How 2 High School Friends Make $2,508/Month From 1 Airbnb in Salem, Oregon (2026)
Preston Seo
Sarah and Nico earn $2,508 per month in net cash flow from their first Airbnb arbitrage property in Salem, Oregon. These high school friends turned business partners invested just $7,600 to launch their two-bedroom condo and achieved 90% occupancy in their first two months. Today, they have rent covered through August and three additional deals in their pipeline.
This case study breaks down exactly how Sarah and Nico built their Airbnb partnership business, including their approach to partnerships, how they found their first deal through networking (not cold calling), and the specific design strategies that helped them get four bookings on launch day.
In this article:
Quick Results: Sarah and Nico's Airbnb Arbitrage Numbers
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cash Flow | $2,508 | Net after all expenses (average) |
| Properties | 1 (3 more in pipeline) | Salem, Oregon market |
| Gross Revenue (April) | $3,715 | First full month |
| Gross Revenue (June) | $4,158 | Peak season projection |
| Monthly Rent | $1,650 | HOA included |
| Occupancy Rate | 90% | First two months |
| Startup Investment | $7,600 | All-in (deposit, rent, furniture, travel) |
| Time to Launch | 3.5 weeks | From referral to first booking |
| First Day Bookings | 4 | Within hours of listing |
Sarah and Nico's Background: High School Friends Reunited
You don't need a traditional business partner to start Airbnb arbitrage—but the right partner can accelerate everything. Sarah and Nico's story proves that complementary strengths, aligned goals, and a foundation of trust can create a powerful business dynamic.
The Digital Marketing Connection
Sarah and Nico first met in high school and were even in a relationship back then. After graduation, they went their separate ways, but their paths kept crossing in unexpected ways. Both ended up pursuing careers in sales, then found themselves in the same digital marketing mastermind—completely by coincidence.
When they realized they were both learning the same skills and interested in the same opportunities, they started comparing notes. They built websites together, did SEO and AdWords work for clients, and made money in the digital marketing space. But something wasn't quite right.
"We spent thousands of dollars to get into that Mastermind and we made money. We built websites for companies, we did SEO and AdWords, but we don't really like it. It ended up not being our passion, so we scrapped it."
The digital marketing experience taught them valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, but it also showed them what they didn't want to do. When Nico discovered Airbnb arbitrage and joined the Legacy Investing Show program, everything clicked into place.
Finding the Right Partner
Two days after Nico bought the Legacy Investing Show program, he called Sarah. She had cash sitting in the bank not earning anything, and he had the drive to make things happen. The conversation was simple: "Let's do this."
Their partnership works because their strengths and weaknesses complement each other perfectly. Nico is a natural leader and action-taker, but he's not great with money—he spends it as fast as he makes it. Sarah, on the other hand, earned the nickname "Saver Sarah" for good reason. She's the financial anchor who keeps their investments on track.
"She was really good at being like, 'Hey dude, we don't need to spend $9,000 on a jacuzzi. Let's look at these budget ones first.' I was ready to jump in on it, and every time that gets you in trouble. We made the right decision."
This dynamic means they rarely make impulsive financial mistakes. When one partner wants to overspend, the other provides balance. When one partner hesitates, the other provides momentum.
The Airbnb Arbitrage Journey: Sarah and Nico's Timeline
2024: Discovery and Decision
Situation: Two friends with sales backgrounds seeking passive income opportunities.
After their digital marketing venture didn't ignite the passion they hoped for, Nico stumbled upon Airbnb arbitrage. The business model immediately appealed to his real estate background—he had previously worked in real estate, managing an inside sales team for a real estate company where he cold-called "for rent by owner" landlords.
The combination of real estate and entrepreneurship felt like the perfect fit. Nico invested in the Legacy Investing Show program and immediately saw the potential. Within two days, he was on the phone with Sarah pitching the opportunity.
"I called her two days later to talk about it. She's like, 'I've got all this cash from the bank, it's not making money. Let's do this.' And that's literally how it formed."
First Property Secured
Situation: From referral to launch in 3.5 weeks.
Rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis, Sarah and Nico made a critical decision: they would take action immediately. While the program provided data on different markets and occupancy rates, they stopped overthinking and started moving.
Nico reached out to his network—specifically, realtor friends in Oregon. He told them about his new short-term rental management company (Remote Housing Solutions) and offered to be a contingency plan for expired listings. If a realtor had a listing expire after six months of work with no sale, the landlord often wanted to rent the property to cover their mortgage. Nico positioned himself as the perfect solution.
