# VaultSTR

> Independent research, underwritten short-term rental deals, and free tools for STR investors and the real estate agents who advise them. Fixed scoring criteria, one underwriting model, visible affiliate disclosure. All data is US-focused.

## Tools

- [Airbnb revenue calculator](https://www.vaultstr.com/tools/airbnb-calculator/): Free address-level revenue, ADR, and occupancy estimates from comparable-listing market data.
- [Pro forma builder](https://www.vaultstr.com/tools/pro-forma/builder/): Full STR underwriting — revenue, expenses, financing, DSCR, cash-on-cash — with live market ADR and occupancy.
- [Furnishing calculator](https://www.vaultstr.com/tools/furnishing-calculator/): Complete furnishing shopping list and budget sized to bedrooms, baths, and guest count.
- [Guidebook builder](https://www.vaultstr.com/tools/guidebook-builder/): Free digital guest guidebook — shareable link and printable PDF from a few inputs.
- [Cleaning fee calculator](https://www.vaultstr.com/tools/cleaning-fee-calculator/): Benchmark cleaning fee plus the real median fee charged by comparable listings.

## Deals

- [Deal Vault](https://www.vaultstr.com/deals/): Active short-term rental listings underwritten with a consistent model, refreshed daily; negative results published too.
- [Deal methodology](https://www.vaultstr.com/methodology/reviews-and-rankings/): The underwriting assumptions behind every deal.
- [Markets index](https://www.vaultstr.com/markets/): Airbnb investment markets with median prices, yields, and returns from VaultSTR deal flow.
- [STR deal market report](https://www.vaultstr.com/research/str-market-report/): Original daily-updated statistics from every underwritten deal — median prices, yields, and how many deals pencil.

