Pros and Cons of Remote Short Term Rental Ownership
For many investors, the dream of short term rental investing goes beyond buying in their own backyard. Maybe you live in a city with limited vacation rental demand, but you’ve been eyeing the Smoky Mountains, the Emerald Coast of Florida, or Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The good news? Thanks to today’s tools and systems, remote short term rental ownership is not only possible — it’s more common than ever.
But just like any investment strategy, there are both advantages and challenges to consider before buying a vacation rental in a market far from home. Let’s break it down.
The Pros of Remote Short Term Rental Ownership
1. Access to Stronger Markets
The biggest benefit is the ability to invest where the numbers make sense. Maybe your local market doesn’t allow short term rentals or simply doesn’t attract tourists. By buying remotely, you can target proven destinations like the Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, or the North Georgia Mountains.
👉 Learn more: Buying a Short Term Rental in the Smoky Mountains
2. Diversification of Income
Owning rentals in different regions helps protect your portfolio. If one market slows due to seasonality or regulations, another market may be thriving. This type of diversification is especially attractive to investors scaling from one to five properties.
👉 Related: Scaling from 1 to 5 Properties
3. It’s Easier Than You Think
Many new investors worry that managing a vacation rental remotely is complicated, but the reality is that with proper training it often takes less than one hour a week per property. Guests don’t typically bombard you with questions, and most communication can be automated.
The Short Term Shop trains every client on how to self-manage remotely, including:
Automated messaging systems
Digital guidebooks for guests
Smart locks and security systems
Vendor contacts for cleaning and maintenance
The Cons of Remote Short Term Rental Ownership
1. Limited Local Presence
If something goes wrong, you can’t just hop in your car and handle it yourself. That’s why having a reliable network of vendors (cleaners, handymen, HVAC techs) is crucial.
Fortunately, at The Short Term Shop, our team of savvy short term rental agents connects you with trusted local vendors in every market we serve.
2. Higher Learning Curve
Remote owners need to be disciplined about learning market-specific nuances — like seasonality, regulations, and guest expectations. That’s why we always recommend working with a short term rental expert who knows the local landscape.
👉 Explore: Choosing the Right Short Term Rental Market
3. Financing & Insurance Challenges
Some lenders and insurance providers are stricter about out-of-state ownership. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to account for in your upfront planning.
How The Short Term Shop Makes Remote Ownership Possible
Here’s the truth: most of our 5,000+ clients are remote owners. They live in one state and own in another — and they’re thriving.
When you work with The Short Term Shop, you’re not just getting a real estate agent; you’re getting a partner who:
Helps you choose the right market based on data
Connects you with financing, insurance, and vendors
Trains you to self-manage so you don’t need a property manager
Provides access to Short Term Shop Plus — mentorship, community, and ongoing support
This is why we’ve sold over $3.5 billion in short term rentals and been recognized as one of the top real estate teams in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
Remote short term rental ownership comes with both opportunities and challenges. The good news is that with the right systems, vendors, and education, the pros far outweigh the cons.
If you’re ready to invest in a vacation rental outside your hometown, we’d love to help you get started.
Contact The Short Term Shop
📞 Phone: 800-898-1498
📧 Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
🌐 Website: The Short Term Shop
🎙️ Podcast: The Short Term Show
👥 Mentorship: Join Short Term Shop Plus
📅 Schedule a Call: Office Hours Sign-Up
FAQ: Remote Short Term Rental Ownership
Q: Can I really manage a short term rental from across the country?
A: Yes — with automations, smart locks, and vendor support, many investors self-manage their rentals while living hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Q: Do I need a property manager if I’m a remote owner?
A: Not necessarily. At The Short Term Shop, we teach you how to manage your rental in less than an hour a week, saving you thousands in management fees.
Q: What happens if there’s an emergency at my property?
A: That’s where your vendor team comes in. Cleaners, handymen, and local tradespeople handle issues on your behalf. We help you set this network up.
Q: Is remote short term rental ownership riskier than local investing?
A: It comes with unique challenges, but diversification and professional guidance make it a powerful strategy.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Always consult with your CPA, attorney, or financial advisor before making investment decisions.
