What is Airbnb Arbitrage?
Airbnb arbitrage is renting out a property you do not own by subleasing it to potential tenants. Airbnb arbitrage works in the vacation rental market by the business owner finding an undervalued property and acquiring it through long-term rental. The host then sublets it on Airbnb as a short-term rental at a higher price. It is a great way to make money on Airbnb without owning property. This is how Airbnb arbitrage works in the vacation rental market. You can make about $500-$3,000 monthly in profit. Here are the best Airbnb arbitrage courses to help you set up your Airbnb arbitrage business:
- MrFourToEight Airbnb
- Beyond BnB Secrets by Dr. Chau Ong
- Rental Arbitrage Academy by Greg Pimentel
- Airbnb Entrepreneur: Become the Best Listing in Town! by Paul Nekh
While Airbnb arbitrage offers continuous digital real estate passive income, learning this business model requires significant time and effort. Beginners do lots of market research and competitive analysis. You need weeks to learn Airbnb rental arbitrage to produce sizable profits. Choosing the best Airbnb arbitrage courses will increase your chances of success when starting out with this business.
Local lead generation offers an easier way to earn a more stable and scalable passive income. You can increase the properties you manage in Airbnb arbitrage, but the costs also grow. The local lead generation business model has limited costs since it is a type of digital real estate. You don’t have to pay rent, manage properties, or fix damages since it's not a physical product. Organically ranking your websites through SEO is enough to gain high-quality leads that you can forward to local business owners to make massive profits.
Yes, you can make money with Airbnb arbitrage through short-term and long-term vacation rentals. Let’s say you’re renting a property for $1,500 monthly (30 days) and you sublease it for $150 daily. You can make a gross rental income of $4,500 monthly, given your property is booked for 30 days. That gives you $3,000 in profit every month. However, you need to consider expenses like cleaning fees, utilities and maintenance, appliances, furniture, permits and licenses, and damages.
You also need to assess the expenses and profitability of the short-term rental property. The Airbnb property’s location, proximity to essential establishments, seasons, public transportation options, and local events are crucial to determining how much you can gross on a monthly basis. You can earn around $1,000-$2,000 net per rental property monthly.
Airbnb arbitrage still works in 2024. Average income stats from Airbnb arbitrage include a 13.1% increase from 2022, according to the U.S. Travel Association’s summer forecast. More individuals travel globally and seek short-term rental properties. In New York City alone, the average Airbnb monthly rental income in 2022 reached $3,820.
The best cities for Airbnb arbitrage are:
- Nashville, TN
- Charleston, SC
- Boston, MA
- Savannah, GA
- San Diego, CA
- Kissimmee, FL
- New York City, NY
These cities are the most profitable because their average weekday and weekend rental rate is higher, translating to increased daily Airbnb income. Here is the formula for a successful Airbnb arbitrage:
(A) = Weighted Average Rate
(average weekday Airbnb rental rate x5) + (average weekend Airbnb rental rate x2) / 7
(B) = Daily Rental Cost
(all monthly costs / 30)
A / B = Final Ratio (the higher the value, the lesser the days required to make a profit)
For example:
$200 = average weekday rental rate
$250 = average weekend rental rate
$3000 = monthly cost
($200 x 5 weekdays) + ($250 x 2 weekend days) = 1,500 / 7 days = $214 (Weighted Average Rate)
$3000 / 30 days = $100 (Daily Rental Cost)
$214 / $100 = $114 daily profit and 2.14 Final Ratio
Airbnb arbitrage is still profitable this year. You can expect a 56% Airbnb occupancy rate in the US market this 2024, according to Amenitiz. Hence, starting an Airbnb arbitrage business in rich commercial areas like Dallas is a great real estate investment. You can start your business by conducting market research, finding undervalued rental properties, negotiating with landlords, and listing the rental unit on Airbnb.
It is also essential to consider the location and the tourist spots available. For example, investing in vacation home rentals in Orlando is lucrative because of the dozens of theme parks in the city, such as Universal Orlando. North Carolina is also an excellent spot for an Airbnb business because of its numerous state parks.
Free Airbnb courses are live or self-paced programs that teach the strategies needed to be a successful Airbnb host and thrive in the Airbnb rental arbitrage business. They offer educational videos and question-and-answer sessions on setting up, pricing, and scaling your Airbnb arbitrage property. A good example of this is Jon Bell and Julian Sage’s Free Airbnb Course on YouTube.
