Buying a property for Airbnb can look like a straightforward real estate investment—until you discover that you can’t legally operate it as a short-term rental. Local licensing rules, property restrictions, and operating costs can change the economics of a deal before you ever welcome a guest.

What should investors verify before buying a short-term rental, and how do you plan for a property that may not generate the income you expect?

In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich and real estate investor Andreea Muresan discuss the opportunities and risks of short-term rental investing. Andreea shares how she moved from corporate finance into house flipping and long-term rentals before investing in luxury vacation properties in the Las Vegas area.

They explore why owning an Airbnb is also a hospitality business, how Andreea approaches long-term equity growth, and what happened when an updated municipal licensing map made a property she had under contract ineligible for a short-term rental license. The conversation offers a practical look at due diligence, investment risk, and the importance of having a plan when regulations affect a property’s intended use.

Key Topics Discussed

• How Andreea transitioned from corporate finance into real estate investing through house flipping, long-term rentals, and private money lending.
• Why she shifted toward luxury short-term rentals and how she balances cash flow with a long-term equity growth strategy.
• How operating an Airbnb differs from owning a traditional rental property and why hospitality is a major part of the business.
• Why investors need to verify local short-term rental licensing requirements before purchasing a property.
• How a change to a municipal licensing map caused Andreea to walk away from a property during due diligence.
• Why checking a property’s eligibility once may not be enough when licensing information or local regulations can change.
• How investors can evaluate whether they have the capital and flexibility to hold a property if their original rental plan is delayed.
• Why verifying rental listings and using reputable booking platforms matters for guests.
• How Andreea builds relationships with investors and creates a sense of community around her properties.

About the Guest

Andreea Muresan is a real estate investor with a background in corporate finance. She began investing in residential real estate in Canada, building experience in house flipping, long-term rentals, and private money lending before transitioning into luxury short-term rentals in the United States. Her investment approach emphasizes long-term property ownership, equity growth, and creating memorable guest experiences. She also values collaboration and building a community in which investors can share in the experience of property ownership.

About the Host

Aviva Sonenreich is the Managing Broker and Owner of the Warehouse Hotline, a Denver commercial real estate brokerage specializing exclusively in industrial properties. She leads the firm’s brokerage operations, negotiates industrial sales and leasing transactions, advises clients on acquisition and disposition strategies, and oversees the company’s marketing and business development efforts. Through Commercial Real Estate Secrets, she interviews leading investors, brokers, developers, and industry experts to provide actionable insights on commercial real estate investing, brokerage, leasing, development, and market trends.

Buying an Investment Property? Start With the Right Due Diligence

Whether you’re investing in a vacation rental or an industrial building, a property’s permitted uses, operating costs, and income potential can determine whether it fits your investment goals.

The Warehouse Hotline helps investors identify and evaluate industrial real estate opportunities in the Denver metro area. If you’re considering buying a warehouse or expanding your commercial property portfolio, our team can help you assess available properties and navigate the acquisition process.