OWNER-OPERATED CALIFORNIA RENTALS

My short-term rental
portfolio

A closer look at the two properties I purchased, launched, and operate myself, from their amenities to the numbers behind the business.

PORTFOLIO

Two STRs I own and operate

I’m not advising from the sidelines. These are properties I purchased, launched, and co-host day to day, doing the same work I do for clients.

01
MADERA COUNTY • MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

Oakhurst, California

A mountain retreat built around outdoor living, with private hot tubs, views, games, a firepit, BBQ, and flexible sleeping across the main home and ADU. Acquired, set up, and co-hosted in-house.

  • Main residence + 1BR ADU
  • Yosemite gateway market
  • Owner-operated
YEAR ONE SNAPSHOT
$525KPurchase price
$70KProperty improvements
$580KValue after year one
$80KGross income, year one
~$15KEstimated cash flow, year one
$180KDepreciation deducted from active income

Positive impact: $55K in property appreciation, a positive estimated cash flow, and a $180K depreciation deduction in year two.

View the Oakhurst listing on Airbnb
02
COACHELLA VALLEY • EVENT MARKET

Coachella Valley

An event-driven desert property where pricing strategy, seasonality, listing presentation, and operational consistency carry the returns. A live case study in running a demand-volatile market well.

  • Demand-sensitive pricing
  • Event & seasonal strategy
  • Owner-operated
TWO-YEAR SNAPSHOT
$550KPurchase price
$300KProperty improvements
$950KValue after year two
$210KGross income, years one and two
~$56KEstimated cash flow, years one and two
$280KDepreciation deducted from active income

Positive impact: $400K in property appreciation, including $100K above total purchase and improvement cost, plus gross income growth from $90K in year one to $120K in year two.

View the Coachella Valley listing on Airbnb
BOTH PROPERTIES, COMBINED

The impact, in one view

One consistent view of the operating income, estimated cash flow, equity growth, and depreciation generated across both properties.

$290KCombined gross income reported
~$70KCombined estimated cash flow
$455KCombined property appreciation
$460KCombined depreciation deductions

Cash flow is an estimate based on 20% down, a 30-year loan at 7%, and a 40% operating-cost allowance applied to gross income; actual financing and expenses vary. Depreciation figures reflect deductions used against active income, not cash savings. I’m a real estate agent, not a CPA, and this is not tax advice. Consult your CPA to determine the tax strategy and potential savings for your specific situation.