Bill Faeth Unfiltered

Hosted by Bill Faeth

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222

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Ready to build your Short Term Rental wealth? Learn more at: https://buildstrwealth.com/. Short Term Rentals have been a game-changer for the real estate industry. And no one knows this better than Bill Faeth. As a successful Short Term Rental Investor and Host, Bill has seen firsthand how powerful the Short Term Rental model can be. And now, he's sharing his knowledge with the world through his new podcast, STR Unfiltered. On each episode, Bill breaks down the ins and outs of Short Term Rental Hosting, giving listeners actionable advice that they can use to take their businesses to the next level. Whether you're just starting in Short Term Rentals or looking to take your business to new heights, STR Unfiltered is a must-listen. So what are you waiting for? Tune in today and learn from the best in the business!

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April 16, 202621 min

Brea Faeth: We Went $1,000,000 Over Budget… And I'd Do It Again

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader 💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth? Bill and Brea Faeth went $1,000,000 over budget on their Whitefish, Montana property — and they'd do it again without hesitation. In this episode, they break down every dollar spent and exactly why each one was an investment in marketability, not just aesthetics. We get into the property's $2.7M-to-$5.2M value jump, how clearing a chain link fence and a row of maple trees unlocked the direct view of Glacier National Park that led Patryk Swietek to call it the #1 Airbnb in Montana, and the renovation decisions behind the $1.1M spend — from $35,000 in hand-painted murals to $150,000 in electrical to $95,000 in tile. We also talk about Brea's "one piece of jewelry per room" design rule, how she sourced a chandelier from the Kalispell Airport ceiling and tracked it down on Amazon for $200, why they designed every inch of this property for resale and not just STR income, and the 5-year appreciation math on a $5M property that could turn a $3.8M total investment into an $8–9M exit. If you're building an STR business and want to understand how to design and renovate for marketability, long-term wealth, and multiple exit strategies, this one's worth your time. Chapters 00:00 – Bill Faeth Unfiltered with Brea Faeth 00:04 – Yes, They'd Do It Again: How a $1M Over-Budget Reno Created $2.5M in Value 01:36 – What Made Patryk Swietek Call This the #1 Airbnb in Montana 03:28 – "We're Buying Marketability": The Mindset That Justifies Every Big Spend 06:47 – The "One Piece of Jewelry Per Room" Rule That Separates Good STR Design from Great 09:00 – From Kalispell Airport to Amazon: How Brea Found a $5,000 Chandelier for $200 11:13 – Chevron Fireplaces, Plaid Wallpaper, and Using Design to Bring the Sky Inside 13:29 – $35K in Hand-Painted Murals, $150K in Electrical: When to Say Yes to the Big Numbers 17:06 – Three Exit Strategies, Not Just STR: How This Property Is Built to Sell 19:00 – The 5-Year Appreciation Play: Could a $3.8M Investment Become $8–9M? Connect with Bill Faeth 🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaeth

November 20, 202550 min

The Power of a One-Second Decision: Buy, Sell, or Scale Your Airbnb Portfolio with Confidence with David Angotti

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Most people overcomplicate success. David Angotti breaks down why making money gets easier once you truly understand risk, build confidence through small wins, and stay consistent longer than everyone else.We get into hiring, ownership mentality, scaling the right way, and why the last 5% of effort is what separates elite operators from average ones.We also talk about Vacasa’s transition, fixing guest experience, and how discipline in fitness mirrors discipline in business.If you’re building an STR business and want to sharpen your mindset, this one’s worth your time.Chapters00:00 – Bill Faeth Unfiltered with David Angotti01:51 – The Small “Taste of Success” That Changes Someone’s Entire Mindset03:34 – How to Spot True Ownership Mentality Before You Hire05:40 – The Costco Sample Test: Stop Hiring Without Proof08:19 – Vacasa’s Massive Shift: Localizing 44,000 Properties10:37 – Removing Guest Apprehension: The Real Battle Against Hotels14:58 – The Missed Fear: Guests Don’t Trust Check-In (Here’s How to Fix It)18:24 – The SmokyMountains.com Playbook: Free Value First, Profit Second22:05 – How Ultramarathons Built an Elite Business Mindset32:31 – The 1-Second Decisions That Change Your Life and Your BusinessConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

November 18, 202551 min

Our Biggest Project Yet: Best Airbnb Amenities + Full Tour + Breakdown of Soaring Eagle Lodge

