The STR Design Secrets That Make Your Property Stand Out, Book Out, and Get 5-Star Reviews

Sign up for this free course to discover the essentials, guest-avatar design, budget-friendly hacks, and insider supplier access that top operators quietly use to win bookings and maximize ROI.

STR Investing - Design

Learn the design and guest-experience secrets today’s top STR experts use to create properties that stand out, book out, and rack up 5-star reviews—without overspending.

About This Course

Guests don’t book listings. They book feelings.


This course shows you how to design a space that sparks instant desire the moment someone scrolls past your photos. You’ll learn the subtle design levers top operators use to make properties look irresistible online — and unforgettable in person.

This isn’t about chasing trends or guessing what looks good. It’s about applying a repeatable, ROI-focused design system that maximizes guest experience and keeps your property competitive in any market.

Browse Lesson Plan:

Property Essentials

Learn how thoughtful extras and hospitality-grade basics transform ordinary stays into 5-star guest experiences that drive repeat bookings.

Guest Avatar

Discover why aligning design with your ideal guest is the foundation of profitable, memorable short-term rentals.

Stop the Scroll

See how bold murals and eye-catching design details make your listing stand out and capture attention instantly.

Budget-Friendly Designs

Uncover proven furnishing strategies that balance cost and comfort, helping you elevate spaces without draining cash.

HostGPO

Leverage HostGPO’s buying power, complete checklists, and stocking systems to standardize setup, cut costs, and improve guest experience.

Design with Jen Sexton

Apply Jen’s contract-grade standards, high-low spend strategy, and durable materials to maximize ROI, reduce turnover time, and scale.

Upclose Marketing

Secure free products through UpClose, build memorable welcome baskets, and streamline touchpoints that drive repeat bookings and five-star reviews.

Related Courses

Boost bookings with unforgettable indoor amenities like game rooms, theaters, spas, gyms and more that earn 5-star reviews.

Wow guests with outdoor upgrades like fire pits, hot tubs, pickleball and playgrounds that boost ROI and guest appeal.

Maximize STR profits with smart renovations that prioritize upgrades, stretch budgets, and create memorable guest experiences with lasting returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STR Investing?

STR Investing is the education arm of our ecosystem, led by Mark Lumpkin and Taylor Jones. We built it to cut through the noise and give investors straightforward, actionable strategies for short-term rentals. Think of it as your free training ground — from acquisitions and design to operations, amenities, taxes, and beyond. It’s where today’s operators learn the same frameworks top STR pros actually use.

How much do your courses cost?

Nothing. They’re 100% free. We add new lessons regularly so you’re always up to date — but you’ll never have to pay to access them.

Do I need to own a property already to benefit?

No. These courses are designed for both beginners and seasoned operators. You can start learning before you buy — so when the right opportunity comes along, you already know what to do. And if you are ready to buy, our sister company STR Search (led by John Bianchi, “The Airbnb Data Guy”) can help you find and underwrite the right property.

How is this different from free advice on YouTube or TikTok?

Simple: depth and credibility. The STR space is flooded with surface-level tips and “gurus” chasing clicks. We’ve managed and invested in over 140+ properties ourselves. Our lessons are built on real numbers, real systems, and real results — not hype. Every course is structured to give you repeatable frameworks you can actually apply, not just recycled soundbites.

How do I get started after I finish the courses?

If you’re ready to put what you’ve learned into action, the next step is working with John Bianchi and STR Search. That’s where you’ll move from education into execution — finding profitable markets, identifying the right properties, and running the numbers with confidence. Learn more at strsearch.com.

Disclaimer: STR Investing provides educational content, resources, and strategies designed to help short-term rental (STR) investors make smarter decisions. While we share proven frameworks, expert insights, and real-world examples, we do not guarantee the financial performance of any property, portfolio, or investment. Real estate markets are inherently unpredictable, and individual results will vary based on factors such as location, regulations, management practices, financing, and other variables beyond our control. Any tax-related discussions, including topics like depreciation or the STR tax exception, are for educational purposes only. Achieving potential tax benefits requires meeting specific IRS qualifications, and we strongly encourage you to consult with a licensed tax professional or financial advisor before making investment or tax decisions. By accessing our courses, tools, and resources, you acknowledge that all investments carry risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. STR Investing is not a tax, financial, or legal advisory firm, and the information provided should not be construed as professional advice.

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