The numbers that get shown in a listing rarely include the numbers that actually determine whether a short-term rental performs. Before you buy, look past the photos.

Can it legally operate as a short-term rental? Check the building’s HOA rules and local regulations before you fall in love with a unit — this single detail eliminates more “great deals” than any other factor.

What’s the real condition, not the staged condition? Short-term rental wear is faster and different from long-term tenant wear. Deferred maintenance that seems minor now gets expensive fast under STR turnover frequency.

What does furnishing and setup actually cost? Budget well beyond the purchase price — furniture, linens, small appliances, and initial supplies add up faster than most first-time hosts expect.

What’s a realistic occupancy rate, not a best-case one? Look at comparable active listings in the same building or neighborhood, not the number a seller or agent projects.

What will turnover and maintenance actually cost, monthly? Cleaning, restocking, and upkeep are recurring costs that eat into margin every single month — they need to be in the model from day one, not treated as an afterthought once the property already closed.

How easy is it to actually service? A stunning unit that’s inconvenient to turn over same-day will quietly lose bookings to less impressive units that are easier to manage.

Whether you’re working with a real estate agency like One Diversity or evaluating independently, it’s worth getting real operating cost estimates before you close — not after. Ask Sauber for a realistic breakdown before you buy.