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
How Did Ian Lobas Build a 60+ Unit Caribbean Airbnb Business From the U.S.?
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Fan-Favorite Replay
What if your next real estate move did not require relocating, quitting everything, or waiting for “perfect timing”? What if building an international business was less about luck and more about systems, leadership, and personal growth? And what if your biggest breakthrough came from thinking bigger than your comfort zone?
In this fan-favorite replay of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Ian Lobas, a real estate investor, coach, and international short-term rental operator who built a thriving hospitality business in St. Martin, all while managing it remotely from Baltimore.
Ian shares how he turned a bold vision into a fully integrated short-term rental operation with over 60 units in less than a year. From marketing and interior design to concierge services and construction, he reveals how building strong systems and the right team made international scaling possible.
Ian Lobas went from running a high-performing real estate business in the U.S. to launching a full-service Airbnb and hospitality company in the Caribbean. Rather than relying on hype or shortcuts, he focused on operational excellence, personal development, and uncompromising standards.
In this episode, Ian breaks down how he navigated market failures, cultural differences, and infrastructure challenges to build a predictable, high-performing operation in one of the most competitive tourism markets in the region.
About Ian Lobas
Ian Lobas is a real estate investor, coach, and fractional CEO and COO. After experiencing burnout as a top-producing agent, he shifted his focus toward building sustainable businesses rooted in systems, leadership, and personal growth. Today, he leads both a coaching company and a growing international short-term rental operation in St. Martin.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
-How Ian’s background in international shipping and sales shaped his business mindset.
-Why personal development became the foundation of his success.
-The turning point that led him from traditional real estate into coaching.
-Why St. Martin became the ideal market for his hospitality vision.
-How he built a trusted local team and scalable leadership structure.
-The importance of process-driven operations in hospitality.
-How multiple service verticals strengthened his business model.
-Why reputation matters more in small international markets.
-How Ian scaled to 60-plus units in under a year.
Connect with Ian Lobas
Interested in collaborating, investing, or learning more about international short-term rentals?
Email: ian@covecasa.co
Listen and Subscribe
This replay episode is packed with real-world lessons for investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who want to combine freedom, impact, and profitability.
Subscribe, rate, and review the REI Freedom Podcast to stay connected with stories and strategies that help you build a life of freedom through real estate.