I used to rent my apartment on Airbnb and here's my advice. First, I think you can rent your primary residence out for up to 2 weeks tax free (federal). I believe this was to allow for peopel renting it for movie sets, etc. Ask Airbnb for a photographer to come out and shoot your place, helps it look a lot better and saves your time. Also, you'll get way more traffic if you have non-ikea stuff in there. 99% of Airbnb units have ~$800 invested in total furnishings and look like crap. Distinguish yourself and save money buying $500 of flea market furnishings. Get a digital door handle/lock. Make sure you have a good covered place for people to smoke outdoors away from the door and put hardwood in if it isn't already. Have a no party policy and take a deposit through the site, more deterrent than actually useful. Laminate some cards with local sites/restaurants etc. to make it seem a bit more like a hotel. I think peopel will respect the unit more. I think it's the ultimate in income maximization, nominal investment, and maximal flexibility. Had a crappy tenant? they'll leave at the endo f the stay and you can close your calendar and reevaluate no hassle.