## Research and guides

- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Broken Bow (OK): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-broken-bow/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Broken Bow, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting s
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Branson (MO): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-branson/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Branson, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting shee
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Destin (FL): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-destin/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Destin, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting sheet
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Myrtle Beach (SC): 2026 Gui](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-myrtle-beach/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Myrtle Beach, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Charleston (SC): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-charleston/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Charleston, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting s
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Nashville (TN): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-nashville/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Nashville, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting sh
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in South Lake Tahoe (CA)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-south-lake-tahoe/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in South Lake Tahoe, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vet
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Catskills (NY): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-catskills/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in the Catskills, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vettin
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Gatlinburg (TN): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-gatlinburg/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Gatlinburg, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting s
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Big Bear (CA): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-big-bear/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Big Bear, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting she
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Joshua Tree (CA): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-joshua-tree/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Joshua Tree, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting 
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Blue Ridge (GA): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-blue-ridge/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Blue Ridge, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting s
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Poconos (PA): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-poconos/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in the Poconos, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting 
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Asheville (NC): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-asheville/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Asheville, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting sh
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Outer Banks (NC): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-outer-banks/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in the Outer Banks, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vett
- [How to Pick an Airbnb Cleaner in Scottsdale (AZ): 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-cleaner-scottsdale/): What Airbnb cleaning costs in Scottsdale, the local realities that break out-of-market crews, where hosts actually find cleaners, and the 8-question vetting s
- [AirDNA Review 2026: What It Gets Right, Where It Breaks Down](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-review/): AirDNA is the best market-level STR data source — and its Rentalizer projections run 15-30% optimistic. Our 4/5 review: pricing, accuracy, and how agents should actually use it.
- [AirDNA Pricing 2026: Every Plan, and Who Needs Which](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-pricing/): AirDNA runs four plans in 2026: free, Research at $34/month billed annually, Host at $50/month, and custom PM pricing. Research is the right answer for most agents — here's the math.
- [Best AirDNA Alternatives 2026: 4 Tools, Ranked by Job](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-alternatives/): Four tools beat AirDNA at one job each: Rabbu for lender-ready reports, Mashvisor for buy-side search, PriceLabs for bundled market data, AllTheRooms for history. None replaces it.
- [AirDNA vs PriceLabs (2026): Which One to Recommend](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-vs-pricelabs/): Not competitors — different jobs. AirDNA is research data for deciding what to buy; PriceLabs prices the listing you already operate. AirDNA before the offer, PriceLabs after the wire.
- [AirDNA vs AllTheRooms (2026): Which Data Source to Trust](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-vs-alltherooms/): AirDNA wins in 2026 — not on data depth but on ownership. AllTheRooms holds seven years of history, but its 2025 acquisition by a municipal compliance vendor changes the call.
- [AirDNA Rentalizer: How Accurate Is It Really? (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-rentalizer/): Rentalizer is AirDNA's address-level revenue estimator. It's built on real comps and runs 15-30% optimistic — underwrite year one at 60-75% of its projection. Here's how it works.
