How Micah Made $5,000 His First Month with One Facebook Message
Preston Seo
Micah Hydrick earned $5,000 in his first month with just one Airbnb property in Houston—and he found it through a single Facebook message. As a self-described introvert who gets nervous talking to new people, Micah thought cold calling landlords would be his biggest obstacle. Instead, he discovered a method that eliminated phone anxiety entirely and landed his first deal within 5 minutes of sending one message.
This case study breaks down exactly how Micah went from analysis paralysis to profitable Airbnb arbitrage entrepreneur, including the Facebook Marketplace approach that introverts will love, his complete property setup for under $15,000, and how he manages everything in less than an hour per week.
In this article:
Quick Results: Micah's Airbnb Arbitrage Numbers
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| First Month Revenue | $5,000 | Gross, March 2024 |
| Properties | 1 | Houston area market |
| Average Nightly Rate | $250 | Often exceeded $300 |
| Setup Investment | $15,000 | Furniture, decor, amenities |
| Time to First Property | 5 months | From joining program |
| Weekly Time Commitment | <1 hour | Managing operations |
| End of Year Goal | $8,000/month | 4 total properties |
Micah's Background: The Introvert Who Couldn't Cold Call
You don't need to be a natural salesperson to succeed in Airbnb arbitrage. Micah Hydrick is proof: as a self-proclaimed introvert who gets nervous with new people, he built a profitable short-term rental business without making a single cold call.
Micah grew up with entrepreneurship in his blood. His parents started a paintball park in Houston, Texas, eventually expanding to three or four locations. He and his brothers were always entrepreneurial kids—making paper crafts to sell at school, buying candy on sale and reselling it. The hustle was familiar, even if the specific vehicle wasn't clear yet.
During college, Micah had an epiphany that shaped his entire approach to life. He researched the statistics on how Americans spend their time and discovered a sobering truth: if you work a 9-to-5 from age 18 to retirement, you spend roughly 30 years of your life working—time that isn't spent with the people you love.
"After realizing that like 30 years total of our life if you work a 9-to-5 from 18 to retirement isn't even with the people you love... that really hit me hard."
That realization ignited a mission: build a system that generates cash flow to pay for life's expenses while preserving time and freedom. After college, Micah got a job but never stopped searching for that system.
His first attempts at entrepreneurship didn't go well. He and his brother launched an Amazon FBA business—it failed. They tried dropshipping, selling fireplaces online—that failed too. Burned by these experiences, Micah started ignoring the endless "make money" content flooding Instagram and Facebook.
Then he saw a video from Preston Seo.
Something about it felt different. The message aligned with what Micah had been searching for: financial freedom, time with family, a real path forward. Against his usual instincts, he signed up for the workshop.
"I don't normally go for those, but this time I did... he just kind of explained some of the same things that I felt like in life that I wanted to accomplish."
Key Takeaway: Micah's failed businesses weren't wasted time—they taught him what he didn't want and primed him to recognize the right opportunity when it appeared.
The Airbnb Arbitrage Journey: Micah's Timeline
September 2023: Taking the Leap
Situation: Skeptical but curious after seeing Preston's Instagram video
After years of ignoring online business opportunities following two failed ventures, Micah took a chance on Legacy Investing Show's Launchpad program. The messaging about financial freedom and family time resonated with his core values—the same values that had driven him since that college research project about how Americans spend their time.
November 2023: Going Deeper
Situation: Committed enough to upgrade programs
Two months after joining the Launchpad, Micah upgraded to the Roadmap program. He was seeing results from other students and wanted the full system, scripts, and support to accelerate his progress.
November-December 2023: The Analysis Paralysis Phase
Situation: Stuck in research mode for six weeks
Here's where Micah hit the wall that stops most aspiring entrepreneurs: analysis paralysis. He spent roughly six weeks researching markets, analyzing properties, comparing neighborhoods, running the same numbers over and over again.
He looked at multiple markets around Houston. He considered Galveston for its tourism. He even explored College Station because of Texas A&M's massive alumni base and sports events. He researched the same neighborhoods, the same properties, comparing and re-comparing.
"I can't tell you how many times I researched the same darn region or neighborhood over and over again... that was a lot of the time wasting that happened."
