What’s Right for Your STR Investment? – Self-Manage vs. Full-Service

When you’re just starting with short-term rentals, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to manage the property. Should you take on everything yourself — from guest messages to maintenance calls — or outsource to a full-service property manager who handles it all?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on your time, risk tolerance, income goals, and appetite for involvement. In this guide, we’ll compare both approaches in detail so you can decide what’s best for you (and your sanity).

🧰 What It Means to Self-Manage

Self-managing your STR means you are responsible for every aspect of the business:

• Messaging guests 
• Approving or rejecting bookings 
• Managing cleaners and maintenance 
• Pricing and calendar management 
• Handling reviews and guest expectations 
• Filing permits, collecting local taxes 

It’s a hands-on approach — but many investors choose it, especially when starting out or trying to maximize profit.

Pros:

• No management fees (typically 15–25% savings) 
• Full control over your business 
• Direct communication with guests 
• Learn the business inside and out 

Cons:

• Time-consuming, especially with multiple properties 
• Can be stressful (especially dealing with guest issues or emergency repairs) 
• You’re on-call 24/7, even during vacations 
• Steeper learning curve (pricing, operations, software, local compliance) 

✅ Best for: Tech-savvy investors who want to learn STR operations, live near the property, or are building equity before scaling.

🏢 What Full-Service Property Management Looks Like

Full-service managers handle every part of the guest and operational experience, often using a combination of software, staff, and local vendor relationships.

Services typically include:

• Guest messaging and 24/7 support 
• Booking platform management 
• Professional photos and listing optimization 
• Dynamic pricing and revenue management 
• Scheduling and quality control for cleaners 
• Maintenance coordination 
• Tax collection and permitting 
• Owner reporting 

Most full-service managers charge 15%–30% of gross revenue, depending on the market and level of service.

Pros:

• Completely hands-off 
• Saves time and stress 
• Experienced managers typically increase bookings and pricing 
• Compliance and tax obligations handled professionally 
• Access to better vendors (cleaners, handymen, etc.) 

Cons:

• Cost (they take a portion of your earnings) 
• Less control over operations 
• Some use generic SOPs, which may not align with your brand 
• Quality varies — some companies are great, others cut corners 

✅ Best for: Out-of-state owners, high-earning professionals, or those focused on scaling their portfolio quickly.

💰 Let’s Talk Numbers: The Real Cost of Both Options

Example:

• Property generates $80,000/year in gross bookings 
• Full-service manager charges 20% = $16,000/year 
• You handle all the work yourself and “save” $16,000 

But what’s your time worth?

Let’s say you spend:

• 5 hours/week on guest communication and bookings 
• 3 hours/week managing cleaners and vendors 
• 2 hours/week on pricing, updates, and maintenance 

That’s 10 hours/week x 52 weeks = 520 hours/year
Your $16,000 “savings” = $30/hour

If you make more than that in your career — or could be working on higher ROI deals — it may make sense to outsource.

🤯 What Most First-Time STR Owners Don’t Realize

• Turnovers are brutal if you don’t have systems. Cleaners cancel. Guests leave late. You need backups. 
• Pricing software is essential. Airbnb and VRBO won’t price your home properly. Tools like PriceLabs or Wheelhouse are a must. 
• You’ll get emotionally involved. Some guests will be unfair or rude. And when they leave a 3-star review after you’ve bent over backward… it hurts. 
• Management isn’t passive income. Even one property can feel like a part-time job. 

🧠 How to Decide: Self-Manage or Hire It Out?

Ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. Do you live within driving distance of the property?
   If not, you’ll need to assemble a local team regardless. 
2. How much free time do you have?
   STRs are time-consuming without automation and support. 
3. Are you detail-oriented and tech-comfortable?
   Managing a listing is like running a mini hospitality business. 
4. Do you have backup vendors and cleaners?
   If not, one callout can sink a guest experience. 
5. What’s your long-term goal?
   If you’re building a portfolio, you’ll eventually need to outsource — so consider starting that way. 

🔁 Hybrid Options: A Middle Ground

There’s a growing segment of STR support services that fall between full DIY and full-service. These can include:

• Co-hosting: Hire someone locally who handles guest comms and on-the-ground issues, while you handle bookings and pricing. 
• Guest Communication VA: Outsource just your inbox to a trained assistant. 
• Cleaning Coordination Software: Tools like Breezeway or Turno can help streamline turnovers without full management. 
• Remote Revenue Management: Some companies only handle your pricing, calendar optimization, and listing updates. 

This allows you to keep more income while outsourcing specific tasks that are time-sensitive or skill-intensive.

📊 Quick Comparison Chart

💬 Final Takeaway

There’s no “right” answer — only what’s right for you.

If you’re starting out, self-managing can teach you the business. If you’re scaling fast or don’t want to be on call at 2AM, full-service is a game changer. And for many, a hybrid model gives you the control you want with the support you need.

What matters most is clear expectations, reliable systems, and a guest experience that keeps your calendar full and your reviews glowing.

Want a second opinion on your setup? We help STR investors optimize operations — whether you’re managing on your own or exploring a partner. Reach out to Deal Room and let’s make sure your setup matches your goals.