✅ Shop my favorite amenities for Airbnbs: https://www.amazon.com/shop/billfaeth73 (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) ✅ FREE masterclass - how to earn $250K+ NET per year from Airbnb: https://buildstrwealth.com/550250masterclass✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✅ FREE community: Join 33K+ hosts growing their wealth with STRs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508/?mibextid=oMANbw💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?I’ve never shown a project like this in so much detail. Soaring Eagle Lodge started as a dated 7,200+ sq ft Golden Girls time capsule and we turned it into a 10-bedroom, multi-revenue mega super property with an STR, luxury wedding venue, and private indoor pickleball club. In this full walkthrough, I break down the design decisions Brea and I made, how we sourced “Restoration Hardware” looks on a HomeGoods budget, how we protected multiple exit strategies, and how we pushed the valuation into the $5M+ range. If you’re trying to understand what intentional design, layout, amenities, and underwriting actually look like in the real world—not theory—you’re going to want to watch this one start to finish.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Soaring Eagle Lodge: From Golden Girls to $5M Mega Property02:36 – Why Every Design Decision Starts With an Exit Strategy04:42 – The “Fifth Surface” Rule: How Ceilings Transform a Room07:13 – Designing With Intention: Views, Value, and Resale Strategy10:55 – Restoration Hardware on a HomeGoods Budget (Bria’s Sourcing Secrets)15:18 – The $68K Lesson in Landscaping and Wedding Venue Design17:10 – Glow-in-the-Dark Game Room: Turning Nostalgia Into Marketing Power19:09 – How to Build a Movie Theater Without Boxing In Your Exit22:33 – Designing for Emotion: The Bridal Suite and Ghost Tree Aesthetic28:39 – How We Added Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and $1.5M in Value38:52 – Three Revenue Streams, One Property: STR + Venue + Pickleball Club45:32 – Inside the Super Factory: Building the Ultimate Event and Education SpaceConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

October 30, 202514 min

I Lost $126,000 So You Don’t Have To (The Airbnb Mistake That Changed Everything)

👇 Get the free tools mentioned:✅ Super Property Grader: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✅ Proforma: https://buildstrwealth.com/proforma✅ Bella Vista Case Study: https://buildstrwealth.com/bellavistacasestudy💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?I lost $126,000 on my second short-term rental — and it was the best lesson I’ve ever learned.In this episode of Bill Faeth Unfiltered, I’m unpacking exactly what went wrong… and how it forced me to start running my STRs like a real business.You’ll learn the systems I built after that failure — including why I never buy a property without seeing it in person, how I use the Super Grader to analyze deals, and the design decisions that make a property super.If you’re ready to stop guessing and start running your STR portfolio like a pro, this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 – The $126K Lesson That Changed How I Invest Forever01:48 – How a Beach House in Gulf Shores Sparked It All03:22 – The Marketing Hack That Turned “Average” Into Profitable05:40 – The Game-Day Decision That Cost Me Everything07:18 – The Contractor Scam I Never Saw Coming09:05 – What Losing It All Taught Me About Process11:10 – Why I’ll Never Buy Another Property Sight-Unseen13:00 – The Super Grader: How I Analyze Every STR Deal15:05 – The Design Mistake 3,000+ Hosts Are Still Making17:40 – The Mindset Shift That Turns “Normal” Properties Into Super PropertiesConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

October 14, 202530 min

From $2.75M to $4M in 8 Weeks: My Most Profitable Airbnb Renovation Yet

✨ Learn how to create show-stopping STR designs - without the expensive designer fees: https://www.buildstrwealth.com/strdesignschool💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Ever wonder how a $300K renovation budget turns into a $600K one — and still makes sense? This project in Whitefish, Montana started as a simple house flip and evolved into three businesses in one property: a luxury wedding venue, a private pickleball club, and a high-end STR. Along the way, we’ve added value in ways most investors overlook — from buying extra land and regrading the ceremony space to designing for exit resale at $4M+ instead of just nightly revenue.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the decisions behind those numbers — the stress, the design upgrades, and the strategic thinking that turns big budgets into even bigger returns. Whether you’re renovating a small condo or scaling into luxury, these principles apply at every level.📍Chapters📍00:00 – How a $300K Renovation Became a $600K Power Play01:42 – From Simple STR to Three Businesses in One Property04:15 – Why I’d Rather Buy Big Than Play It Safe With Condos07:08 – Turning a Dirt Patch Into a $40K Wedding Venue10:50 – Creating a 55% Cash-on-Cash Return With Smart Add-Ons13:35 – The Secret to $90K Passive Income: A Private Pickleball Club17:22 – Designing for Exit: Why Resale Strategy Matters More Than You Think20:45 – How to Manage Chaos: Contractors, Start-Stops, and Tight Timelines24:10 – The “Two Extra Steps” That Eliminate Costly Renovation Mistakes27:35 – Small Design Decisions That Create Million-Dollar Perceived ValueConnect with Bill🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

September 26, 202513 min

Airbnb is DEAD...

