Not every rental strategy fits every lifestyle—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re just getting started with your first property or already thinking about scaling your portfolio, the strategy you choose can completely shape your experience as an investor. It’s not just about cash flow or ROI—it’s also about how hands-on you want to be, what kind of tenants you want to attract, and how stable or flexible you want your income to be.

Let’s break down four of the most common types of rental strategies, so you can start to build the kind of real estate portfolio that actually works for you.

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Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Think Airbnbs + Second Homes

Short-term rentals are exactly what they sound like—fully furnished homes or units rented out by the night, usually in areas with strong tourism or seasonal travel. If you’ve stayed in an Airbnb, you already understand the model. But as an investor, STRs offer a unique opportunity: the chance to generate strong rental income and still use the property yourself a few times a year.

They’re especially powerful in vacation markets like St. Pete Beach, Gatlinburg, and Maryville. Places where guests are always searching for a cozy beach weekend getaway or mountain escape. You’ll need to be ready for more guest management and potential regulation, but if you like the idea of a hybrid investment + lifestyle property, this could be your sweet spot.

This is a great fit for you if:

• You’re buying in a place you’d personally vacation
• You don’t mind managing turnovers or hiring a property manager
• You’re drawn to the idea of higher income potential (with some seasonality)

Pros:

• Nightly income = higher cash flow potential
• You can still use the property personally
• Great tax perks if structured properly
• Works well in Maryville TN, St. Pete Beach, or Gatlinburg

Cons:

• Regulations can be strict
• Income varies by season
• More hands-on (or higher management costs)

How to run the numbers:
Use AirDNA for detailed insights on occupancy, daily rates, and annual income. Want even more competitive data? PriceLabs offers market dashboards so you can compare performance and pricing in your exact zip code.

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Mid-Term Rentals (MTRs): The Traveling Nurse + Remote Worker Sweet Spot

Mid-term rentals (30–90 day leases) are one of the fastest-growing strategies for investors, thanks to the rise of remote work and the constant demand from snowbirds, travel nurses, contract workers, and digital nomads. Unlike short-term rentals, they don’t require daily turnover. And unlike long-term rentals, they offer more flexibility and often higher monthly income.

They’re a great option if you want cash flow without the chaos—especially in cities with hospitals, universities, or booming tech scenes. Plus, mid-term renters often take better care of the space than overnight guests since they’re staying a bit longer.

This is a great fit for you if:

• You’re furnishing a unit and want longer stays than STRs
• You’re near a major hospital, base, or business hub
• You want consistent income without the daily guest management

Pros:

• Less turnover than STRs
• Higher rent than long-term leases
• Reliable demand in the right areas

Cons:

• Still need to furnish and manage guest transitions
• Not always protected by traditional landlord-tenant laws
• Some seasonal slowdowns

How to run the numbers:
Check Furnished Finder to see what similar units are earning in your area. You can also scan Zillow or Craigslist for comps—just filter for furnished, short-term stays.

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Long-Term Rentals (LTRs): The Classic 12-Month Lease

Long-term rentals are the tried-and-true path for many investors—and for good reason. They offer stability, predictability, and require less active management. You’re typically signing a 12-month lease, collecting consistent rent, and avoiding the constant turnover of short- or mid-term options.

This is also the easiest entry point for a lot of first-time investors—especially if you’re upsizing or relocating and thinking about keeping your current home. With rents rising in many markets and demand for quality housing staying strong, long-term rentals remain a solid foundation for building wealth through real estate.

This is a great fit for you if:

• You want a more passive investment
• You’re planning to relocate and keep your current home
• You’re building for slow, steady growth

Pros:

• Predictable monthly income
• Lower management needs
• Easier to finance with normally slightly better rates
• Tenants usually pay utilities

Cons:

• Rent increases are slow
• Vacancies = full income loss
• Less flexibility once leased

How to run the numbers:
Rentometer is your go-to tool. It gives a snapshot of average rents based on unit size and location. Want real-time comps? Cross-check with Zillow Rentals to see what’s listed in your zip code right now. But remember, just because its listed for rent at a price, doesn’t mean it will rent at that price.

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Section 8 & Government-Subsidized Rentals

Section 8 is a program that provides housing assistance to qualifying tenants by covering a portion of their rent through government vouchers. As an investor, this strategy offers consistent rent payments, lower vacancy rates, and the opportunity to provide housing in underserved areas.

It’s not for everyone, there are inspections and guidelines you’ll need to follow, but it can be a smart option if you’re looking for stability and want to create impact through housing. Section 8 tenants often stay longer, and with the right setup, the program can offer long-term peace of mind for landlords.

This is a great fit for you if:

• You’re looking for long-term, reliable income
• You’re open to meeting housing standards + inspection guidelines
• You like the idea of helping underserved renters

Pros:

• Government pays most (or all) of the rent
• Lower vacancy risk
• Tenants often stay longer

Cons:

• Annual inspections
• Slower onboarding process
• Rents may be capped depending on location

How to run the numbers:
Start with Rentometer to estimate rent value. Then check your local Housing Authority’s Payment Standards to see what voucher rates apply in your area. You’ll want to make sure your property qualifies based on size, location, and condition.

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Your Rental Strategy Should Match You

There’s no one-size-fits-all investment strategy… and that’s actually the point. You can build around your lifestyle, your market, and your comfort level. If you’re just starting out, don’t feel like you have to choose the “perfect” one, just the one that fits your goals right now.

And if you’re not sure which path is best for your property or your situation? That’s where I come in. I work with investors across the country to help them map out the right financing and strategy to grow confidently and sustainably.

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Let’s Make a Plan Together

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Or send me a message—I’d love to help you build a rental strategy that fits you.