His friend Kevin, a realtor in Salem, had exactly that situation. An expired listing on a condo in a fourplex. Kevin connected Nico with the landlord, and after one meeting, they closed the deal. The landlord was intrigued by the business model—most landlords don't understand short-term rental arbitrage until someone explains the benefits properly.
First Property Timeline:
Referral received: Week 1
Meeting with landlord: Week 1
Property secured: Week 1-2
Furnishing and setup: Week 2-3
Photography and listing: Week 3-3.5
First booking received: Launch day (4 bookings)
The entire process from referral to live listing took just three and a half weeks. They received four bookings on their first day live.
How to Choose a Market for Airbnb Arbitrage: Sarah and Nico's Salem Strategy
Salem, Oregon works for Airbnb arbitrage because it combines government traveler demand with affordable rent prices and landlord-friendly conditions. Sarah and Nico chose Salem not because it was the "perfect" market, but because they stopped overanalyzing and started acting.
Overcoming Analysis Paralysis
Like many beginners, Sarah and Nico initially fell into the trap of searching for the perfect market. They spent time reviewing occupancy data, comparing different Oregon markets, and debating the optimal location. Even with Nico's cold calling experience, the analysis paralysis was real.
"We found there's so many good markets and you can get into that analysis paralysis. It got to the point where we were like, 'You know what dude, let's just get one.' So we just took action."
The breakthrough came when they stopped searching for perfection and started executing. As soon as Nico received a referral from his realtor network, they pursued it aggressively—regardless of whether Salem was the "ideal" market on paper.
The Network Strategy That Found Their First Deal
Instead of relying solely on cold calling, Nico leveraged his existing network. He reached out to every realtor he knew in the area with a simple pitch:
"Hey, I'm doing this. I own a housing company and a rental company and property management company—Remote Housing Solutions. If you have any listings that expire and you're like, 'Man, I spent 6 months on this listing, it expired, and I wasted all this money and time, and I didn't make any money,' send them over to me as a contingency plan."
This approach works because expired listings represent frustrated landlords who need their mortgage covered. They're not interested in listing the property again—they just want reliable income. A short-term rental management company solves their problem.
Why Salem Works:
Capital of Oregon: Government buildings attract business travelers
Affordable rent: $1,650/month for a two-bedroom condo (landlord pays $1,350)
Year-round demand: Not dependent on tourism seasons
Landlord-friendly: HOA included in rent, utilities only gas and electric
Strategic location: About an hour from Nico's base in Oregon
The lesson: sometimes the best market is the one where you can actually close a deal, not the one with the highest theoretical numbers.
Airbnb Arbitrage Strategies That Actually Work: Sarah and Nico's Playbook
The difference between profitable and unprofitable Airbnb arbitrage often comes down to partnership dynamics, deal sourcing, and property presentation. Sarah and Nico attribute their success to four core strategies that beginners often overlook.
Strategy 1: The Partnership Mindset
What it is: Approaching business decisions with the question "Do we want to be right or do we want to win?"
Why it works: Most business partnerships fail because partners prioritize their ego over outcomes. Sarah and Nico built their partnership on a foundation of mutual respect, complementary skills, and a shared commitment to the bigger picture.
When they disagree—and they do disagree—they ask themselves whether the battle is worth fighting. Is arguing about couch placement going to generate more bookings? No. Is disagreeing about a $9,000 hot tub purchase worth discussing? Absolutely.
"There were some things where I was like, 'I don't really like where you place this piece of furniture,' and she really liked it there. And I was like, 'Am I really going to argue over this—where a couch is?' What ultimately matters is the experience for the guest, not where I think the couch should go in a certain corner."
Sarah and Nico's Partnership Results:
Split risk: Each partner invested half the startup capital
Split workload: Sarah handles design and finances, Nico handles operations and guest communication
Split stress: Accountability keeps both partners motivated
Preserved friendship: Their 15-year relationship remains intact
Strategy 2: Networking Over Cold Calling
What it is: Leveraging existing relationships to find deals before resorting to cold outreach.
Why it works: Warm referrals close faster and with less friction than cold calls. When a trusted realtor introduces you to a landlord, you skip the trust-building phase entirely. The landlord already respects the realtor's judgment.
Nico's approach was simple: reach out to every realtor, real estate professional, and connected friend he knew. He explained his business model and positioned himself as a solution for their problems (expired listings, frustrated landlords, properties that won't sell).
"If it weren't for us just simply reaching out to our network, we would not have this deal right now."
Sarah and Nico's Networking Results:
First property: Realtor referral from expired listing
Property management clients: Also from network outreach
Three deals in pipeline: Coast, Portland, and Mount Hood area (from both cold calling and networking)
Strategy 3: Budget-Conscious Design
What it is: Working with existing furniture and design elements rather than starting from scratch.
Why it works: Sarah and Nico's property was partially furnished when they acquired it. Instead of ripping everything out and starting fresh, Sarah designed around what was already there—saving thousands of dollars while still creating a cohesive, attractive space.
The property had a red couch and black chairs when they arrived. Most designers would see dated furniture; Sarah saw an opportunity. She built a game room vibe around those pieces, adding a Pac-Man arcade machine, area rugs that tied in the red, and a mounted TV.
"We wanted to work with what we had. When I went to the property I was like, 'All right, we have a red couch and we have these black chairs—start contrast.' I said, 'What can we do with this room to make it fun? Let's put a Pac-Man machine in there.'"
Sarah and Nico's Design Results:
Total startup cost: $7,600 (including rent, deposit, travel, referral fee, AND furniture)
Living room additions: Rug, Pac-Man machine, TV
Bedroom approach: Gallery wall using existing furniture, modern white bedroom from scratch
Bathroom touch: Hotel-style rolled towels for elevated experience
Coffee bar: Individual wrapped coffees, mugs, creamers for hotel feel
Strategy 4: Wow Factor Amenities
What it is: Creating standout features that differentiate your property from competitors and drive bookings.
Why it works: When guests scroll through Airbnb listings, they're looking for something special. A generic two-bedroom condo competes on price alone. A two-bedroom condo with a hot tub, fire pit, Pac-Man machine, and private backyard competes on experience.
Sarah and Nico prioritized their outdoor space because they recognized it as their property's biggest differentiator. The backyard became the centerpiece of their listing photos and the main reason guests choose their property over competitors.
"Our backyard I think really is the wow factor. We have a three-person hot tub right there, right by the deck. On the deck we have a fire pit which is incredible, we have a grill, we have a nice table with an umbrella. It's going to be a really nice place to hang out outside."
Sarah and Nico's Amenity Investments:
Hot tub: Three-person hot tub on the deck (budget option, not the $9,000 jacuzzi)
Fire pit: Creates ambiance and extends outdoor usage into cooler months
Grill: Essential for guest cookouts
Outdoor dining: Table with umbrella for al fresco meals
Pac-Man machine: Unique entertainment that photographs well
Coffee bar: Hotel-style amenity that elevates perceived value
Sarah and Nico's Airbnb Arbitrage Results: The Numbers
Sarah and Nico generate approximately $2,508/month in net profit from one property. Here's the complete financial breakdown of their Airbnb arbitrage business.
Complete Financial Breakdown
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | $1,650 | Landlord pays $1,350 + HOA |
| Utilities | ~$100-150 | Gas and electric only |
| Cleaning Fees | Variable | Charged to guests (sometimes Nico cleans to save money) |
| Supplies | ~$50-100 | Restocking essentials |
| Total Monthly Expenses | ~$1,800-2,000 | Estimated |
Monthly Revenue Progression
| Month | Gross Revenue | Estimated Net | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| April (First Month) | $3,715 | ~$1,500-1,600 | 90% |
| May (Partial) | ~$3,000 | ~$1,200-1,400 | 90% |
| June (Peak) | $4,158+ | ~$2,500+ | High |
| July-August | Projected higher | Peak season | Rent covered |
Key Financial Insights:
Rent is already covered through August from advance bookings
Peak season (June-September) should generate 2-3x their first month
January-February will be slow season—they plan to pursue midterm rentals (traveling nurses, government workers)
ROI focus: They want to recoup their $7,600 investment as quickly as possible before scaling
Startup Investment Breakdown: $7,600 Total
| Expense | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First month rent + deposit | ~$3,300 | Standard lease requirements |
| Furniture and supplies | ~$3,000-3,500 | Worked with existing pieces |
| Sarah's flight (LA to Portland) | ~$300-400 | Setup trip |
| Realtor referral fee (Kevin) | ~$500 | For finding the property |
| Total | $7,600 | All-in cost |
Key Milestones Achieved
✅ Launched first property in 3.5 weeks: From referral to live listing
✅ Four bookings on launch day: Immediate market validation
✅ 90% occupancy in first two months: Well above industry averages
✅ Rent covered through August: Financial security established
✅ Three deals in pipeline: Coast, Portland, Mount Hood area
✅ Property management clients acquired: Additional revenue stream from network outreach
✅ Company established: Remote Housing Solutions operational
Airbnb Arbitrage Lessons: What Sarah and Nico Learned
These five lessons helped Sarah and Nico go from zero to $2,508/month in under two months. Each one came from real experience and could save you significant time and money.
"We didn't even think about it. Once we had a referral, we just jumped on it, and then three and a half weeks later we're making money."
Lesson 1: Do You Want to Be Right or Do You Want to Win?
The Mistake: Letting ego drive business decisions and damaging partnerships over trivial disagreements.
What Sarah and Nico Learned: Every disagreement is an opportunity to either strengthen or weaken your partnership. By asking themselves "Do we want to be right or do we want to win?" they filter out petty conflicts and focus on decisions that actually matter.
This mindset preserved their 15-year friendship while building a business together. Sarah might not agree with where Nico placed a piece of furniture, but she recognizes that arguing about it doesn't generate more bookings. Nico might want to spend $9,000 on a jacuzzi, but he trusts Sarah's financial judgment.
"As long as you're just mature enough—think about a business partnership as also a relationship—and you're both just focusing on the bigger picture which is making money, getting an ROI so we can reinvest into another property, everything just works out."
Lesson 2: Reach Out to Your Network First
The Mistake: Spending weeks cold calling strangers when warm leads exist in your existing network.
What Sarah and Nico Learned: Their first deal came from a simple conversation with a realtor friend. No cold calling required. No convincing skeptical landlords. Just a referral from someone who trusted Nico and knew a landlord who needed help.
This doesn't mean cold calling doesn't work—Nico has three deals in his pipeline from cold outreach. But starting with your network provides faster results with less friction.
"I really encourage everybody listening: reach out to your network. I reached out to all my buddies that were in real estate, all the realtors I know in the area. I said, 'Hey, I'm doing this.'"
Lesson 3: Professional Photography Matters
The Mistake: Using iPhone photos and wondering why bookings are slow.
What Sarah and Nico Learned: They received four bookings on their first day live. Professional photography was a key factor. While their competitors had comparable properties, most had terrible photos that failed to showcase their potential.
"I can't stress this enough: get photography. Listen to Preston, don't do it on your iPhone. The photography is what took it to the next level because all of our competitors with comparable properties had horrible photos."
Lesson 4: Cold Calling Isn't as Scary as You Think
The Mistake: Avoiding cold outreach because of fear, even though it's one of the most effective ways to find deals.
What Nico Learned: Despite years of cold calling experience, Nico was initially nervous about calling landlords. But once he started, he realized this isn't traditional cold calling—you're calling people who are actively trying to rent their property. They want to hear from you.
"If this is cold calling, I will do this all day because this is not the experience of cold calling that I've had in the past or telemarketing or anything like that. Everyone—every landlord I've talked to—has either been very pleasant or it's just been very curt and want to get straight to the point."
Key mindset shift: You're not interrupting strangers. You're the owner of a company offering a valuable service to landlords who need help filling their property. That confidence changes everything.
Lesson 5: Just Take Action
The Mistake: Spending months researching the perfect market while opportunities pass by.
What Sarah and Nico Learned: They could have spent months analyzing occupancy rates and comparing markets. Instead, they made a decision: stop analyzing and start executing. Within 3.5 weeks of receiving a referral, they were live and making money.
"We just took action. That's why I tell everybody: just fail forward, just do it. We talked about this the other day—we were like, 'That just happened in 3.5 weeks.' We've got this whole place furnished, there's people coming in and out of here, and we didn't even think about it."
Best Tools for Airbnb Arbitrage: Sarah and Nico's Approach
Sarah and Nico manage their property with minimal time investment using simple systems and templates. Here's how they handle operations.
Operations Overview
| Category | Approach | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Messaging | Templates | Wait 20 minutes after booking, send template (appears authentic) |
| Check-in Instructions | Automated | Sent 2 days before arrival |
| Mid-Stay Follow-up | Template | Quick check-in 2 days into booking |
| Cleaning | Part-time cleaner + Nico | Nico sometimes cleans to save money and maintain quality |
| Hot Tub Maintenance | Nico handles personally | "My brainchild"—enjoys maintaining it |
| Budgeting | Custom spreadsheet | Based on LIS template, modified for partially furnished property |
Guest Messaging System
What they do: Use templates for every stage of the guest journey, but add a human touch by waiting before responding.
How it works: When a booking comes in, they wait about 20 minutes before sending their welcome template. This makes the response feel personal rather than automated. Two days before check-in, they send detailed instructions. Two days into the stay, they send a quick check-in message.
Time investment: Minimal. Even with a full-time job, the messaging takes almost no time because everything is templated.
Cleaning Coordination
What they do: Use a part-time cleaner for most turnovers, but Nico sometimes cleans himself to save money and ensure quality.
Why this approach: As a two-bedroom condo producing modest cash flow, every dollar matters. By handling some cleanings himself, Nico pockets the cleaning fee as extra profit. He also uses these visits to maintain the hot tub and do a final quality check.
"That's extra money for me on the cleaner fee, right? So I don't mind it. It's therapeutic for me. I like taking care of the hot tub."
Scaling plan: When they acquire larger properties (4+ bedrooms), they'll transition to dedicated cleaners. The hands-on approach works for their first property but isn't scalable.
Finding Cleaners
Recommended platforms: Thumbtack and other sites recommended in the LIS training
Key insight: Individual cleaners are often better than cleaning companies. They're more dedicated to your specific property and more reliable for the consistent turnover schedule that Airbnb requires.
Watch out for: Cleaner rates that exceed your competition's cleaning fees. Research what other hosts charge before setting your cleaning fee.
Sarah and Nico's Advice for Airbnb Arbitrage Beginners
"Stop making excuses for yourself. Invest in yourself. I've bought courses for like five grand that I've never even pursued. But you know what? I'm going to do it eventually, and I invested in myself. I took a shot on myself, which is more than some people have done in their entire lives."
If Sarah and Nico were starting over today, here's exactly what they would do:
Step 1: Stop Making Excuses
Nico's advice is blunt: most people never start because they're waiting for perfect conditions that don't exist. They research endlessly, find reasons why it won't work, and stay stuck in analysis paralysis.
The solution? Commit to a deadline and take action regardless of whether you feel ready. Sarah and Nico weren't fully prepared when their referral came through—they just moved fast and figured it out.
Step 2: Invest in Yourself
Nico has spent over $50,000 on courses and masterminds. Some he never finished. But the Legacy Investing Show program delivered immediate ROI because he took action on what he learned.
"This is the best course I've ever done. You literally actually do things step by step, even like the ticky-tacky things which most people don't do. You literally go over like the tiniest little details, and it was the best course for the best value I have ever invested in."
Step 3: Stop Chasing Shiny Objects
Sarah and Nico tried digital marketing before finding Airbnb arbitrage. The experience taught them that the "perfect" business opportunity doesn't exist—every business requires work, and success comes from commitment, not from finding an easy path.
"Stop having shiny object syndrome. 'Oh I want to get into affiliate marketing. Oh this is work, maybe I'll find that one thing that pays me 10 grand a month and I do nothing.' It doesn't exist. I promise you—Preston would be doing it, everybody would be doing it, we would be doing it."
Step 4: Surround Yourself with the Right People
If you're not naturally self-motivated, find a partner or join a community. Accountability accelerates action. Sarah and Nico push each other forward when one might otherwise hesitate.
"If you're not self-motivated, get a partner. Get into a community like this one. Surround yourself with people because proximity is power. You are a direct product of the people that you hang out with."
Step 5: Prioritize What Matters
Sarah's perspective adds depth to Nico's urgency. She emphasizes that the fear of not trying hurts more than the fear of failure.
"I was like, honestly, I know this is an interesting dynamic, but I almost feel like I'm going to regret it if I don't do it. If I lose $10,000, I lose $10,000. But the fact of not knowing if I'm going to fail or succeed—it would hurt more than the cost of losing money. Money comes and goes, but you only have one life to live."
Watch Sarah and Nico's Full Interview
Video highlights:
0:00 - How Sarah and Nico's partnership formed
5:30 - Partnership dynamics and "Do you want to be right or win?"
12:00 - Finding their first property through networking
18:45 - Cold calling landlords (why it's not as scary as you think)
24:30 - Property tour and design decisions
30:15 - Financial breakdown and revenue numbers
35:00 - Operations and cleaning coordination
40:00 - Goals and scaling plans
45:00 - Advice for beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can you really make with Airbnb arbitrage as a beginner?
Sarah and Nico generate approximately $2,508/month in net profit from their first property—a two-bedroom condo in Salem, Oregon. Their gross revenue ranges from $3,500-$4,000+ per month depending on seasonality, with expenses around $1,800-2,000 (primarily rent at $1,650 plus utilities and supplies).