✅ Get your copy of Super Properties: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Properties-Step-Step-Investment/dp/B0FH31LQJR/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=Super%2520Properties&utm_term=super%2520properties%252C%2520book ✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Airbnb as most people know it is dead. Average properties in average markets just don’t work anymore. But that doesn’t mean you can’t win—if you know how to position yourself, design for multiple exits, and build for the right buyer persona.In this video, I’ll break down what Ryan Pineda, Pace Morby, and I all agree on… and why Super Properties are the only way forward. If you want to stop playing small and actually scale with confidence, this is where to start.Chapters00:00 – Why “Average” Airbnb Properties Are Officially Dead02:15 – What Ryan Pineda & Pace Morby Get Right About STRs04:05 – The Truth About Boutique Hotels (and Why Most Fail)06:40 – My Real Exit Strategy: How I Avoid Getting Stuck09:10 – The $2.8M Whitefish Retreat Story (and $600K Exit)12:25 – Designing for Multiple Exits Without Boxing Yourself In15:00 – Picking Markets That Actually Appreciate Long-Term17:20 – Super Properties vs. Average STRs: The Wealthy Wendy Test20:05 – Why Your Buy Box Has to Fit the Market (or You’ll Lose)22:30 – Practicing Every Day So You’re Ready for the Next DealConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

September 9, 202510 min

What You NEED to Know about the Airbnb Collapse

✅ FREE tool and training to find your own Super Property: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Airbnb isn’t “dead”… but the middle is. The 3-bed/2-bath cabins, the average condos, the stuff that crushed in 2020–2021? They’re getting wiped out. Meanwhile, the operators who know how to reposition, renovate, and separate their properties are thriving. In this video, I’ll break down why the market is splitting in two, what happens if you stay stuck in the middle, and how to build super properties that win no matter what the economy does. Don’t panic—pivot. Watch now and learn how to out-execute the 99%.Chapters00:00 – “Airbnb is collapsing? Here’s the real story”01:10 – Why the middle always gets crushed02:25 – Turning a $395K condo into a luxury diamond03:30 – The power of the Super Property Grader04:40 – When to cut your losses and reposition your cash05:20 – Why 3-bed/2-bath cabins are the WORST buy in STR07:50 – Why outdoor spaces create separation you can’t replicateConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

September 5, 20257 min

If I Had to Restart My AirBNB Business From Zero

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✅ FREE Proforma - know exactly how much a property will make before you buy: https://buildstrwealth.com/proforma💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?If I had to start my Airbnb business from zero with just $125,000, here’s exactly what I’d do differently today. I’ll break down how I’d flip a property to grow my budget, launch a co-hosting business for immediate cash flow, and use the right tools and experts to avoid rookie mistakes. You’ll see how I think about fast, medium, and slow money—and why most investors get this wrong.Chapters00:00 – Starting from zero: what I’d do differently today01:07 – What I'd do first02:06 – Building cash flow in month one04:00 – Avoiding rookie mistakes with short-term rental cash flow05:22 – The “JICYFU” underwriting ruleConnect with Bill Faeth🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

August 26, 202510 min

TOP Airbnb Amenities That Make You MORE Money

✅ FREE tool and training to spot the gaps and make strategic choices about amenities: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✨ Learn how to create show-stopping STR designs - without the expensive designer fees: https://www.buildstrwealth.com/strdesignschool💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Stop throwing money at random upgrades hoping for bigger payouts. A $7K hot tub won’t magically add $30K to your revenue.The real win? Marketability. Your property needs to stand out, and that comes from smart, intentional amenities—not copying what everyone else is doing. I’ve built properties that outperform the market by adding unique, affordable touches like a barrel sauna, a glamping tent, or spa-style bathrooms. These choices create experiences guests can’t find anywhere else.If you want to crush it in short-term rentals, focus on strategy over spend. Fill gaps your competitors ignore, and you’ll attract the guests who pay more and come back.Chapters00:00 – Why a Hot Tub Won’t Add $30K to Your Airbnb01:15 – The Real Secret to Amenities That Work02:35 – Stop Guessing: Fill Gaps in Your Market03:58 – How I Crushed My Market with One Simple Amenity05:20 – Why Marketability Beats Copying Competitors06:45 – Small Touches That Attract High-End Guests07:50 – Luxury on a Budget: The $1K Upgrade That Pays Off08:30 – Final Takeaways to Level Up Your STRConnect with Bill🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

August 21, 20258 min

Insanely PROFITABLE Airbnb in Panama City Beach

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader✅ FREE Proforma - know exactly how much a property will make before you buy: https://buildstrwealth.com/proforma💸Baselane: Get $100 when you sign up and put your rental finances on autopilot—no monthly fees, no stress: https://baselane.com/str-wealth?Just picked up a two-bedroom condo in Panama City Beach for $395K that I’m projecting to bring in $110K–$115K gross and net around $40K a year. Brea crushed the design, Jon handled the renovations, and we leaned into murals, fireplaces, and details that make this place stand out. I’ll walk you through the full tour, break down why this is one of the highest cash-on-cash returns in my portfolio, and share how you can spot deals like this in your own market.Chapters00:00 – Inside My New Airbnb in Panama City Beach 01:10 – Why We Switched From Wallpaper to Murals02:21 – The Color Change That Transformed the Entire Design03:16 – Adding Fireplaces for Higher Bookings05:11 – Forced Appreciation: HOA Upgrades Driving Value06:28 – This Purchase That Beats Comps Next Door06:53 – Breaking Down the Projected Profit07:07 – Why This Is the Highest Cash-on-Cash Return in My PortfolioConnect with Bill🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73 🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508 🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/ 🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaethMentioned in this episode:This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill