Buyer-side math, written down.

Why homeowners insurance won't cover your Airbnb — and what does

Standard HO-3 policies exclude STR use. AirCover is a backstop, not coverage. The four policy types that actually cover short-term rentals, and what each one costs.

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Reading an STR ordinance before you buy: the 7 questions every buyer should answer

STR regulations vary by city, evolve fast, and can kill a deal at closing. Seven questions to answer in writing before you submit an offer.

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How much down payment for an Airbnb? The real numbers by loan type

20%, 25%, or 30% down. PMI, rate spread, and reserves by loan type — what each option actually costs over five years.

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Cash-on-cash return: what good numbers look like for STRs in 2026

8%? 12%? 18%? Realistic CoC return benchmarks for short-term rentals in 2026, plus the line items most buyers miss when calculating.

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Analyzing Airbnb comps before you buy: how to read three listings honestly

Three listings, four data points each. The framework underwriters and seasoned hosts use to estimate revenue without buying an AirDNA subscription.

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Airbnb furnishing budget — realistic per-bedroom ranges in 2026

$15,000? $25,000? $40,000? Honest furnishing cost ranges for a 3-bedroom STR in 2026, by quality tier — and which line items make or break the listing.

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Year-1 Airbnb startup costs: the line items most buyers miss

Closing, furnishing, reserves, and the 'last-mile' costs every new STR owner underestimates. A walk-through of the seven buckets that decide whether year 1 goes red.

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DSCR loan vs. conventional for Airbnb: which actually works

DSCR loans qualify on the property's projected cash flow, not your W-2. Here's when that math beats a conventional mortgage — and when it doesn't.

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