Live Let Thrive Podcast

Hosted by Live Let Thrive

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

340

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Airbnb, PadSplit, Corporate Rentals, Arbitrage, Live Let Thrive covers all the creative ways to rent out your properties to maximize profits. We also get into buying properties in creative ways. Come along for the ride and have some fun along the way!

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June 10, 2026Episode 3441 hr 18 min

AI, PadSplit Chaos, Creative Financing, and Real Estate Wins

It’s been a long time since Myka and Steve caught up on the podcast, and they have a lot to talk about.In Episode 344 of Live Let Thrive, the guys dive into everything from AI-powered real estate tools and creative financing strategies to wild PadSplit stories, insurance claim wins, and the latest updates on the World Cup booking craze.They discuss:➡️ Using AI to improve pricing and revenue management➡️ Creative financing, subject-to deals, and seller financing➡️ Real estate investing strategies in today’s market➡️ A $44,000 insurance claim success story➡️ PadSplit profits, challenges, and unforgettable tenant experiences➡️ World Cup booking expectations vs. reality➡️ Building wealth through real estate and smart leverage➡️ Why access to MLS data can be a game changer🎧 Tune in and see if this hidden side hustle could be your next moveInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks!⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A⁠Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriagehttps://www.youtube.com/@EntrepremarriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

May 12, 2026Episode 34353 min

How Strong Are Your Systems? Managing 60 Units and Scaling with PadSplit

In another solo episode, Stevie Stacks takes the mic to discuss the unglamorous side of growing a real estate empire. While managing a portfolio of 60 units, Stevie was put to the test when his key team member took a week off, proving that a business is only as strong as the systems left behind.Stevie dives into the "Ewing Effect" in business—how a team can actually find new strengths when a top performer is away—and shares his personal experience jumping back into the daily grind of drafting leases and managing inquiries.What you’ll hear in this episode:The Systems Reality Check: Why "boring" processes are the only way to scale without burning out.Tech & Hardware: Stevie’s take on the current Mac Mini shortage, the power of using AI to professionalize listing photos, and why he is moving away from high-maintenance smart locks in favor of reliable manual keypads.The PadSplit Pivot: How Stevie is filling rooms in record time in transit-lite cities like Arlington and his strategy for furnishing a 6-room property for under $3,000 using recycled gear and savvy Amazon finds.Lessons from the Past: A look back at Stevie’s first major eviction and how facing that "worst-case scenario" removed the fear of growing his business.New Acquisitions: The details of a recent "Subject-To" deal and how he's turning a new property into a high-cash-flow corporate rental.Whether you are managing one unit or sixty, this episode is a deep dive into the grit, technology, and operations required to thrive in the modern rental market.Work With UsInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks!⁠⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referr...⁠Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage ⁠ / @entrepremarriage ⁠Click our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠⁠⁠#airbnb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#airbnbhost⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#shorttermrentals⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#BRRRR⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realestate⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#turo⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#homeaway⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#VRBO⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#corporatehousing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#shareeconomy⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#podcasts⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#podcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#liveletthrive⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realestateinvesting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#airbnbsuperhost⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#airbnbpodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#sharebnb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#liveletthrivepodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#biggerpockets⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#shorttermrentals⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#directbookings⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#directbooking⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#bookdirect

April 30, 2026Episode 34245 min

Navigating Maintenance Meltdowns and Scaling with PadSplits

In this episode, Stevie Stacks shares the "un-glamorous" side of arbitrage, specifically a major plumbing disaster and the frustration of being denied insurance coverage for lost revenue. He also explains his shift toward PadSplits, converting 3-bedroom houses into 6-unit properties and using "cloud-based" key systems to streamline operations.➡️ Insurance & Maintenance: Managing a pipe burst and the reality of insurance denials for plumbing issues. ➡️ PadSplit Conversions: Transforming a 3-bedroom home into a 6-unit rental, featuring a garage conversion. ➡️ Creative Financing: Buying properties via owner financing and "subject-to" deals to bypass traditional banks. ➡️ AI Tech Hacks: Using ChatGPT for listing photo touch-ups and Walmart kiosks for digital key backups. ➡️ Rental Grade Success: Furnishing a 6-unit property for under $3,000 with "rental grade" items. ➡️ Operations: Implementing lockboxes with spare batteries and tools to prevent midnight lockouts. ➡️ Market Strategy: Prioritizing consistent corporate leases over the gamble of World Cup short-term bookings.🎧 Tune in and see if this hidden side hustle could be your next moveInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks!⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A⁠Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepremarriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