The breakthrough came when he made a conscious decision: trust the numbers and take action. The potential was there. The equations worked. The calculator showed profit. At some point, you have to stop researching and start doing.
January 2024: The Facebook Message That Changed Everything
Situation: Terrified of cold calling, found an alternative approach
This is where Micah's story diverges from the typical Airbnb arbitrage playbook. Most students make dozens or hundreds of cold calls to landlords. Micah was too nervous to pick up the phone—so he didn't.
Instead, he turned to Facebook Marketplace. He found a property listing, crafted a message explaining his business model, and hit send.
Five minutes later, the landlord responded.
That single message led to a conversation, then a meeting with families, then a lease agreement. Micah had found his first property without ever making a cold call.
"I took the Facebook Marketplace messaging approach... I saw that and I was like, you know what, I can't handle talking to someone so I'm just going to actually start messaging people."
First Property Stats:
Location: Houston area (30 minutes from his home)
Features: Pool, backyard space
Rent: Negotiated with landlord
Timeline: Facebook message to signed lease in weeks
February 2024: Going Live
Situation: Property launched, first guests booked
Micah's property went live in February 2024. Despite it being a relatively slow month (not peak season in Houston), he immediately started getting bookings. The property's pool, updated interior, and compelling photos attracted guests looking for something special.
March 2024: First Full Month Results
Situation: $5,000 in gross revenue, exceeding projections
March delivered strong results. Micah had conservatively projected $4,000-$4,500 in revenue. The actual number came in just over $5,000—exceeding his estimates by 10-25%.
Even more impressive: his average nightly rate was $250, but most bookings came in around $300 per night. Guests were willing to pay premium prices for the quality experience Micah created.
The Facebook Marketplace Strategy: A Method for Introverts
Cold calling isn't the only way to find Airbnb arbitrage properties. Micah's approach proves you can build this business without ever picking up the phone to call a stranger.
Why Facebook Marketplace Works
Facebook Marketplace has become a legitimate platform for rental listings. Many landlords—especially individual property owners rather than property management companies—list their rentals there. These landlords tend to be:
More casual and approachable than professional property managers
Open to unconventional arrangements if the pitch makes sense
Responsive to messages (Micah got a reply in 5 minutes)
Willing to meet and build rapport before signing agreements
Micah's Exact Approach
Step 1: Find ListingsSearch Facebook Marketplace for rental properties in your target market. Filter by location, price range, and property type.
Step 2: Analyze the PropertyBefore messaging, run the numbers using the same analysis you'd do for any property. Verify the revenue potential on Airbnb by checking comparable listings.
Step 3: Craft a Simple MessageMicah's message was straightforward. He introduced himself, explained the Airbnb arbitrage business model, and expressed interest in discussing the opportunity. No tricks, no pressure—just honest communication.
Step 4: Respond QuicklyWhen the landlord replied within 5 minutes, Micah was ready. Quick response times build rapport and show you're serious.
Step 5: Build the RelationshipMicah and the landlord hit it off. Their families even got along. This relationship foundation became crucial for navigating challenges that came later.
Why This Works for Introverts
Micah's nervousness with new people would have made traditional cold calling miserable. The Facebook Marketplace approach eliminated that barrier:
No surprise phone calls: Landlords see your message when convenient
Time to craft your pitch: You can edit and refine before sending
Lower pressure: Messaging feels less confrontational than calling
Written record: Everything is documented in the conversation
"Being like an introvert slash shy... this one was an easier thing to do because it's over call or like the listing I got was through Facebook, so I didn't even have to know talk to the person over the phone."
The Outlier Disclaimer
Micah acknowledges his first-message success was unusual. A 5-minute response and eventual signed lease from one message isn't the typical experience. Most people will need to send multiple messages before finding a receptive landlord.
But here's the key insight: Micah put himself out there. He created his own luck by taking action instead of endlessly researching.
Setting Up the Property: $15,000 Budget Breakdown
Professional design doesn't require professional budgets. Micah furnished his entire property—including outdoor amenities—for approximately $15,000 by leveraging relationships and focusing on impact.
