STR Investing, The Podcast
Unlock financial freedom through short-term rental investing with hosts Taylor Jones and Mark Lumpkin. Each week, they sit down with the biggest names in the STR industry to uncover what’s working right now — from acquisitions and design to operations, marketing, and scaling portfolios.
Taylor has helped acquire and manage over 500+ STRs, while Mark brings years of hands-on experience transforming properties into high-performing investments.
Together, they break down real strategies, real numbers, and real stories that help investors grow smarter and faster.
Whether you’re buying your first Airbnb or expanding a multi-market portfolio, this show is your roadmap to building wealth and freedom through short-term rentals.
Subscribe and start turning your STR goals into results.
STR Investing, The Podcast
Haunted Hosts: Real-Life Horror Stories Part 2
It’s late—around 10:30 p.m.—when Mark gets a calm call no host ever wants: “We have a little problem…the cabinets just fell off the wall.” In Part 2 of our Halloween Special, operations pro Misty Schmidt walks us through a surreal scene: upper kitchen cabinets ripping off the wall, 24 place settings shattering, and a heroic guest scooping glass with a snow shovel…in flip-flops.
Misty shares:
- How she triaged a true “oh-no” moment with safety-first steps and on-site cleanup
- Why installation quality (anchors, weight, wall type) matters more than you think
- What thoughtful recovery looks like: immediate response, refund, and personalized gifts (yes, tequila and local cigars)—leading to a 5-star review
Plus, Mark wraps with real Reddit horror stories (from no-show hosts to “watched on camera” creepiness) and the big takeaway after dozens of convos at VRMA: genuine STR nightmares are rarer than the internet suggests—great systems and fast empathy go a long way.
You’ll learn: crisis playbooks for hosts, guest comms that defuse drama, and how to turn a disaster into loyalty.
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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search
STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 265+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com
