Booked Solid Guide

Real-world advice, proven strategies, and practical tools to help you build a profitable short-term rental business.

Our Story

Why We Wrote Booked Solid

Our story began with one old farmhouse, a lot of determination, and no idea where the journey would lead. One project became two, then three, and each one taught us lessons you can only learn by doing. Those experiences helped us avoid costly mistakes, build successful short-term rentals, and discover what truly creates memorable guest experiences.

Whether you’re buying your first investment property, converting your home into a short-term rental, or considering an ADU, we’re here to help you start with confidence—and skip much of the trial and error that comes with learning on your own.

From Our Hosting Journey

In Our Experience

We Restored a 1915 Farmhouse

It became a successful Airbnb, generated a 61% return on investment, and taught us when it makes sense to sell—not just when to buy.

We Built a Successful Rental from the Ground Up

Our Scandinavian-inspired Nordic Nest began as an office before becoming a profitable ADU after months of zoning approvals and permitting challenges.

We Designed a Home for Hosting

The Northern Dog Trot was designed with a private short-term rental wing, creating privacy for guests while generating consistent rental income.

We Transformed a Mountain Home

We converted our primary residence into a luxury mountain rental, learning how to prepare, manage, and preserve a home for exceptional guest experiences.

We've Hosted Hundreds of Guests

From five-star reviews to unexpected maintenance calls, we’ve experienced the realities of hosting and built systems that make managing rentals easier.

We've Made the Mistakes First

Every checklist, worksheet, and recommendation we share is based on real-world experience—not something copied from the internet.

Blog Posts

Latest Articles

Not everyone is meant to be a short-term rental host…

One of the questions we’re asked most often is: “Do..

When we became short-term rental hosts, we thought the hard..

If someone had told us years ago that we’d one..

Our Showcase Portfolio

Stay at One of Our Vacation Rentals

Experience the hospitality we write about. 

Hemlock Haven

Shenandoah Escape

A peaceful woodland retreat where nature meets luxury.

Nordic Nest

Western Wisconsin

A modern Scandinavian retreat blending cozy comfort, minimalist design, and peaceful natural surroundings.

Northern Dog Trot

Menomonie, Wisconsin

A purpose-built retreat offering privacy, comfort, and modern hospitality.

A Practical Guide

Plan Smarter. Host Better. Stay Booked Solid.

The complete step-by-step guide to short-term rental success. Packed with practical advice, proven pricing strategies, guest communication templates, operational checklists, and design ideas to help you create exceptional guest experiences and build a thriving rental business.

What Readers & Hosts Say:

Joan & Jean's book transformed our hosting business. Their pricing strategies helped us significantly increase our revenue!

Sarah & Mark Lawson Superhosts, 3 Cabin Rentals

The checklists and guest communication templates made hosting simple. I earned Airbnb Superhost status in just 4 months!

David K. Vance First-Time Rental Owner

Staying at Hemlock Haven was unforgettable. Every detail, from the welcome basket to the local recommendations, was perfect!

Elena Rostova Vacationer & Host Enthusiast

Start Building Your Vacation Rental Success Today

Get expert tips, practical resources, and proven strategies to grow a profitable vacation rental business.