Starting a Cohosting Business: A Whirlwind Journey of Growth and Learning
If you had told me two months ago that I would go from owning and operating a single
short-term rental to cohosting three additional properties, I would have thought you were
crazy! But here I am, just one month into this wild ride, and what an exhilarating journey
it has been. Starting my cohosting business has ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, taught
me countless lessons, and shown me just how rewarding the short-term rental industry
can be.
From One Property to Three in Two Months
It all started with the idea of expanding beyond managing my own property. Like many
investors, I began my journey by purchasing and managing a vacation rental. After
learning the ropes, understanding the market, and building a trusted network of
cleaners, maintenance people, and property managers, I felt ready for more.
Enter cohosting.
Cohosting is essentially property management for short-term rentals, where you
manage the operations for owners who might not have the time or expertise to handle
the day-to-day. I knew that with my experience, I could help others while scaling my own
business. What I didn’t expect was how quickly things would move! In just two months, I
went from managing one property to cohosting three additional ones—and the growth hasn’t stopped.
Creating the Business
Starting the business was a whirlwind in itself. From deciding on a name, setting up the
legal framework, and defining my service offerings, there was so much to do. But each
step felt like a piece of the puzzle falling into place. This was my first real foray into
entrepreneurship, and I loved every moment of it.
Finding Clients
Once the business was up and running, the next challenge was finding clients. I knew I
could provide value, but getting others to see that was another thing. I began by tapping
into my network and spreading the word about my services. I worked on my business
website and the SEO behind the scenes. This brought organic traffic to my site, and I
started getting inquiries. I also created a Thumbtack profile and to my surprise, the
leads started coming in quickly!
Multiple Leads, Closing Deals, and Onboarding Properties
The excitement of multiple leads turning into clients was surreal. Closing each deal felt
like a milestone, but it wasn’t just about signing contracts; it was about building
relationships and trust with each property owner. They were trusting me with their
investments, and I was determined to deliver exceptional service.
Onboarding properties, while exciting, was another learning curve. Each property came
with its own unique challenges—whether it was setting up operations, optimizing the
listing, or finding the right local team to support the property’s needs. But with every
property, my confidence and skill set grew.
The Rollercoaster of Operations
With the properties onboarded, it was time to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
Managing guest communications, coordinating with cleaners and maintenance teams,
monitoring reviews, and ensuring smooth check-ins and check-outs are just the
beginning. The day-to-day operations can be intense, but I thrive in this fast-paced
environment. Every problem that arises becomes an opportunity to fine-tune processes
and learn more about the business.
Scaling the Business
Now, two months in, I’m looking ahead to the future. My entrepreneurial spirit is in full
force, and I’m ready to scale this business even further. I want to help as many
investors in the short-term rental space as I can, offering them the peace of mind that
their properties are in good hands. I’ve realized that this business is not just about
managing properties—it’s about creating value, building relationships, and helping
others succeed.
Final Thoughts
Starting a cohosting business has been an incredible learning experience. It’s pushed
me out of my comfort zone, forced me to think on my feet, and allowed me to connect
with amazing people along the way. If you’re thinking about getting into cohosting or
starting your own business, my advice is simple: jump in with both feet. It’s going to be a
whirlwind, but the rewards are more than worth it. Here’s to the next phase of growth
and success!—Allison Craft
Allison@craftycohost.com