- [Best STR Cleaning Platforms (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/best-str-cleaning-management-platforms/): Cleaner coordination is the most common operational failure point for growing STR portfolios. We tested 8 platforms across dispatch, photo verification, and supply tracking.
- [Best STR Insurance (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/best-str-insurance-2026/): Compare the best STR insurance providers of 2026 ranked by coverage, liability limits, and all-channel protection. Our top pick is Proper Insurance, the STR-specific gold standard for Airbnb, Vrbo, and direct bookings.
- [Best STR Lenders (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/best-str-lenders-2026/): Compare the best STR lenders of 2026 ranked by DSCR rates, LTV, close speed, and STR income treatment. Our top pick for most clients is Kiavi for its 80% LTV and 10-15 day closings.
- [Best Channel Manager for Airbnb: How to Choose in 2026](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/channel-managers-explained-2026/): A channel manager syncs your STR listings across Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com in real time. Learn the difference from a PMS, when you need one, and which platforms rank highest for sync speed.
- [DSCR Loans for STR Investors](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/dscr-loans-for-str-operators/): DSCR loans use rental income for qualification, making them the top financing choice for STR investors. Learn how STR income is calculated, what terms to expect, and which lenders allow Airbnb.
- [Dynamic Pricing Tools Compared](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/dynamic-pricing-tools-compared/): We tested PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, and Beyond with 40 real operators over 12 months. Here
- [How to Find STR Investment Deals](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/how-to-find-str-investment-deals/): Most STR databases show listings. VaultSTR shows pre-underwritten deals with real cash flow, CoC return, and market-adjusted ratings; updated daily across 30+ markets. Browse the Deal Vault free.
- [How to Underwrite a Short-Term Rental](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/how-to-underwrite-short-term-rental/): Learn how to underwrite a short-term rental investment from scratch; revenue projections, operating expenses, DSCR, cap rate, and cash-on-cash return; plus the tool that does it in under three minutes.
- [STR PMS Comparison (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/pms-comparison-2026/): After 40+ hours testing Hospitable, Hostaway, Guesty and OwnerRez, we have clear rankings based on operational fit and value.
- [STR Cap Rate: How to Calculate It](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-cap-rate-calculator/): Learn how to calculate cap rate for a short-term rental, what a good STR cap rate looks like by market, and how VaultSTR
- [STR Cash-on-Cash Return Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-cash-on-cash-return-guide/): Cash-on-cash return is the most important metric for STR investors. Learn the correct formula, what expenses to include, what a strong return looks like by market, and how to compare deals accurately.
- [Why AirCover Isn't Enough Insurance](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-insurance-aircover-not-enough/): AirCover can help with incidents tied to Airbnb reservations, but it is not a substitute for commercial short-term rental insurance. Here is where the protection ends—and how to close the gaps.
- [Airbnb & Vacation Rental Pro Forma Template (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-pro-forma-template/): What a complete Airbnb or vacation rental pro forma includes, line by line: revenue, the full expense stack, financing, and return metrics — plus a free builder that produces a client-ready document in minutes.
- [The VaultSTR Daily Deal Newsletter](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/vaultstr-daily-deal-newsletter/): The Daily Deal sends pre-underwritten STR investment deals to your inbox every morning; projected cash flow, cash-on-cash return, and a Zillow link. Free to subscribe at dailydeal.substack.com.
- [Hostaway vs Guesty (2026): Which PMS to Pick](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/hostaway-vs-guesty/): Hostaway wins for most 5-50 property operators on integration breadth and value; Guesty wins at enterprise scale and for teams that want an all-in-one suite. Here is the full head-to-head.
- [The STR Tax Loophole, Explained (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-tax-loophole/): The short-term rental tax loophole lets material participants use STR losses — including bonus depreciation — against W-2 income. The two tests, the math, and where it goes wrong.
- [Cost Segregation for Short-Term Rentals: The 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/cost-segregation-short-term-rentals/): A cost segregation study typically reclassifies 20–35% of an STR’s building basis into bonus-eligible property. What studies cost, what they return, and when to skip one.
- [Short-Term Rental Tax Deductions: The Complete 2026 List](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/short-term-rental-tax-deductions/): The complete list of STR tax deductions — operating costs, depreciation, the home-office angle, and the mistakes that trigger letters from the IRS.
- [Airbnb Arbitrage in 2026: The Honest Math](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-arbitrage/): Rental arbitrage means leasing a property and re-renting it as an STR. The honest 2026 math: startup costs, landlord consent, regulatory exposure, and how it compares to buying.
- [PriceLabs Review 2026: Still the One to Recommend?](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/pricelabs-review/): PriceLabs at $19.99/listing/month remains our dynamic pricing pick: deepest customizations, best PMS coverage, steepest learning curve. Full review with pricing and alternatives.
