add-ons.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group!

Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties

- https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke draws a humorous and insightful comparison between managing short-term rental properties and raising kids. He discusses how both require patience, persistence, and a willingness to take the harder path to achieve success. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasizes the importance of learning from challenges, taking pride in ownership, and committing to the process, whether it’s property management or parenting.

How to connect with Luke:

The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group!

Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube

For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties

- https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA