Introduction

At 20 years old, most people are focused on exams and social lives. Andre, however, was busy cold-calling property owners, navigating the complexities of the short-term rental market, and transforming vacant units into revenue-generating assets. His journey from being repeatedly rejected to managing a portfolio of high-performing properties is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship. 

This success story pulls back the curtain on how he did it, leveraging Airbnb Rental Arbitrage (also known as Rent2Rent) to generate income. Andre’s story is proof that the vacation rental industry remains one of the most accessible entry points for those willing to embrace grit, strategy, and professional management.

What led you to short-term rentals?

Andre: Before this, I tried a bunch of things alongside school, but looking back, none of it had a real long-term foundation. At some point I asked myself: what will still exist in 50 years? The answer that came to me? Mobility, food, and a roof over your head.

That's how I landed on real estate. I read the books, watched the videos, got into Buy & Hold, Fix & Flip, all of it fascinated me, but reality caught up fast. At 19, you don't have serious capital, and every bank turns you down on the spot.

So I asked myself a different question: how do I get into real estate at a smaller scale? The answer was Airbnb Rental Arbitrage (Rent2Rent).

What did those first six months actually look like?

Andre: Hard. Every day was outreach: calling landlords, getting rejected, trying to convince property owners to work with someone my age. Going through traditional real estate portals got me almost nowhere; my response rate was a frustrating 5%.

So, I found a different channel: Facebook groups where tenants were trying to offload units that weren't profitable for them. After countless viewings and calculations, I finally found a property that worked. From there, everything moved fast.

Was there a moment of doubt before signing?

Andre: Absolutely. The apartment was three hours from where I lived. I suddenly needed to cover around €3,000 a month in rent alone. What if it flopped?

I asked around for opinions, but at the end of the day, as an entrepreneur, you're on your own. You carry the full risk. My last thought before signing was: you wanted this, the numbers work, and you've already convinced tenants and landlords to trust you. The only thing that was left to do was follow through on what I'd promised them and myself.

What was the first week actually like once you took over?

Andre: A rollercoaster of pure excitement and extreme adrenaline. Rationally, I hadn't achieved anything yet. My mindset during acquisition had been "fake it till you make it",  and now I had to learn how the business really worked while it was already running.

What surprised you most about actually hosting guests?

Andre: Starting in December 2025 was a genuine jump into the deep end. I hit all the classic host problems almost immediately: a lock drilled open without my knowledge, mixed-up rooms, a stubborn pest issue, windows that wouldn't close properly.

As an employee, you can shrug that stuff off because you're not the one responsible. As a host, I had to solve these problems immediately. Guests need to feel safe, have real comfort, and sleep well. That responsibility became my biggest motivation: making people happy.

When I read a positive review, it genuinely pushes me forward. Short-term rental is a controversial topic for some, but I know the value I'm creating because it’s undeniable. I'm giving people and families the space for an unforgettable Christmas or Easter with their loved ones, when their own home is too small to host everyone.

Some people look at it and think, "he just took over some apartments, anyone could do that." But I know how long and hard the road to that signature was, and still is.

How does Smoobu fit into how you run your business day to day?

Andre: It's absolutely essential. Without a PMS, my business would be pure chaos. Smoobu handles the operational work in the background, which means I can actually breathe (and spend time with my family), instead of checking every hour whether a guest has booked, whether all the information went out, or whether a double booking is about to happen.

Smoobu takes over every booking automatically, syncs pricing, and adjusts everything across channels. That combination, a real all-in-one system, works whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced host in the sub-letting/arbitrage space.

What advice would you give someone thinking about starting out?

Andre: Stay on it, no matter how frustrating it gets. See it through to the end. Make decisions rationally, stay close to your numbers, and never lose your gut instinct.

Conclusion

The path from rejection to successful rental arbitrage host is defined by resilience, professionalization, and smart technology usage. Andre’s success in the vacation rental market highlights that while rental arbitrage is a competitive landscape, there is always room for newcomers.

Key takeaways for aspiring arbitrage hosts:

• Professionalize: Secure your status with a clear, professional pitch that gains landlord approval. Why you, why this, why now?
• Invest Wisely: Keep your setup costs focused on items that directly improve the guest experience.
• Automate: Utilize all-in-one vacation rental software early to keep your operations lean.
• Stay Compliant: Always prioritize arbitrage legal status to ensure long-term sustainability.

If you are looking to enter the vacation rental industry, stop looking for a "get-rich-quick" scheme. Instead, look for a sustainable business model that solves problems for landlords and provides memorable stays for guests. That is the true secret to building a business from scratch. Visit (and maybe even book a stay!) at one of Andre's properties here.

Why not write your own story? Trial Smoobu for 14 days for free and experience it for yourself!