April 24, 2026Episode 3412 hr 2 min

The Hidden Side Hustle: He Built a Vending Business While Working 9-5

What if your next income stream is hiding in plain sight? 💸This week new episode of Live Let Thrive, Steve sits down with vending machine entrepreneur Matthew Thompson for a conversation that started as a simple consultation—but turned into a masterclass on building a profitable vending machine business.Matthew breaks down how he went from learning everything on “YouTube University” to owning and scaling vending locations, sharing real insights on what actually works (and what doesn’t). From choosing the right machines and locations to understanding pricing, customer behavior, and profit margins—this episode is packed with practical gems.Whether you’re in Airbnb, mid-term rentals, PadSplit, or just looking for another income stream, this conversation might open your eyes to a whole new opportunity.Matthew walks through:→ How Matthew got started in vending machines→ Why turnkey locations matter (and how to evaluate them)→ The importance of data, pricing, and customer demand→ Card readers, profit margins, and hidden costs→ Best-selling products and trends (energy drinks, snacks, and more)→ Mistakes to avoid when starting out→ Building generational wealth through businessIf you’ve ever thought about starting a side hustle—but didn’t know where to begin—this episode gives you a real, practical look at what it takes.Matthew Thompson w/Legacy Vending LLC. Phone: 682-215-3939Email: Thompsonlegacyvending@gmail.comxFor Consulting or assistance with your vending journey whether you are just starting, think about starting, or already have started and need some assistance with all aspect when it comes to Starting and Scaling a Vending BusinessNeeding help with locations, pricing, purchasing machines, and anything operational, mechanical.Matthew also has a Party and Event rental business named StarPoint Events. StarPoint Events offer quality chairs, tables, and tents for rent. Balloon Arch and other balloon services are also offered. Partnered with Summer Washington both are ready to provide all event rental needs. Please check them out at their user friendly website at starpointeventsco.comName: StarPoint EventsEmail: starpointeventsco@gmail.comPhone: 469-629-6225Website: starpointeventsco.com🎧 Tune in and see if this hidden side hustle could be your next moveWork With UsInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks!⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A⁠Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepremarriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

April 22, 202650 min

Is It Time to Quit? Testing the Waters of Full-Time Real Estate Investing

Welcome back to Live, Let, Thrive, the podcast for everything related to Airbnb, the shared economy, and real estate investing. In this solo episode, Stevie Stacks reflects on the importance of building a reliable team and shares a high-stakes story from his early days that changed his perspective on property management.In this episode, we discuss:Weathering the Storm: How a strong team and proactive winterization saved his Texas properties during a recent ice storm.The Power of Systems: A throwback to a stressful night at the hospital that taught Stevie why he could no longer be the "bottleneck" in his business.The Leap to Full-Time: Stevie shares his real-time math on health insurance costs and why he’s considering a leave of absence from his 9-5 to focus on growing from 50 to 100 units.New Ventures: A sneak peek into upcoming episodes about the world of vending machine investing.Work With Us Interested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms: Myka (Sharebnb): www.sharebnb.comSteven (Argest Rentals): www.ArgestRentals.comCheck out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

