What if your next short-term rental deal isn’t failing because of the numbers… but because of your reviews?

In this episode of Cash Flow Positive, Kenny Bedwell digs into the “curse” of review-driven real estate—how guest expectations, property condition, and first impressions can quietly make or break your returns. He breaks down the two sides of STR investing (real estate + hospitality), shares real-world examples from his own portfolio, and explains why operations and guest experience are just as critical as deal analysis.

You’ll learn what details guests really notice, how to find properties that support great reviews from day one, and the simple fixes that turn complaints into five-star ratings.

If you want your short-term rental to outperform the market, hit play and start thinking like a guest, not just an investor.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00 ] Why Kenny “hates” reviews 4and how they shape investor behavior

[01:00 ] The two-headed monster of STR investing: real estate + hospitality

[02:30 ] Why being a great host directly impacts revenue

[04:00 ] How property age and updates influence guest satisfaction

[06:00 ] Lessons from a historic 1860s home that became a five-star stay

[09:00 ] The hidden cost of ignoring capital expenditures

[10:40 ] When old systems (like HVAC) destroy the guest experience

[12:00 ] How unfinished basements and outdated designs kill reviews

[15:20 ] External factors: neighbors, privacy, roads, and power lines

[20:00 ] Designing for privacy, accessibility, and comfort

[23:00 ] How to impress guests from the moment they arrive

[25:00 ] The power of small touches, like Kenny’s ice cream bar idea

[27:00 ] Why first impressions make or break your ratings

[30:20 ] The link between five-star reviews and long-term revenue

Important Links

• Want us to find the deals for you? https://strinsights.com 
• Get Top Markers for STRs (2025)  https://www.strinsights.com/top-investable-short-term-rental-markets-2025-report
• Instagram – @kenny_bedwell
• YouTube – Cash Flow Positive
• LinkedIn – Kenneth Bedwell

Cash Flow Positive is an original podcast hosted by Kenny Bedwell. Brought to you by STR Insights and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand