Making a Living on Airbnb with Zeona McIntyre #253

Creative Financing

Zeona McIntyre shares her journey of using creative financing strategies to build her Airbnb empire. She initially relied on private money lending, securing loans from a former landlord who believed in her vision. This approach allowed her to bypass traditional mortgage hurdles, especially when her income sources were unconventional.

I had a friend who was a previous landlord of mine, and we had just kind of stayed in touch. And he was a big investor. I think he owns like 18 apartments or something and all in one complex. And so I think I had heard that he gives people loans, and so I just thought, you know what? Let me just try.

--- Zeona McIntyre

As her portfolio grew, Zeona transitioned to partnerships, collaborating with individuals who had cash or stable jobs. This allowed her to continue expanding while sharing the financial responsibilities and benefits 1 2.

   

Subletting

Zeona also delves into the practice of subletting properties on Airbnb, a strategy she used early in her career. She often sublet apartments she was renting, sometimes without the landlord's knowledge, which led to a few close calls. Despite the risks, this method provided her with the initial capital and experience needed to invest in her own properties.

I think there was a part of me that was always kind of worried that a landlord would find out and I would get in trouble somehow, but it didn't really happen that way.

--- Zeona McIntyre

Zeona emphasizes that subletting is negotiable and advises being upfront with landlords about the intention to sublet. She found that many were open to the idea, especially if it meant higher rent or other benefits for them 3 4.