April 15, 2026Episode 3401 hr 13 min

How AI is Replacing Property Management Software: The $200 vs $20 Revolution

We are BACK! After a long hiatus, Myka and Steve return for new episode to discuss the massive shifts in their real estate businesses. From replacing expensive software with AI to navigating the wild world of PadSplits, this episode is packed with actionable insights for every investor.In this episode, we dive into:Firing the PMS: Micah explains why he ditched his Property Management Software to run his entire operation through Claude AI for just $40/month—saving thousands in fees.AI-Driven Operations: How to use "Claude Cowork" and bots to automate guest messaging, PriceLabs updates, and even build websites in minutes.The PadSplit Goldmine: Steve shares how he’s turning a 4-bedroom house into a 6-bedroom cash cow, generating over $4,000/month in a "C-class" neighborhood.Real Tenant Stories: What happens when a tenant goes to jail? Steve discusses the realities of managing "the hood," room inspections, and why strict screening is your best friend.AI Investing Mindset: Why AI should be used to 10X your existing knowledge rather than just seeking quick answersWork With UsInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:Myka (Sharebnb): www.sharebnb.comSteven (Argest Rentals): www.ArgestRentals.comSign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks!https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509ACheck out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage https://www.youtube.com/@Entrepremarriagehttps://www.youtube.com/@EntrepremarriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

January 28, 2026Episode 3381 hr 8 min

"Dalaska" Cold, Pungent PadSplits, & the Austin Real Estate Crash

Join Myka and Stevie Stacks as they dive into the unglamorous but essential "in-the-trenches" side of property management. From bracing for "Dalaska" ice storms to battling "pungent" room turnovers and exploring major shifts in the Texas real estate market, this episode covers the full spectrum of modern real estate investing.In this episode, we discuss:Preparing for "Dalaska": How we are winterizing our DFW and Arkansas portfolios, installing faucet covers, and instructing tenants to drip pipes to survive the upcoming ice storm.The PadSplit "Smell" Saga: Stevie shares a wild story about a tenant move-out that left a room "odorific" and pungent. We break down the exact cleaning kit used to save the space—including Lysol, ozone machines, and Febreze plug-ins.Automating the Gritty Work: Can you truly automate evictions? We discuss the reality of getting non-paying tenants out and why PadSplit residents often move out without a legal fight compared to traditional rentals.The Austin Real Estate "Crash": Why rental values are plummeting in Austin and our thoughts on Brandon Turner’s big move to the Texas capital to manage his struggling multifamily funds.10-House Goal for 2024: Stevie breaks down his "lofty" goal of acquiring 10 houses this year and how he’s using quarterly tracking and a whiteboard to stay on pace.The OPM Debate: Why Stevie is sticking to single-family investing with his own capital rather than using "Other People’s Money" (OPM) during this market cycle.Demographic Clashes: How high-income medical professionals from Furnished Finder are meshing with traditional PadSplit residents in the same house.National Watch: Our take on the Trump administration's proposals for 50-year mortgages and 10% interest caps on credit cards.Connect with us:Work With Us Interested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms: Myka (Sharebnb): www.sharebnb.comSteven (Argest Rentals): www.ArgestRentals.comCheck out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive🎙️✨#LiveLetThrive #RealEstateInvesting #PadSplit #DFWRealEstate #MidTermRentals #Entrepreneurship #PropertyManagement #BrandonTurner #TexasRealEstate

January 21, 2026Episode 3371 hr 7 min

Turning Liabilities into Assets: Mexico Lessons, PadSplits, and Your AI Safety Net

In Episode 337, Myka and Steve discuss the power of the "upsell" and why every entrepreneur needs to look for ways to turn liabilities into assets. Steve shares stories from his two-week trip to Mexico, including a surprising business lesson from a local barbershop that sparked a larger conversation on maximizing revenue in the real estate space.The guys debate the logistics of adding vending machines to PadSplits and whether the extra cash flow is worth the management. They also explore the "4-3-2-1" method for young investors to reach financial independence and Steve’s potential venture into high-end "crash pads" for airline professionals. Finally, Micah explains why mastering technical skills like AI prompt engineering is the ultimate career insurance for today’s economy.In this episode, we discuss:➡️The Mexican Barbershop Lesson: How a small hustle in Guadalajara turns every customer into ten sales.➡️Vending Machines in PadSplits: Discussing the potential for energy drinks and snacks to boost revenue.➡️The "4-3-2-1" Method: A roadmap for building a 9-door portfolio with minimal down payments.➡️High-End Crash Pads: Steve’s look into seller-financed properties for pilots and flight attendants.➡️AI as Career Insurance: Why honing your AI skills is the best backup plan for any professional.➡️Freedom, Option, and Choice: The true meaning of financial independenceConnect with the Live Let Thrive Team For episode updates, networking opportunities, and more resources, visit our official website or reach out via email. 🌐 Website: www.LiveLetThrive.com 📧 Email: LiveLetThrive@gmail.com 📱 Social Media: Follow us @LiveLetThriveWork With Us Interested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Micah and Steve through their respective management firms: Myka (ShareBNB): www.sharebnb.comSteven (Argest Rentals): www.ArgestRentals.comStay Informed Don't miss a beat! Access our latest podcast news, upcoming events, and exclusive links through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

January 14, 2026Episode 33526 min

Pivoting for 2026: Why I’m Stepping Back From STRs and Refocusing on Long-Term Wealth

In the final episode of Live Let Thrive for 2025, I’m flying solo and getting real about what this year taught me as a real estate investor. While 2025 wasn’t a loss, it was a stress test — especially during a slow season where mid-term demand softened and high-maintenance short-term holiday guests took center stage.In this episode, I break down why we’re pivoting our strategy in 2026 by stepping back from heavy STR and MTR operations and refocusing on long-term rentals for stability, predictability, and sustainability. I explain how we’re still using short-term rentals strategically for tax advantages like the STR loophole and cost segregation — but no longer building our entire business around them.I also share how turning ChatGPT into my CFO helped us analyze overhead, cut unnecessary expenses, and make clearer financial decisions — and why adaptability, not loyalty to a single strategy, is what keeps investors in the game long term.If you’re feeling stretched by short-term rentals, questioning your current strategy, or looking to build real estate wealth that lasts beyond market cycles, this episode is for you.LLT info: Hit us up!www.LiveLetThrive.comLiveLetThrive@gmail.com@LiveLetThrive on the socials!Management Companies:ArgestRentals.comSharebnb.comLooking for a great Arbitrage? Click here! ⁠https://zfrmz.com/zIRCwmIDcwNcZ5LXSiJ4⁠or visit Lo-Casa.com and tell them Live Let Thrive sent you!Click our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

January 14, 2026Episode 33640 min

Stevie Stacks 2025 Recap: From Airbnb Arbitrage to PadSplit Pro

We were supposed to share this with you before the New Year, but as the saying goes—it’s better late than never!In this solo episode, Steve "Stevie Stacks" gets real about "tending the garden" of his real estate portfolio. From buying houses with zero bank involvement to converting properties into high-cash-flow PadSplits, this is the raw blueprint of how he navigated 2025 and why he’s targeting 10 houses in 2026. Key Highlights from the 2025 Recap:Portfolio Growth: How Steve purchased 3 houses in Grand Prairie, North Mission Hills, and Euless—using seller financing for two of them to avoid the "BS" of traditional banks. The PadSplit Pivot: The technical process of converting 3 and 4-bedroom homes into 6-bedroom affordable housing units that can generate up to $5,000/month. Finance Mastery: Insights into doing two cash-out refis and why he’s sitting on cash to wait for "great" rather than "okay" opportunities. The "Appraisal Trap": A must-hear warning about why you should never put up PadSplit walls until after your reappraisal is complete. Tax Strategies: Using Cost Segregation and 100% bonus depreciation to wipe out tax burdens and fuel the "velocity of money." Passion Projects: Steve’s move into "Zen" minimalist design for a new Fort Worth apartment arbitrage.LLT info: Hit us up!www.LiveLetThrive.comLiveLetThrive@gmail.com@LiveLetThrive on the socials!Management Companies:Myka: www.sharebnb.comSteven: www.argestRentals.comClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive#airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect