How Data Can Save Your Airbnb Investment: Insights from STR Search’s John Bianke

Buying a short-term rental (STR) without proper data is like setting sail without a compass—and John Bianke has made it his mission to make sure investors never lose their way.

As the founder of STR Search, John has helped hundreds of clients avoid unprofitable Airbnb investments through precise data analysis and strategic market insights. In this episode of the Showplace Podcast, host Justin Miller and producer Chelsea Jacobson sit down with John to talk returns, regulations, revenue models, and the rise of amenity wars in the Airbnb world.

A Mission to Eliminate Unprofitable Airbnbs

John started STR Search with a clear goal: to stop people from buying short-term rental properties that don’t cash flow. He’s seen too many investors get burned by bad deals—homes bought in the wrong markets, with the wrong price, or without enough demand to succeed.

According to John, if you understand the data and follow the right process, a profitable Airbnb is absolutely achievable.

What’s a Good Return in Today’s Market?

There’s a lot of confusion about what returns investors should expect from short-term rentals. John breaks it down simply: a 10–20% cash-on-cash return is very achievable, especially if you're self-managing. But the moment you factor in property management, that return drops significantly.

So what exactly is cash-on-cash return?

Let’s say you invest $100,000 to buy and furnish a property. If you earn $20,000 in net income over the year, that’s a 20% cash-on-cash return. It’s not about the property’s full price—it’s about how much cash you put in and how much you get back.

The Two Kinds of Mistakes: Hosting vs. Buying

John paints a clear picture for new investors: bad hosting is easy to fix. Mess up the cleaning or guest communication? Learn, adjust, and move on.

But if you buy the wrong property in the wrong market, that’s a much harder problem to solve. Many investors don’t realize their property is underperforming until two years in—when they’ve already lost money and momentum.

Using AirDNA the Right Way

STR Search relies heavily on AirDNA, the industry’s leading Airbnb data software. While some gurus criticize it, John stands by its accuracy—if you know how to use it properly.

By filtering for full-time hosts with consistent reviews, STR Search avoids misleading data (like when an owner blocks dates for personal use). AirDNA aggregates revenue estimates by analyzing calendars and pricing trends, offering a powerful foundation for market analysis.

The Amenities Arms Race

One of the most actionable takeaways? The importance of amenities.

John coined the term “amenities arms race” to describe how STRs compete—not just on price, but on features. If your competitor has a hot tub, you need a hot tub plus string lights and maybe a pickleball court.

But it’s not just about adding everything—it’s about understanding your target demographic and curating the right experience for them. A jungle gym in a bachelorette pad? Probably not the move.

Why Bigger STRs Win

Hotels still dominate the one- to two-bedroom market. That’s why savvy investors are going after five- or six-bedroom homes—properties that cater to large groups and aren’t competing directly with hotels.

Markets like Gatlinburg, which thrive on tourism, are tailor-made for STRs. But in highly regulated or hotel-heavy cities like New York or San Francisco, it can be harder to make the numbers work.

Regulations: Frustration Meets Understanding

Justin and John dive into the controversial world of short-term rental regulations. As a self-proclaimed free-market capitalist, John believes in property rights—but he also acknowledges why some cities are cracking down.

The irony? Cities often restrict Airbnbs—until they need them for emergency housing, like during wildfires or disasters. It’s a frustrating double standard for many hosts.

Exit Strategy for STR Investors

When it comes time to sell, most STRs are just valued like any other single-family home. But there’s growing interest from investors who want turnkey properties with cash flow from day one.

Platforms like Techvestor have sold properties at a premium by packaging them as income-generating businesses. STR Search also works with two types of clients: DIY investors who want help finding a property, and high-net-worth individuals who want a hands-off, done-for-you solution.

A Business Built on Data and Passion

John’s journey to STR Search started with a spare bedroom, a failed hosting career (his words!), and a knack for finding great deals. After building his own portfolio and helping Techvestor acquire 140+ homes, he officially launched STR Search to help others replicate that success.

Today, the company has seven core team members and around 15 contractors, with a goal of serving 250–500 recurring clients per year—all focused on buying smart, data-driven STRs.

Learn More on the Showplace Podcast

Catch this full conversation with John Bianke and more expert interviews on the Showplace Podcast, hosted by Justin Miller. Whether you're a first-time host or scaling your STR empire, Showplace is here to help you furnish smarter and stand out in a crowded market. Visit showplacehq.com to learn more.