REI Freedom
🎙️🏠 Welcome to our podcast, where we are dedicated to helping you develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in acquisition management. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips that will propel you towards becoming the best you can be in the world of off-market property acquisitions.
In each episode, we will take a deep dive into various aspects of acquiring off-market properties. We will explore the strategies and techniques that successful investors employ to identify, analyze, negotiate, and secure off-market deals. From finding hidden gems to building strong relationships with property owners, we will cover it all.
Our expert guests, including experienced real estate investors, acquisition managers, and industry professionals, will share their firsthand experiences and valuable advice. They will reveal the secrets behind their successful off-market acquisitions and provide you with actionable steps to implement in your own ventures.
Our aim is to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of off-market property acquisitions.
By tuning in to our podcast, you will gain a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you are an individual investor, part of a team, or even a real estate agency, the skills and insights shared on our show will help you maximize your success in acquiring off-market properties.
So, join us on this exciting journey as we explore the fascinating world of acquisition management. Get ready to learn, grow, and become the best version of yourself when it comes to off-market property acquisitions. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes packed with valuable information and inspiring stories. Don't miss out on this opportunity to become a true master in the field!
REI Freedom
Can Short-Term Rentals Still Create Real Estate Freedom in Today’s Market?
What if real estate freedom did not mean owning more properties, but building a business that lets you work from anywhere in the world? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Dan Rivers, founder of Synergy Stays, to unpack how focus, resilience, and specialization helped him scale a global short-term rental revenue management business while living abroad.
Dan shares his journey from Brockton, Massachusetts, to Charleston, South Carolina, and now Portugal, explaining how he transitioned from property management into real estate investing in 2018. Along the way, he navigated market crashes, rising interest rates, and industry shifts by staying adaptable and committed to mastering one niche instead of chasing every opportunity.
In this conversation, Jeremy and Dan dive into what it really takes to succeed in today’s short-term rental landscape, and why professional revenue management has become essential for investors who want to scale sustainably.
You will hear Dan break down:
• How resilience and persistence helped him push through market downturns, COVID disruptions, and changing regulations
• Why proximity to the right people and strong networking accelerated his early success in real estate
• Lessons from Dan’s first deals renovating affordable properties in North Charleston
• The shift from doing everything in real estate to focusing on one core skill that scales
• How Synergy Stays evolved from property management into short-term rental revenue management
• Managing more than 300 short-term rental units across nine countries
• Why professional photography, listing optimization, and amenities matter more than ever
• Using data, analytics, and AB testing to improve occupancy and revenue per available room
• Common challenges in short-term rentals, including competition, guest expectations, and regulations
• Who benefits most from revenue management services and who is not a good fit
• Market trends impacting Airbnb hosts and why guest experience and niche positioning are critical
• The future of short-term rentals, including direct bookings and increased professionalism
Dan also shares his definition of REI freedom, which goes far beyond money. For him, it is about flexibility, family time, and the ability to live and work on his own terms, from anywhere in the world.
If you are an investor looking to optimize your short-term rentals, scale without burning out, or build a location-independent real estate business, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world strategies you can apply right now.
Resources and Links:
Synergy Stays: https://synergystayslocal.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynergyStays/
Free guide: https://reifreedom.com/gift
REI Freedom Podcast: https://reifreedom.com
Follow REI Freedom: @REIFreedom
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