Updated : Jul 17, 2025
The short-term rental industry is a vibrant and ever-evolving space, powered by the ingenuity and drive of countless individuals. Among these are a remarkable group of women who are short-term rental experts, achieving significant success in their own ventures while generously sharing their knowledge and paving the way for others.
Annette Grant and Sarah Karakaian from Thanks for Visiting
Annette Grant and Sarah Karakaian are the dynamic duo behind ‘Thanks for Visiting,’ a vibrant hub for short-term rental hosts. What sets them apart as short-term rental experts is their focus on building a supportive community through accessible and actionable insights. Their podcast delves deep into the nuances of successful hosting, while their engaging Instagram reels offer quick, digestible tips on everything from optimizing your listing’s appeal to streamlining your operational processes.
By sharing their own expertise and fostering a collaborative environment, Annette and Sarah are empowering hosts worldwide to elevate their offerings and boost their bottom line. Their commitment to demystifying the complexities of the STR world makes them essential voices for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.
Stacey St. John
Popularly known as ‘The STR Wonder Woman,’ Stacey St. John brings a unique blend of real-world experience and a passion for empowering women in the short-term rental experts space. Her journey from an “accidental” real estate investor to managing a 7-figure portfolio provides a compelling backdrop to her mission. Through STR Global, Stacey offers data-driven education and resources designed to help individuals, particularly women, achieve their investment goals without sacrificing other important aspects of their lives.
Her STR Sisterhood podcast further amplifies this mission by sharing the inspiring stories of women within the industry, creating a powerful network of support and shared learning. Stacey’s focus on practical, actionable strategies makes her an invaluable mentor for those looking to build a successful STR business.
Heather Bayer
Heather Bayer, the co-founder of Vacation Rental Formula, stands out as a seasoned veteran in the vacation rental industry. With over two decades of experience, her insights are grounded in a deep understanding of the market’s evolution.
As the host of the highly-rated ‘Vacation Rental Success’ podcast and a published author, Heather provides a voice of authority and experience for owners and property managers navigating the intricacies of the business. Her approach emphasizes foundational knowledge and strategic thinking, making her a go-to resource for those seeking long-term success in the STR sector.
Zoey Berghoff
Zoey Berghoff brings a fresh, contemporary approach to sharing short-term rental advice through the popular platform TikTok. Her engaging and easily digestible videos cover a range of topics, from the practicalities of remote management to staying updated on the latest Airbnb features.
Zoey’s ability to connect with a broad audience through short-form video makes her a key voice for those looking for quick, actionable tips and inspiration in the fast-paced world of STR. Her coaching courses further extend her impact, helping fellow hosts achieve financial freedom through informed investment.
Alex and Annie
Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe, the short-term rental experts behind the ‘Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals‘ podcast, bring a combined wealth of over 35 years of experience in the vacation rental and hospitality industries. Their podcast offers a unique perspective by delving into the stories of the individuals and brands that have shaped the STR landscape. Beyond the podcast, both are actively contributing to the industry’s growth.
Alex’s new venture, Directly Alex, focuses on driving direct bookings, while Annie leverages her extensive hospitality background at NextPax. Together, they offer a rich tapestry of insights, grounded in in-depth industry knowledge.
Hailie Anderson
At just 22 years old, Hailie Anderson has already achieved remarkable success in the short-term rental market, building a seven-figure Airbnb business through an automated arbitrage strategy. Her impressive achievements make her a compelling voice for those looking to understand and implement innovative growth strategies.
By sharing her tips on Instagram and through her Airbnb Takeoff course, Hailie aims to empower others to replicate her success, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving significant results in the STR world.
Rachel Gainsbrugh
Rachel Gainsbrugh, known as the host of ‘The Luxury STR Doctor Show‘ on YouTube, brings a multifaceted perspective to the short-term rental industry. As a best-selling author, pharmacist, and real estate coach, she offers a unique lens on investment and wealth building within the STR space. Through Short-Term Gems, her platform for training and courses, and her mentorship role at Real Estate InvestHER, Rachel focuses on empowering individuals to achieve financial success through strategic vacation rental investing, particularly within the luxury market.
Lydia Patel
Lydia Patel connects with her audience on YouTube by offering relatable and practical advice on short-term rentals and finance. As a clinical pharmacist and mother of three, she understands the time constraints many individuals face and, as a result, delivers concise yet comprehensive videos that are immediately helpful. Lydia’s approach focuses on providing valuable information in an accessible format, making her a go-to resource for those seeking clear and actionable guidance on navigating the financial aspects of the STR business.
Natalie Palmer
From managing one unit to owning multiple rentals and becoming an Airbnb Ambassador with numerous Superhost awards, Natalie Palmer offers a relatable path to STR success. As a remote full-time rental manager and co-creator of the ‘Level Up Your Listing Summit,’ she shares practical insights every Wednesday on how to simplify hosting, avoid mistakes, and increase bookings. Balancing a thriving STR business with being a stay-at-home mom, Natalie provides a real-world perspective on making this business work for your life. Follow her for actionable tips and inspiration.
Julie George
Julie George, the Australian author of the international bestseller ‘Million Dollar Host,‘ has made a significant impact on the short-term rental industry. Her book details her unique property management model, which rapidly grew to encompass 130 properties and generate over $8 million in just three years.
Now recognized as a leading global expert in STR, Julie is a judge for the prestigious Shortyz Awards, an investor, shareholder, and advisor within the hospitality sector. Featured across various media and a sought-after speaker at international conferences, Julie supports and mentors numerous hosts worldwide, offering consulting to those aiming to emulate her remarkable success.
Avery Carl
Avery Carl brings a dynamic and unconventional background to the real estate industry. Formerly a lead guitarist, she transitioned her energy and drive into real estate, achieving remarkable success by closing over $25 million in volume in her first full year.
As the CEO and founder of The Short-Term Shop, Avery specializes in short-term and vacation rental properties, earning recognition as a top agent by both the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek. With a personal sales record exceeding $300 million in the STR market since 2017 and a portfolio of over 100 properties, Avery and her team at The Short Term Shop have demonstrated exceptional results, making her a significant voice in the industry.