Their results are notable because they achieved 90% occupancy in their first two months with minimal experience. The key factors: professional photography, strategic amenities (hot tub, fire pit), and launching during spring (leading into peak summer season).
Should you partner with someone for Airbnb arbitrage?
Sarah and Nico's partnership works because of several specific factors that may or may not apply to your situation:
Complementary strengths: Sarah handles finances and design; Nico handles operations and guest communication
Shared history: 15 years of friendship provided a foundation of trust and communication skills
Aligned goals: Both want passive income and financial freedom
Mature conflict resolution: They ask "Do we want to be right or win?" before every disagreement
The benefits: split risk, split workload, accountability, and faster execution. The risks: potential friendship damage, disagreements over money, and profit sharing. Only pursue a partnership if you genuinely trust the other person and have aligned goals.
What's the biggest risk with Airbnb arbitrage partnerships?
Sarah and Nico address this directly: the biggest risk is letting ego damage both the business and the friendship. They mitigate this by:
Prioritizing the relationship: Their friendship matters more than any single business decision
Creating an operating agreement: Formalizing expectations before money gets involved
Picking battles wisely: Only disagreeing on decisions that actually impact revenue
Maintaining open communication: Addressing issues before they become resentment
"My friendship with Nico is more important than anything for me."
Start Your Airbnb Arbitrage Journey
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Helpful Resources
About Legacy Investing Show
Legacy Investing Show is Preston Seo's comprehensive Airbnb arbitrage training program. Since founding, the program has:
Trained 2,000+ students across the United States
Generated $10M+ in cumulative student revenue
Built an active community of short-term rental investors
Produced numerous students earning $10K+/month
Preston Seo created Legacy Investing Show to teach the exact systems that scaled his business, providing the mentorship, scripts, and community that accelerate success.
Learn more about the program → | Watch free training →
This case study is based on Sarah and Nico's video interview conducted in 2024. All statistics and quotes are directly from their experience. Individual results vary based on market, effort, and capital invested.
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Preston Seo
Real estate investor and financial educator helping people build generational wealth through smart investing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah and Nico generate $2,508/month net profit from their first property in Salem, Oregon. Their two-bedroom condo produces $3,500-$4,000+ in gross monthly revenue with 90% occupancy, netting approximately $1,500-$2,500 after rent ($1,650), utilities, and cleaning expenses.
Sarah and Nico's partnership works because they have complementary strengths (Sarah manages finances, Nico handles operations), prioritize their friendship over being right, focus on the bigger picture, and maintain open communication. They split both profits and risk, which accelerated their launch.
Sarah and Nico started their first property with $7,600 total, including first month rent, security deposit, furniture, supplies, travel costs, and a realtor referral fee. Their property was partially furnished, reducing startup costs significantly.
No. Sarah and Nico found their first property through networking rather than cold calling. Nico reached out to realtor friends about expired listings, and a referral led to their first deal within 3.5 weeks. They also message landlords on Zillow asking about corporate leases as an alternative to calling.
Sarah and Nico went from receiving a referral to having their property live on Airbnb in just 3.5 weeks. They received bookings immediately upon launch—four reservations on their first day—and achieved 90% occupancy in their first two months.
Sarah and Nico attribute their partnership success to asking "Do we want to be right or do we want to win?" They pick their battles, respect each other's strengths, maintain mature communication built over 15 years of friendship, and have aligned mindsets about their ultimate goals.
Salem works well for Airbnb arbitrage because it's Oregon's capital with government buildings (attracting business travelers), has reasonable rent prices ($1,650 for a two-bedroom condo), and offers year-round demand. Sarah and Nico achieved 90% occupancy with rent already covered through August.
Sarah and Nico's property features a hot tub, fire pit, grill, outdoor deck, Pac-Man arcade machine, and hotel-style touches like rolled towels and a coffee bar. They invested in professional photography, which they credit for immediate bookings—four reservations on launch day.
Work with what you have. Sarah and Nico's property was partially furnished, so they built their design around existing pieces like a red couch, adding complementary items like area rugs and a Pac-Man machine. They spent just $7,600 total including rent, deposit, and all furnishings.
Nico calls it "the best course I've ever done" and "the best value I've ever invested in" after spending $50K+ on other courses and masterminds. He specifically praises the step-by-step detail and Coach Sam's guidance on analyzing their property deal.