[Day 3] From One to Many: The Roadmap to Becoming a Professional PM

Looking forward to leading our discussion on this topic! Feel free to share any particular focuses you are hoping will be covered in this segment, and I will try and make sure those get covered :) 

[Recap]

From One to Many: The Roadmap to Becoming a Professional PM

Tony Hughes

Why scaling requires a mindset shift

Moving from one property to multiple is less about doing more work and more about changing how you think. The skills that make someone a great single-property host—hands-on involvement, personal oversight, and ad hoc decision-making—don’t scale. Growth requires systems, clear agreements, and a shift from “host” to “operator.”

Successful operators design their business to work without constant intervention.

Proven ways to find properties to co-host

Tony shared multiple acquisition channels that consistently outperform cold outreach when used intentionally:

Zillow
Furnished listings with poor photos, long time-on-market, or unrealistic rent expectations often signal frustrated owners. These properties are ideal opportunities to pitch STR optimization and management, especially in strong locations.

FOIA and STR permit lists
In many U.S. markets, hosts can request public records of licensed STR owners. This provides a vetted list of legal operators who may be overwhelmed, remote, or dissatisfied with large management companies.

Facebook groups (value-first approach)
Direct pitching rarely works. Providing real value—such as photo audits, listing feedback, or operational advice—builds credibility and naturally opens the door to co-hosting conversations.

Airbnb Co-Host Network
Strong ratings and fast response times increase visibility to owners seeking co-hosts. While not all leads are qualified, disciplined filtering makes this a viable channel.

The “UI method”
Target underperforming but high-earning listings with poor reviews or presentation. The time to manage a low-performing property is nearly identical to a high-performing one—so focus on revenue potential, not unit count.

Systems that make multi-property management sustainable

Scaling without structure leads to burnout. Tony emphasized setting expectations early and using tools that support:

• Automated guest communication

• Owner statements and transparency

• Clear division of responsibilities (maintenance, supplies, taxes)

• Separate legal entities for hosting vs. co-hosting

The goal is consistency—across guests, owners, and operations.

The takeaway for hosts

Growth doesn’t start with more listings. It starts with better systems, clearer agreements, and intentional acquisition. Hosts who scale successfully treat property management as a business, not an extension of personal hosting habits.

Community Q&A highlights

Should co-hosting be set up as a separate business entity?
Yes. Keeping co-hosting operations separate from personally owned properties simplifies accounting, tax reporting, and liability management. It also prevents commingling funds, which becomes critical once managing owner payouts.

How do you take over a poorly performing Airbnb listing?
If reviews are beyond recovery (e.g., 4.4 with high volume), it can be better to deactivate the listing and relaunch fresh. While this removes old positive reviews, it allows the property to reset and pursue higher algorithmic visibility.

What commission percentage is typical for co-hosts?
Most co-hosts charge 20–25%, though this varies by market, revenue volume, and services included. Lower-revenue or higher-effort properties often justify higher percentages, while competitive vacation markets may trend lower.

What insurance should co-hosts carry?
Many hosts use per-stay coverage providers that insure both owners and property managers. If owners already carry STR insurance, co-hosts should be added as additionally insured.

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Replay link.

Experience Mogul

• Existing users can reach out to Hospitable team to set up a trial of the Mogul plan
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