The Interior Design Advantage
Micah had a friend with a degree in interior design. This relationship proved invaluable. Instead of guessing at furniture choices or copying generic Airbnb setups, he had professional guidance on:
Color coordination and room flow
Which pieces to splurge on vs. save on
How to create an inviting atmosphere
Making the space photograph well
Almost everything came from Amazon and IKEA, per the designer's recommendations. These aren't expensive boutique pieces—they're smart choices that look great without breaking the bank.
What the Budget Covered
Living Areas:
Sectional seating arrangement
TV and entertainment setup
Coffee tables and accent furniture
Greenery (like the fiddle leaf fig mentioned in the interview)
Decorative pillows and throw blankets
Bedrooms:
Quality mattresses (guests notice these immediately)
Bed frames and headboards
Nightstands and lamps
Bedding sets and pillows
Kitchen:
Complete cookware and utensil sets
Small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.)
Dishes, glasses, and silverware
Kitchen towels and accessories
Outdoor Space:
Fire pit (visible in listing photos)
Pool accessories and furniture
Cornhole set
Café/string lights
Deck furniture
The Pool Factor
The property's pool was a major selling point. In Houston's climate—where summer temperatures can soar—a pool dramatically increases a property's appeal and booking rate. Micah made sure to highlight this in his listing photos with shots showing the pool, spa area, and outdoor entertaining space.
Photography Investment
Micah understood that great photos sell properties. He used his network to find a photographer—someone he worked with who did real estate photography on the side. The relationship got him a discounted rate, but the quality was professional-grade.
Key photography decisions:
Outdoor shots showcasing the pool and backyard
Living room setup emphasizing comfort and style
Kitchen staged with details (though he joked about including bourbon in photos—always use sweet tea instead!)
Night shots with fire pit lit and string lights glowing
Results and Numbers: The First Month Breakdown
March 2024 delivered $5,000 in gross revenue—exceeding projections by over 10%. Here's the complete financial picture from Micah's first full month operating.
Revenue Performance
| Metric | Projected | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Revenue | $4,000-$4,500 | $5,000+ |
| Average Nightly Rate | $250 | $250-$300 |
| Occupancy | Moderate | Strong for March |
The property outperformed conservative estimates. Most importantly, Micah achieved premium nightly rates—often around $300—despite being a new listing without established reviews.
Understanding the Seasonality
Micah studied his market to understand booking patterns:
Peak Seasons:
March: Spring break travelers visiting family, heading to Galveston
Summer: Peak vacation season
Thanksgiving/Christmas: Family gatherings and holiday visitors
Slower Months:
April: Post-spring break lull
September-October: Back to school season
Hidden Opportunities:Micah discovered a pattern others miss: wedding season. Late April and late May see booking spikes from guests attending weddings in the Houston area. One booking brought in approximately $1,200 for just two nights.
"Weddings—a ton of weddings happen like at the end of April and at the end of May, so I did get a booking for two nights that's like I think it's like a $1,200 booking just because they're having a wedding."
Profit Perspective
Micah's first month showed zero profit on paper—but context matters. He was covering February rent (before going live), dealing with unexpected landlord-related expenses, and investing in getting everything perfect. These are startup costs, not ongoing expenses.
His projection for stabilized operations: $1,500-$2,000 monthly net profit once the business normalizes.
Year-End Goals
| Goal | Target |
|---|---|
| Properties | 4 total |
| Monthly Profit | $8,000 combined |
| Weekly Time Investment | 4-6 hours (setup phase) |
| Maintenance Time | 30 min - 1 hour per property |
Key Lessons: What Micah Learned the Hard Way
Every deal teaches something—usually through pain. Micah's first property came with learning experiences that will save you time and money.
Lesson 1: Get Everything in Writing
The Mistake: Trusting verbal agreements with the landlord
What Happened: Micah and the landlord got along well. Their families connected. Trust was established. So when the landlord made verbal promises about the property's condition and timeline, Micah didn't push for written documentation.
The result? The property wasn't cleaned when Micah took possession. The landlord stayed longer than expected. Things that were "already fixed" turned out to have problems—like a pool heater with a leak that increased both gas and water bills.
Why This Matters: Even the nicest landlord can forget verbal commitments or remember them differently. Written agreements protect both parties and prevent misunderstandings.
"My big thing is like if I could go back, I get everything, everything in writing, everything in the contract."
Lesson 2: Verify the Property Yourself
The Mistake: Taking the landlord's word about property condition
What Happened: The landlords said they'd just renovated—replaced the heater, updated various systems. Micah trusted this. When he got the property, the pool heater had a leak, and there were other issues not mentioned.
Why This Matters: Landlords aren't trying to deceive you, but they may not know about every issue. What seems "fine" to them might be a problem for a short-term rental operation.
Lesson 3: Control Your Maintenance Team
The Mistake: Using the landlord's contractors exclusively
What Happened: The landlord required Micah to use their contractors for repairs. The turnaround time was painfully slow, leading to guest complaints and operational headaches.
Why This Matters: In short-term rentals, speed matters. A broken amenity affects every guest until it's fixed. Slow contractors cost you reviews and bookings.
Lesson 4: Invest in Design Help
The Mistake: This wasn't actually a mistake—Micah did it right
What Happened: By partnering with an interior designer friend, Micah created a property that stands out in photos and delivers a premium guest experience. The relatively small investment in professional design guidance multiplied his property's appeal.
Why This Matters: Airbnb is a visual platform. Guests scroll through dozens of listings before clicking. Professional design—even on a budget—separates you from amateur-looking listings.
Lesson 5: Just Start
The Mistake: Six weeks of analysis paralysis
What Happened: Micah spent roughly six weeks researching the same markets, the same neighborhoods, running the same calculations. The numbers were good from the start—he just couldn't pull the trigger.
Why This Matters: Perfect information doesn't exist. At some point, you have enough data to make a decision. Delaying costs you time, money, and momentum.
"I had to trust that if the numbers are there, you just do it... at the end of the day, I just had to make a conscious decision no matter how scary it was."
Tools & Systems: Micah's Tech Stack
Automation makes Airbnb arbitrage manageable alongside a full-time job. Here's what Micah uses to run his operation in under an hour per week.
Essential Tools Overview
| Category | Tool | Why Micah Uses It |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Pricing | Price Labs | Automatically adjusts rates based on demand, events, and market conditions |
| Property Management | Guesty | Centralizes messaging, booking management, and automation |
| Cleaning Coordination | Turno (planned) | Will automate cleaner scheduling when current team moves |
| Smart Locks | Connected via Guesty | Auto-generates unique codes for each guest |
Price Labs for Dynamic Pricing
Micah relies on Price Labs to handle the complex task of pricing optimization. Instead of manually adjusting rates for weekends, holidays, and local events, the software does it automatically.
How it works:
Connects to your Airbnb listing
Analyzes local demand patterns
Adjusts prices based on seasonality, events, and occupancy
Suggests minimum stays and pricing rules
Why it matters: Micah's $250 target nightly rate often exceeded $300 because Price Labs identified high-demand periods and adjusted accordingly.
Guesty for Automation
Guest communication, booking management, and scheduling all flow through Guesty. This single platform eliminates the need to constantly monitor your phone for messages.
Key features Micah uses:
Automated messaging templates (check-in instructions, house rules, checkout reminders)
Smart lock integration (codes generated and activated automatically)
Calendar management across platforms
Cleaner scheduling notifications
Time savings: Guests receive immediate responses to common questions, even when Micah is at his day job.
The Cleaning Setup
Currently, Micah uses cleaners from his personal network—people he knows from his congregation. This relationship-based approach provides reliability and trust.
When his current cleaners relocate, he plans to transition to Turno (formerly TurnoverBnB), a platform that:
Connects you with vetted local cleaners
Automates scheduling based on checkout times
Sends notifications and photo verification
Handles payment processing
Watch Micah's Full Interview
Video highlights:
0:00 - Introduction and background
5:30 - The analysis paralysis phase
8:45 - Facebook Marketplace messaging approach
14:20 - Property setup and design process
18:30 - First month financial breakdown
21:00 - Future goals and lessons learned
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really find Airbnb properties without cold calling?