- [Hostaway Review 2026: The Portfolio PMS, Tested](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/hostaway-review/): Hostaway is our PMS pick for portfolio operators: deep channel management, strong automations, real API ecosystem. Quote-based pricing and onboarding fees — the full review.
- [Lodgify Review 2026: Best for Direct Bookings?](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/lodgify-review/): Lodgify leads with website building and direct bookings, from roughly $20/month. Where it beats Hostaway and Guesty, where it lags, and who should recommend it.
- [Guesty Review 2026: Worth the Enterprise Price?](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/guesty-review/): Guesty is the enterprise PMS — deepest feature set, strongest brand, premium quote-based pricing. Who it fits, who overpays, and how it stacks against Hostaway.
- [Hospitable vs Hostaway (2026): Which PMS to Recommend](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/hospitable-vs-hostaway/): Hospitable wins under five listings on price, polish, and published pricing; Hostaway wins at portfolio scale on channels, ecosystem, and owner reporting. The line is drawn here.
- [Lodgify vs Guesty (2026): Two Different Businesses](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/lodgify-vs-guesty/): Lodgify wins for owners building a direct-booking channel at published prices; Guesty wins for management companies needing trust accounting and scale. How to pick in 2026.
- [PriceLabs vs Wheelhouse (2026): The Pricing-Tool Pick](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/pricelabs-vs-wheelhouse/): PriceLabs wins on customization depth and flat fees; Wheelhouse wins on onboarding ease and flexible billing. Which dynamic pricing tool to recommend, by client type.
- [How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make? Real 2026 Numbers](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/how-much-do-airbnb-hosts-make/): Median projected gross revenue across VaultSTR’s 196 underwritten STR deals: about $60,000, with a $50K–$78K middle band and a $25K–$215K full range. What drives the spread — and net.
- [Bonus Depreciation in 2026: The Rental Property Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/bonus-depreciation-2026/): 100% bonus depreciation is back for property acquired after January 19, 2025. What qualifies on a rental, how it pairs with cost segregation, and the math on a real STR.
- [Real Estate Professional Status: The 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/real-estate-professional-status/): REPS lets rental losses offset any income — if you clear 750 hours and the half-your-working-time test. Who realistically qualifies, and why STR investors often don’t need it.
- [Material Participation: The 7 Tests, Explained for STR Owners](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/material-participation-tests/): Material participation is what turns STR paper losses into deductions against your W-2. The seven IRS tests, the three that matter, and the hours log that survives an audit.
- [Depreciation Recapture on Rental Property: The Exit Bill](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/depreciation-recapture-rental-property/): Every dollar of rental depreciation gets settled at sale — building depreciation at up to 25%, cost-seg components at ordinary rates. The math and the four ways to manage it.
- [Qualified Improvement Property (QIP): The 2026 Guide](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/qualified-improvement-property/): QIP lets interior improvements to nonresidential property depreciate over 15 years — bonus-eligible. What qualifies, what’s excluded, and the transient-use nuance for STRs.
- [LLC for Airbnb: When It’s Worth It (and When It’s Not)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/llc-for-airbnb/): What an LLC actually protects on a short-term rental, what it costs, how it interacts with DSCR and conventional loans — and the insurance-first order of operations.
- [Short-Term vs Long-Term Rental: The Real Numbers (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/short-term-rental-vs-long-term-rental/): STRs gross 2–3x a long-term lease — and keep less of it than you think. The full comparison: returns from 230 underwritten deals, effort, financing, taxes, and risk.
- [STR Tax Benefits: The Complete 2026 Map](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-tax-benefits/): The full stack: the seven-day rule, material participation, bonus depreciation, cost segregation, deductions, QIP, and recapture planning — and how the pieces fit together.
- [How to Build an STR Buy Box (Find the Right Property Faster)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/str-buy-box/): A buy box turns “I’ll know it when I see it” into criteria you can screen in minutes: market, price band, property specs, revenue multiple, and dealbreakers. Template inside.
- [Where to Buy an Airbnb in 2026: Choosing a Market That Works](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/where-to-buy-airbnb/): The best place to buy an Airbnb isn’t a list — it’s a filter: regulation, demand durability, supply saturation, seasonality, and price-to-revenue. How to run it on any market.
- [18 Buys That Make an Airbnb Listing Unforgettable (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/unique-airbnb-amenities/): The statement amenities guests plan their evening around, photograph, and book again for. 18 Amazon buys by moment — outdoor cinema, fire, pizza night — with the pro forma math.
- [36 Whimsical Amazon Finds That Get STRs 5-Star Review Mentions](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/whimsical-airbnb-finds/): The small, photographable pieces that turn a furnished STR into one guests write about. 36 Amazon picks by room, with what to tell your investor client.
- [Beach House Airbnb Decor: Top 18 Design Pieces for STRs (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/beach-house-design-pieces/): The 18 decor pieces that make a coastal Airbnb photograph like a designed property — rattan, stripes, and texture for about $1,000 all in.
- [Mountain Cabin Airbnb Decor: Top 18 Design Pieces for STRs (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/mountain-cabin-airbnb-decor/): The 18 decor pieces that make a mountain cabin Airbnb photograph warm — wood, wool, plaid, cast iron, and a fire pit for about $1,500 all in.
- [Airbnb Guest Screening: The One-Night, No-Reviews First Booking](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-guest-screening/): A new listing’s first request: one night, six guests, a brand-new account. Accept or decline — and the exact questions to ask before you do.
- [Luxury Airbnb Amenities: 16 Upgrades That Justify the Rate (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/luxury-airbnb-amenities/): The 16 luxury amenities that let a short-term rental defend a premium nightly rate — marble, down, crystal, and espresso, about $1,700 all in.
- [5-Star Airbnb: 16 Buys That Turn Stays Into 5-Star Reviews (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/5-star-airbnb/): What makes a 5-star Airbnb: 16 verified products — sleep, convenience, and friction-killers — that turn ordinary stays into five-star reviews, for about $740 total.
- [Is AirDNA Free? Free Tier, Trials & Free Alternatives (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-free/): AirDNA has a permanent free tier, but the numbers that matter sit behind Research at $34/month. What free actually gets you, whether there’s a trial, and the genuinely free alternatives.
- [How to Use AirDNA: The 15-Minute Underwriting Workflow (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/how-to-use-airdna/): A working 15-minute AirDNA workflow for agents and investors: market grade, Rentalizer with comps, the 60–75% haircut, and the hand-off to a real pro forma.
- [AirDNA vs Rabbu: Which Should Agents Recommend? (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-vs-rabbu/): AirDNA vs Rabbu compared for STR underwriting: data depth, revenue estimates, pricing, and the lender-ready output only one of them produces.
- [AirDNA vs Mashvisor: Data Platform or Deal Finder? (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airdna-vs-mashvisor/): AirDNA vs Mashvisor for STR investors: data depth versus MLS-integrated deal search, rental-strategy comparison, and which one fits each stage of the buy.
- [Best Airbnb Markets 2026, Ranked by Actual Cash Flow](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/best-airbnb-markets/): We underwrote 274 live short-term rental listings with one consistent model. Here are the 17 markets with enough deals to rank — by median cash-on-cash, not gross revenue hype.
- [Best Prime Day Deals for Airbnb Hosts: The October 2026 Buy List](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/prime-day-airbnb-deals/): Prime Big Deal Days run October 6–7. The 32 products worth watching for a short-term rental — with the exact buy price for each, from the VaultSTR Host Store picks.
- [How Much Does It Cost to Furnish an Airbnb? Real 2026 Numbers](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/how-much-to-furnish-an-airbnb/): The product-list floor is $3,000–$4,000 per bedroom. The realistic all-in number is higher. Budget tables by property size, what the ranges include, and where the money should go.
- [How to Furnish an Airbnb for $5,000 (Itemized Plan, 2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/furnish-airbnb-5000/): A $5,000 budget furnishes a studio or one-bedroom properly — if every dollar follows the plan. The itemized allocation, the exact product list, and the three places people blow it.
- [How to Furnish an Airbnb for $10,000 (Itemized Plan, 2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/furnish-airbnb-10000/): Ten thousand dollars furnishes a two-bedroom to the standard that earns 4.9 stars — with photos that book. The full allocation, where the extra margin goes, and what to skip.
- [The Airbnb Furnishing Checklist: Every Item, Every Room (2026)](https://www.vaultstr.com/blog/airbnb-furnishing-checklist/): The room-by-room furnishing checklist used in VaultSTR setup lists: every item a short-term rental needs before the first guest, with quantity rules. Printable, and generatable for your exact property.

## Categories

- [property management software](https://www.vaultstr.com/property-management-software/)
- [dynamic pricing tools](https://www.vaultstr.com/dynamic-pricing-tools/)
- [channel managers](https://www.vaultstr.com/channel-managers/)
- [guest communication](https://www.vaultstr.com/guest-communication/)
- [str cleaning turnover](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-cleaning-turnover/)
- [smart locks](https://www.vaultstr.com/smart-locks/)
- [noise monitoring](https://www.vaultstr.com/noise-monitoring/)
- [str market analytics](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-market-analytics/)
- [str photography](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-photography/)
- [str lenders](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-lenders/)
- [str insurance](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-insurance/)
- [str investing platforms](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-investing-platforms/)
- [str management companies](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-management-companies/)
- [str furnishing](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-furnishing/)
- [str mattresses bedding](https://www.vaultstr.com/str-mattresses-bedding/)
- [STR regulations by state](https://www.vaultstr.com/regulations/)

## About

- [Editorial desk](https://www.vaultstr.com/about/editors/): How VaultSTR is written, scored, and kept independent of affiliate revenue.
- [Reviews and rankings methodology](https://www.vaultstr.com/methodology/reviews-and-rankings/)