Our Journey into Hosting: From Duplex Owners to Property Management Pros

Bethany and I began our property ownership journey in 2019, diving headfirst into the world of real estate by purchasing a modest duplex in Temple, Texas. It was our first home, and we cherished the experience of living on one side while renting out the other to long-term tenants. However, life had bigger plans for us, and this humble start sparked what would become our passion for short-term rental hosting and property management.

The First Test: A Friend in Need

When we moved out of the duplex, leaving two vacant units, a close friend of ours was in between homes and needed a place to stay while waiting for her new house to be built. It was the perfect opportunity to test the waters with a short-term rental. We signed a three-month lease with her, and that experience opened our eyes to the potential of short-term stays.

Temple Cul-de-sac: Our First Airbnb

After hearing about Airbnb and its host protections, we decided to list one side of the duplex. Even though some questioned why anyone would need an Airbnb in Temple, Texas, we believed in the potential. We furnished the unit with care, leaned on Bethany’s faith in the idea, and took the leap. To our delight, the unit thrived! Today, Temple Cul-de-sac remains one of our top-performing properties and holds a special place in our hearts, as it still features some of the furniture we used while living there.

Shaded Oaks: Hosting Next Door

Next, we decided to transform the main suite in our personal home into another rental, which we named Shaded Oaks. This suite offered guests their own entrance, a king-sized bed, and a peaceful view of the golf course. Living just a locked door away from our guests brought its challenges (including Bethany’s pet peeve about overnight dishes!), but it also gave us a deeper understanding of hosting and maintaining boundaries. Shaded Oaks quickly became a popular choice for visitors to Temple.

Cheyenne Jackpot: A Rough Start with a Rewarding Finish

The other side of the duplex, however, presented a unique challenge. Our long-term tenants had lived there for years, but life circumstances—and their emotional support pig—began to take a toll on the property. As new landlords, we learned the importance of clear communication, leases, and maintaining professional boundaries. Despite the struggles, we gave them grace and encouraged them to buy their own home. By mid-2022, they had moved out, and we embarked on a DIY renovation journey, transforming the neglected unit into Cheyenne Jackpot.

With the help of our dads and a lot of elbow grease, we deep-cleaned, installed new flooring, and gave the space a fresh, all-white look. The pig was “erased” through epoxy flooring, and we furnished the unit with Facebook Marketplace finds. Cheyenne Jackpot is now a testament to our resilience and optimism and remains one of our best-performing properties.

The Glamper: Thinking Outside the Box

Not long after our wedding in September 2022, we tried something new: turning my parents’ camper into an Airbnb. Initially parked in our driveway (a hit with guests but not with local regulations), we relocated it to an RV park. The Glamper, a studio-style unit with all the essentials, has been a consistent success, especially with professionals working in the area.

Looking Ahead

Our journey into short-term rentals has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, each property teaching us valuable lessons. From the charm of Lake Life Lodge to the rustic elegance of Pecan Place, our portfolio continues to grow, as does our passion for creating spaces that feel like home for our guests.

Why Share Our Story?

We believe that sharing our journey—the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned—adds a personal touch that helps guests connect with us and our properties. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Temple, Texas, or a seasoned traveler, we want you to feel the heart and soul we’ve poured into each of our homes.

Stay tuned for more stories on our blog, where we’ll dive deeper into the history of our properties, offer travel tips, and share insights from our hosting journey. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find inspiration for your own adventure in hosting!

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