Absolutely. Micah's entire first deal came through Facebook Marketplace messaging. He never made a single cold call. While cold calling reaches more landlords faster, it's not the only path. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and even driving-for-dollars to find FSBO (for sale by owner) signs can work for those who prefer written communication over phone calls.
The key is volume. Micah got lucky with a 5-minute response on his first message—that's unusual. Expect to send many messages before finding a responsive landlord. But if cold calling feels impossible for your personality, know that alternatives exist.
How does Airbnb arbitrage work for introverts?
Micah specifically chose this business model because it accommodates introverts. Here's why:
Initial outreach can happen through messages instead of calls. Landlord relationships build over video calls (Zoom) where you can see each other but maintain some distance. Guest communication is almost entirely through the platform's messaging system, automated through tools like Guesty. Day-to-day operations involve coordinating with cleaners and handymen via text.
You're rarely in high-pressure, face-to-face situations. Once you establish relationships, ongoing communication becomes comfortable because these people already know you.
What's the realistic timeline for a first Airbnb property?
Micah took 5 months from joining the program to going live, but he admits 6+ weeks of that was wasted in analysis paralysis. Here's a more realistic breakdown:
Weeks 1-2: Program training, market research basics
Weeks 3-4: Deep market analysis, property criteria definition
Weeks 5-8: Active property search, landlord outreach
Weeks 9-12: Lease signing, property setup, going live
Most focused students secure their first property in 30-60 days. The biggest time sink? Overthinking markets and delaying outreach. The cure? Set deadlines and trust your analysis.
Start Your Airbnb Arbitrage Journey
Ready to build your own Airbnb arbitrage business—even if you hate cold calling?
Micah proved that introverts can succeed in this business. His Facebook Marketplace approach eliminated the phone anxiety that stops many beginners. Five months after joining Legacy Investing Show, he had a property generating $5,000/month.
Learn more about Legacy Investing Show →
Related Success Stories
Helpful Resources
About Legacy Investing Show
Legacy Investing Show is Preston Seo's comprehensive Airbnb arbitrage training program. Since its founding, the program has:
Trained 2,000+ students across the United States
Generated $10M+ in cumulative student revenue
Built a community of active investors sharing strategies and support
Provided scripts, templates, and systems that work for all personality types
Preston Seo has personally built a $15 million real estate portfolio generating over $400,000 per year in net profit from short-term rentals. He created Legacy Investing Show to teach the exact systems that scaled his business.
Learn more about the program → | Watch free training →
This case study is based on Micah Hydrick's video interview conducted in April 2024. All statistics and quotes are directly from Micah's experience. Individual results vary based on market, effort, and capital invested.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Preston Seo
Real estate investor and financial educator helping people build generational wealth through smart investing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Micah used Facebook Marketplace messaging instead of cold calling to find his first property. He sent one message and received a response within 5 minutes, eventually signing a lease without ever making a single phone call.
Micah generated approximately $5,000 in gross revenue in his first month (March 2024) with a single property in Houston. His average nightly rate was $250, though he often exceeded $300 per night on bookings.
Micah invested approximately $15,000 to furnish his first property, which included all furniture, outdoor amenities like a fire pit, pool accessories, and decor. He worked with an interior designer friend to maximize his budget.
Yes, according to Micah. He specifically chose Airbnb arbitrage because it doesn't require face-to-face sales or doorstep interactions. Everything can be done over calls, messages, or even just Facebook Marketplace—making it ideal for introverts.
Micah joined Legacy Investing Show in September 2023 and went live with his first property in February 2024—about 5 months. However, 6-8 weeks of that was spent in analysis paralysis. With focused action, most students can secure a property in 30-60 days.
Micah operates in the Houston area, which benefits from proximity to Galveston (tourist destination), strong corporate travel demand, and events throughout the year. Spring break, summer, and holidays are peak seasons.
No. Micah had no real estate experience before starting. His background was in entrepreneurship (he'd tried Amazon FBA and dropshipping, both of which failed). Legacy Investing Show's training and scripts helped him overcome the learning curve.
Instead of cold calling landlords, you can message property owners directly through Facebook Marketplace rental listings. Micah sent a simple message explaining his business model, and the landlord responded within 5 minutes expressing interest.