Investor Name: Alex Smith
REIS Student: Yes (Elite Student)
Date of Deal Completion: Fall 2023
Deal Type: Short-Term Rental / Luxury Airbnb / Lifestyle Design
Location: Orlando, Florida (near Universal Studios)
Property Type: 4 bed / 3 bath single-family home
Financing: Conventional investment loan, 20% down
Strategy: High-end Airbnb with forced appreciation and unique design features
Alex had always been interested in real estate but hesitated to get in while living in California due to high prices. His first taste came when he bought his mom a home in Vero Beach, Florida, which ended up appreciating by several hundred thousand dollars. That success planted the seed.
After connecting with REIS and Brody Fausett at a mastermind in Lake Powell, Alex was ready to go all in on a short-term rental. With a busy career in solar sales and zero desire to manage renovations or guests, Alex knew he needed a creative solution—and the right partner.
It all started with a random Airbnb stay in Orlando. The property had a beach volleyball court, a tiki bar, custom lighting, and wow-factor design. Alex booked it for a month and got to know the host,
Bill, who turned out to be a licensed real estate agent and STR pro. Over time, they became close friends. Eventually, Alex pitched Bill on a partnership:
- Bill would find the deal
- Renovate the home according to Alex’s vision
- And manage the Airbnb full-time
Alex brought the capital and overall vision. Together, they would create something unforgettable.
- Purchase Price: $559,000
- Down Payment + Closing Costs: $121,000 (20% down + fees)
- Renovation Budget: $87,000 (paid directly to Bill and his wife Fabien)
- Total Cash Invested: ~$210,000
- Loan Type: Conventional investment loan
- Monthly Mortgage: ~$3,500
The home was already renovated on the inside, but the backyard was a blank slate. They saw the opportunity to build a backyard entertainment paradise—one that would make the nightly rate not just justified, but craved.
Alex’s motto? “If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it all the way.” And he did:
- 18-hole mini golf course in the backyard
- 6000 sq ft of turf (replacing grass and dirt)
- Driving range (batting cage style)Beach lounge area with real sand
- Golf pro shop (converted from shed)
- Palm trees and 180 privacy hedges for a private, tropical feel
- Luxury bedding: Purple and Tempur-Pedic mattresses in every room
- Custom floating beds to sleep up to 13 guests comfortably
- Themed interior design done to perfection
The theme: “Hole-in-One Home” — a brand Alex plans to replicate across multiple markets.
December was the first full month on Airbnb. Despite being new and lacking reviews, the property booked
22 nights at an average of $471/night, grossing
$10,362. After management fees and mortgage, Alex netted approximately
$4,500 cash flow in his very first month.
January was already nearly fully booked at $500–600/night, with projections of $13,500 gross and $7,300 net cash flow. That’s $87,000+ per year, with plans to optimize into a six-figure annual profit.
Alex spends zero time on the day-to-day, thanks to his fully managed model. The property doubles as a personal retreat and booking magnet for family, friends, and even investor events.
“Design something you’d want to stay in. Think about the families, the experience, and how to make it unforgettable. Then go all in.” – Alex Smith
He also recommends:
- Partner with people who fill your gaps—time, design, systems
- Don’t cheap out on beds, furniture, or photos
- Create an experience, not just a place to sleep
- Invest in uniqueness—especially in saturated markets
- Podcast Recording: Yes
- Podcast Series: Real Deal Series – Real Estate Investing School
- Guest: Alex Smith
- Host: Brody Fausett
- Episode Title: Real Deal – Alex Smith
- Podcast Link: [Not provided]
- Purchase Price: $559,000
- Down Payment & Closing: $121,000
- Renovation Budget: $87,000
- Total Cash Invested: $210,000
- Monthly Mortgage: ~$3,500
- First Full Month (Dec 2023): $10,362 gross, $4,500 net cash flow
- Projected Monthly Revenue (Peak): $13,500
- Projected Annual Net Cash Flow: $80,000–$100,000
- Cash-on-Cash Return (conservative): ~27%+
- Equity Structure: 100% owned by Alex, no equity partner
- Design matters more than ever in STRs—make your space unforgettable
- You can out-earn average returns by creating above-average experiences
- Choosing the right partner (Bill + Fabien) was everything
- Quality over quantity pays off—one incredible property > five average ones
- Focus on long-term uniqueness to stay ahead of market saturation
Want to build a high-performing Airbnb that stands out and prints cash flow?
The dopest deals come from going all in on the details.