The best Airbnb course featured on Reddit is Humza Zafar’s Airbnb Accelerator. A Reddit user posted an honest review thread about how structured and specific the course is. Airbnb Accelerator teaches you the foundation and techniques for starting and operating an Airbnb arbitrage business.
14 Best Airbnb Arbitrage Courses
Expensive Airbnb Arbitrage Courses
Airbnb Empire Academy by Derek Cheung
Airbnb Empire Academy is a step-by-step 50-lesson Airbnb rental arbitrage course by Derek Cheung. It teaches beginners who have under 10 listings and full-time Airbnb hosts how to create their Airbnb arbitrage business from scratch. Derek helps you generate a 7-figure income through AirDNA, financial projections, deal analysis, and dynamic pricing.
Pros
The course is comprehensive and includes automation modules.
Derek Cheung has significant experience with Airbnb rental arbitrage.
You get lifetime access to the course, including future updates.
Cons
The course packages are pricey.
Other Airbnb arbitrage courses are cheaper.
Airbnb Empire Academy is not for individuals who want to list and manage their own property.
Price
Airbnb Empire Academy has three packages: $5,000 for The Freedom Blueprint, $9,000 for Freedom Accelerator, and $25,000 for Elite Mentorship.
Refund
No refund policy
Rating
Origin
N/A
More Info
Airbnb Accelerator by Humza Zafar
Airbnb Accelerator is a 20-hour video course by Humza Zafar that discusses Airbnb arbitrage business leases, sales processes, team management, and copywriting techniques. It teaches you the practical steps for finding rental properties with long-term leases and striking good deals with landlords. You also get a furniture cheat sheet, negotiation scripts, and a housekeeping checklist.
Pros
Humza has a hands-on style of training, making the program interactive and personal.
The course is well-structured and simplified.
You'll have lifetime access to the course.
Humza has free course modules on his website for an overview of each course.
Cons
The course targets the U.S. rental markets. This takes away from the course’s value if you’re from another country.
It has limited recognition compared to other courses.
You can find most of the course content for free on platforms like YouTube.
The Airbnb rental arbitrage business model relies on physical properties. You won’t have ownership benefits because you don’t own the property.
Price
Airbnb Accelerator costs $4,000 to $22,499.
Refund
No refund policy
Rating
Origin
2022
More Info
BNB Formula by Brian Page
BNB Formula is an 8-week real estate investment video training course by Brian Page that highlights his 9 BNB tools, such as templates, deal analyzer, contracts, and more. It teaches beginners, rental arbitrage investors, and experienced real estate entrepreneurs how to make continuous passive income through Airbnb arbitrage. Plus, the course offers access to an exclusive Facebook group and a global community of real estate and rental arbitrage experts.
Pros
Brian has over two decades of real estate experience.
It gives access to a global online community of realtors, lawyers, and other BNB business owners.
BNB Formula is inclusive of all the tools you'll need for your Airbnb arbitrage business.
Cons
The bulk of the training material is easily found on other courses or online for free.
The course only teaches you how to earn through Airbnb short-term rental arbitrage.
Jorge hasn’t prevented fraudsters from using the course name to scam potential students.
Price
BNB Formula costs $1,997 for the main course. Various upsells are also available.
Refund
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for the BNB Formula Course. The BNB Formula Coaching Program offers no refund.
Rating
Origin
BNB Formula is under Thought Axis, Inc., founded in 2016.
More Info
BNB Freedom University by Nikki Ferdinand
Freedom University is an educational platform with various courses on topics like Airbnb rental arbitrage, wholesale real estate, and network marketing that discusses how to make money online. The platform's Airbnb course is coached by Nikki Ferdinand. It teaches how you can create passive income by using the automated Airbnb arbitrage method. The training includes strategies on how to earn outside of your Airbnb listings and provides templates, checklists, and scripts.
Pros
Nikki Ferdinand is a 7-figure real estate investor.
It has a private BNB Freedom University graduating class FB group.
It is a step-by-step comprehensive training.
Cons
This home sharing method works mostly only in fast-growing cities.
The 3-month weekly group coaching is separate and expensive.
It isn't easy to convince landlords to allow you to list their property on Airbnb. Laws and regulations may be tighter in some areas.
Price
The main course costs $1,997, and $4,997 to avail of the 3-month group mentorship with free e-commerce course access.
Refund
A 24-hour refund that will be void if you start the course
Rating
Origin
2019
More Info
Affordable Airbnb Arbitrage Courses
Airbnb Breakdown Academy by Bryson Blocker
Airbnb Breakdown Academy is an online rental arbitrage video course by Bryson Blocker and Inayah McMillan. It guides Airbnb rental property owners to scale their income to $100,000 in under 12 months. Bryson and Inayah highlight using automation tools like Nest Doorbells and PriceLabs to run your business effortlessly. Plus, it provides information on factors like high competition, hidden costs, legal complexities, unpredictable cash flow, and operational challenges.
Pros
The course and the course creators have a huge following on Instagram and YouTube.
Bryson and Inayah claim to earn millions at 20.
They offer a free 90-minute Airbnb course.
Airbnb Breakdown Academy has over 1.5K members in its exclusive community.
Cons
Airbnb Breakdown Academy is quite expensive.
The course isn’t a mentorship program. It only offers online videos and a private community.
Some individuals brand Bryson and Inayah as scammers.
The course is still new.
Price
Airbnb Breakdown Academy costs $1,497.
Refund
30-day money-back guarantee
Rating
Origin
2022
More Info
Beyond BnB Secrets by Dr. Chau Ong
Beyond BnB Secrets is a corporate housing Airbnb arbitrage course by Dr. Chau Ong under Ong Lifestyle Entrepreneurs LLC. This program focuses on long-term Airbnb corporate housing rather than the short-term vacation rental market. With over 10 years of experience in real estate investment, he started investing in corporate arbitrage in 2017. He currently manages over 30 properties and 3 multi-family buildings and has mentored over 100 students using this unique method.
Pros
Dr. Chau is a seasoned Airbnb entrepreneur.
You get a one-on-one mentorship with Dr. Chau.
The skills you learn can be used in other arbitrage models.
Cons
It has no price transparency.
It offers no money-back refund aside from the "better than refund" policy.
It is hard to find properties that would allow you to rent and lease multiple units.
Price
The price is only given during the discovery call. His 2-day mastermind events cost $698.
Refund
There is no refund policy. However, if the students follow their steps correctly but don't get their first property booked within the first 30 days of the property going live, they will cover the first month's rent.
Rating
Origin
2015
More Info
Cheap Airbnb Arbitrage Courses
Airbnb Entrepreneur: Become the Best Listing in Town! by Paul Nekh
Airbnb Entrepreneur: Become the Best Listing in Town! is a 3.5-hour Udemy online course by Paul Nekh that talks about maximizing Airbnb rentals. It focuses on understanding the local Airbnb market, automating the Airbnb rent process, and becoming the best renting option in your specific city.
Pros
It is a bestseller on Udemy.
It has a high rating and 70% of the reviews are 5 stars.
The course overview is comprehensive.
You get full lifetime access to the course.
Cons
Some reviewers said that the course provided basic information only.
The course may not be useful for beginners in Airbnb rental arbitrage.
The Airbnb arbitrage business model has a lot of competition.
Price
The online course costs between $50-$56.
Refund
30-day money-back guarantee
Rating
Origin
N/A
Build and Automate Your Airbnb VRBO Rental Arbitrage Empire by Andrey Kozlov
Build and Automate Your Airbnb VRBO Rental Arbitrage Empire is a Udemy Airbnb arbitrage self-paced online program by Andrey Kozlov that focuses on starting, automating, and scaling your VRBO and Airbnb short-term rental business. It discusses concrete steps for pitching to landlords, rental property management, and local laws and regulations for short-term rental arbitrage.
Pros
The course offers in-depth learning about Airbnb arbitrage.
You get lifetime access to the resources and the course.
It is good for individuals with a background in rental arbitrage.
Cons
The course has few students and ratings.
It has specific requirements that might not apply to some students.
11% of his previous students were dissatisfied with the course.
Price
The online program costs between $39-$43.
Refund
30-day money-back guarantee
Rating
Origin
2021
Mastering Airbnb | Learn from SF's top host, 100+ lectures by Evan Kimbrell
Mastering Airbnb | Learn from SF's top host, 100+ lectures is a Udemy Airbnb arbitrage online training program by Evan Kimbrell comprising 9 hours of on-demand video. This course talks about mastering Airbnb hosting, rental arbitrage property management, and positive cash flow generation.
Pros
It has 117 lectures and 46 articles.
The course content promises holistic learning about Airbnb arbitrage.
His courses have been featured on famous media platforms like CNN, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Cons
The course is available on other online learning platforms like StackSkills and ShareWis, which have different pricing.
Evan’s Airbnb course only has a 3.6 rating on Udemy.
Some of his students on Udemy commented about the course having a lot of fluff video hours and less crucial information.
Price
Evan’s course costs between $39-$43.
Refund
30-day money-back guarantee
Rating
Origin
N/A
MrFourToEight Airbnb Course
MrFourToEight Airbnb Course is a free live workshop by Blake Rocha, founder of the BNB Profits Program. This Airbnb arbitrage mentorship teaches Airbnb real estate investors how to set up their LLCs, gain funding, close deals with landlords, and find profitable rental arbitrage properties. It also features a "How To Use Other People's Money" strategy and the "Golden Location Spotter" method.
Pros
Blake Rocha’s course is free. He does it live, so it’s more interactive and personal.
The workshop is comprehensive.
The course has positive testimonials.
Blake and his course has a huge following on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
Cons
The course has limited live workshop schedules.
Blake didn’t specify how long the workshop is.
Price
Blake Rocha’s live workshop is free.
Refund
N/A since the course is free. However, they don’t offer refunds for purchased digital products and accessed digital content.
Rating
Origin
2022
More Info
These Airbnb rental arbitrage courses were good, but weren’t included because they are outdated:
Airbnb Arbitrage Courses for Beginners
Airbnb Kickstart Course by Kyle Stanley
Airbnb Kickstart Course by Kyle Stanley is a self-paced online program aimed at teaching individuals how to generate a six-figure income through rental arbitrage on Airbnb within a year. The course is known as the STR Kickstart Course. It focuses on maximizing profits from Airbnb without owning properties and automating and scaling short-term rental operations. Airbnb Kickstart Course costs $1,497. Despite its pricing, it isn’t a coaching program. You also need an initial financial investment to start the course. It includes access to 9 self-paced video modules, an exclusive Facebook group, a free Airbnb Profit Calculator, and different business templates.
Kyle Stanley is an experienced real estate investor and Airbnb operator living in Fresno, California. He has a YouTube channel and podcast called The Fearless Investor that offers discussions on investing and the STR business model. Kyle also offers the 6FF Membership or the 6-Figure Formula Membership for $49 monthly.
BNB Profits by Blake Rocha
Blake Rocha's BNB Profits course offers a beginner-friendly approach to Airbnb arbitrage and promises potential earnings of up to $80K monthly. It's a high-priced course at $6,000 with no refund guarantee. The program covers direct access to Blake's mentorship and strategies for scaling in the Airbnb market. Blake teaches an Airbnb arbitrage strategy that you can start with as little as $5,000 to $10,000 initial capital. He teaches students how to find profitable properties, build their portfolio, get financing (from banks and private lenders), and automate the business.
Blake Rocha, also known as MrFourToEight, is a successful internet entrepreneur and real estate investor from California who bought his first $3.1 million-worth Airbnb property at 24 years old. He has degrees in International Business and Business Administration from California Lutheran University.
Price: BNB Profits costs $6,000
More Info: BNB Profits Review
The Real System by Jorge Contreras
The Real System, created by Jorge Contreras, is a 90-day group coaching program focused on leveraging Airbnb for passive income. The course cover starting an Airbnb business, common mistakes to avoid, understanding ROI, leveraging credit, and insights into Contreras’ own journey and the course structure. Training emphasizes the three methods of earning through Airbnb: buying properties, sub-leasing, and co-hosting. The course also emphasizes the importance of the 'social proof economy' in online businesses, particularly the significance of reviews and ratings in Airbnb success.
Price: The Real System costs $1,659 for 90-day group coaching.
More Info: The Real System Review
Airbnb Breakdown Academy by Bryson Blocker
The Airbnb Breakdown Academy, created by Bryson Blocker and Inayah McMillan, is a course teaching rental arbitrage using Airbnb. It includes training on researching properties and using automation tools like PriceLabs and Nest Doorbells to streamline operations, aiming to help students earn over $100,000 in less than a year. The course has gained popularity, partly evidenced by its large Instagram following and substantial membership in its private community. However, it lacks personal coaching and faces criticisms of being a scam in some feedback.
Price: Airbnb Breakdown Academy costs $1,497.
More Info: Airbnb Breakdown Academy Review
BNB Method by Suzie Agelopoulos
The BNB Method by Suzie Agelopoulos is a course on Airbnb arbitrage, teaching how to earn significant income without owning properties. The strategy focuses on renting properties and listing them on Airbnb, considering factors like location, guest management, and maintenance. While promising financial gains, it also highlights the risks involved, such as variable occupancy rates and initial investment costs. The course is priced at $1,997 and includes training modules, tools, and community support. For a detailed overview, you can visit the full page here.
Price: BNB Method costs $1,997. There are installment options available.
More Info: BNB Method Review
The Superhost Academy by Brad Dillard
The Superhost Academy is a mentorship program focusing on short-term rental arbitrage, particularly on Airbnb and VRBO. It teaches how to run a rental business without owning property, through a 3-phase program, including co-hosting to gain experience. The course rebrands the Six-Figure Superhost mentorship and is relatively new with mixed reviews. While offering promising strategies for beginners and investors, it also notes the challenges of current market oversaturation and regulatory restrictions in short-term rentals.
Price: The Superhost Academy price is discussed during the discovery call.
More Info: The Superhost Academy Review
Jim G Coaching Club by James Graham
Jim G Coaching Club, led by James Graham, offers a mentorship program for Airbnb rental arbitrage. The focus is on maximizing profits by renting private rooms instead of entire properties. The program includes comprehensive training, mentoring, and access to resources, aimed at individuals seeking passive income through short-term rentals. However, it addresses the challenges posed by market saturation and changing regulations in the Airbnb space.
Price: Jim G Coaching Club prices are given during the scheduled call and is likely in the low thousands.
More Info: Jim G Coaching Club Review
STR Accelerator by Robert Iacob
Robert Iacob's STR Accelerator course is designed for those interested in real estate investment through short-term rental arbitrage, particularly using platforms like Airbnb. It covers a range of topics, from market research and landlord pitching to business setup and automation. The course is targeted at beginners looking to enter the short-term rental market without property ownership.
Price: STR Accelerator costs $297 on Teachable.
More Info: STR Accelerator Review
Stride Academy by Rafa Loza
Stride Academy is a course focused on short-term rental arbitrage, teaching students to make money from subletting leased properties as short-term rentals. It covers essential aspects such as market analysis, property selection, regulatory navigation, and operational management. The course emphasizes location, accessibility, and storage as key factors for success in this high-risk, high-reward business model. Loza's approach combines practical strategies with mentorship, aimed at both beginners and existing investors in the short-term rental space.
Price: Stride Academy costs $4,995 plus $100 every succeeding month.
More Info: Stride Academy Review
STR Wealth Academy by Michael and Katrina Stead
STR Wealth Academy is a coaching program for short-term rental businesses created by Michael and Katrina Stead. The program teaches rental arbitrage. Entrepreneurs lease properties long-term and sublet them as short-term rentals. It costs $6,000 and includes personalized coaching, legal documents, and access to a private Facebook group.
Michael and Katrina are former corporate professionals from Edmonton, Alberta, built their own successful STR business with 60+ listings without property ownership. Their course teaches a multi-channel distribution strategy, negotiation skills, property set-up, and off-season tactics.
Price: Michael and Katrina's STR Wealth Academy costs $6,000.
More Info: STR Wealth Academy Review
What are the Downsides to Airbnb Rental Arbitrage?
Increased competition
You will cover the rent difference for unbooked days.
It is difficult to find good properties with willing landlords.
You are accountable for tenant damages.
It is challenging to find tenants if you’re in a low-demand area.
You will need to cover the cost of furniture and appliances if the property is unfurnished.
Changing local regulations
Limited control of the property (ex: renovations)
Your earning potential depends on the demand.
What are the Benefits of Airbnb Rental Arbitrage?
You don’t have to pay mortgages.
No need to save money and buy a property
You can use the entire property or a room in the property and lease the other rooms.
Some rental properties are already furnished
Fewer startup costs than buying a property
You can scale your Airbnb arbitrage business anytime.
Quick returns for high-demand areas
Less risks because you don’t own the property
Has long-term growth potential because of increased leisure and business travel
The risks associated with rent arbitrage are increased competition, unstable monthly income, shifting local regulations, and unforeseen expenses. This business model is saturated, so you have lots of competitors. Your monthly income will depend on the number of days your property gets booked. You also need to watch out for tenant damages and changes in local laws.
How To Be Successful With Airbnb Arbitrage?
To be successful with Airbnb arbitrage, you need to:
How Can You Make Your Airbnb Rental Arbitrage Business Successful?
You can make your Airbnb rental arbitrage business successful by:
Establishing concrete steps
Gathering sufficient funding
Choosing good properties with willing landlords
Acquiring the necessary insurance
Considering a good rate of return
Setting affordable yet competitive rates
Taking advantage of rental property software tools
Implementing dynamic strategies for making money
It’s also important to review the benefits and downsides of the Airbnb rental arbitrage model. This will help you gain an idea of how the short-term vacation rental market operates.
How To Build an Airbnb Empire?
To build an Airbnb empire, consider:
Starting an Airbnb hosting business with a solid foundation. It is crucial to choose top Airbnb courses to maximize your learning and income potential.
Continuously adjusting your nightly rates and add valuable services and amenities according to the trends and demand.
Future-proofing your Airbnb properties by adhering to local laws and getting liability insurance.
Advertising your Airbnb properties on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Providing timely, personal support to your Airbnb guests.
Listing more Airbnb properties to scale your monthly passive income.
If you're not ready to buy more properties, consider Airbnb arbitrage on top of your traditional Airbnb empire.
Airbnb arbitrage is lucrative. However, Airbnb hosting offers numerous advantages for a property owner wanting to build an Airbnb empire. You get to earn more because you own the property. There is no monthly rental fee to pay. You have the option to live on the property and rent out the other rooms. Airbnb hosting is also more flexible because it allows you to choose from short-term, mid-term, or long-term rentals. Finally, making renovations can increase the market value of your property.
Can You Airbnb Your House if You Have a Mortgage?
You can Airbnb your house if you have a mortgage, given that your lender agrees to this setup. Having a mortgage for a primary residence has different contract terms than a mortgage for an investment property, like an Airbnb rental property. You need permission to turn your house into an Airbnb. Sometimes lenders agree to this if you are still living on the property and renting out just a part of it.
You also need permits and licenses to host your property on Airbnb. The requirements will depend on the area you’re in. Hence, it is best to check your local laws and regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
CONCLUSION: What are the Best Airbnb Arbitrage Courses?
The best Airbnb Arbitrage Courses are:
- MrFourToEight Airbnb
- Beyond BnB Secrets by Dr. Chau Ong
- Rental Arbitrage Academy by Greg Pimentel
- Airbnb Entrepreneur: Become the Best Listing in Town! by Paul Nekh
Airbnb arbitrage can generate around $1,000-$2,000 net monthly per rental property. This amount is scalable, depending on your rental arbitrage portfolio size. You also need to consider the best cities for Airbnb arbitrage to maximize your monthly rental income. Besides joining the best Airbnb arbitrage courses, free Airbnb arbitrage courses are available on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
While real estate investing can make you a significant amount of profit, local lead generation offers an unlimited and scalable source of passive income. The market isn’t as saturated as in Airbnb arbitrage. You also don’t need to acquire sizable funding since it’s not a physical product. This means that you can make more money by organically ranking websites and generating traffic to get high-quality leads for local businesses. Local lead generation can drive $500-$2,000+ of passive income monthly.
In your pros/cons assessment for Zafar's course, you wrote that it is focused on the US market. Is there any course that you know covers international markets? I would especially like to learn about the tax / LLC implications on a US citizen for their international Airbnb arbitrage / rental business.
Most of the courses listed here are doable in other countries. You just need to make sure the course you choose covers legal factors like taxes and licenses. I recommend you message the course creator for more info about their in-depth offerings.