Premium STR Only—The Key to Profit in the Columbus Market

Why Columbus Investors Must Demand Elite Short-Term Rental Management

In May 2024, Fifth Principle Properties conducted an analysis that painted a challenging picture: while Fort Benning demand gives Columbus a top national ranking, high debt service, increasing supply, and the challenging regulatory environment make profitability elusive for the average investor.

Fifth Principle Properties delivers high quality short-term rentals to Columbus, GA

The market has one overriding challenge: Average STR revenue leads to negative cash flow. Our analysis showed that a typical financed property can result in an annual loss of -$706. This confirms that success is no longer about average performance; it is purely about maximizing every booking.

The only way to win is through elite, professional Short-Term Rental (STR) Management that pushes your property far above the market average.

The Problem: Average STR Revenue Fails to Cover Costs

The key cost barrier is the debt service and operating expenses.

• The Debt Burden: High interest rates mean a substantial portion of your revenue is committed to the bank.

• The Tax Burden: While the 16% room tax is paid by the guest, it dramatically inflates the final price and effect occupancy due to price elasticity. This forces your property to offer superior value compared to hotels and lower-taxed properties.

  
  

If your property is just doing "okay" at the $145/night average, you will lose money.

The Solution: Moving to the Top 10% Revenue Tier

The only way to achieve positive cash flow is to access the elite revenue tier. The data shows that the Top 10% of STR properties in Columbus command $308+ per night. This level of performance is what you need to cover all expenses and achieve profit.

Fifth Principle Properties specializes in this aggressive revenue maximization, ensuring your property is positioned to capture that top-tier income:

Challenge from Your May 2024 Analysis	Fifth Principle’s STR-Only Solution
Negative Cash Flow	We use aggressive dynamic pricing and marketing focused solely on Fort Benning graduations to move your property from the -$706 loss into profitability.
Price Competitiveness (16% Tax)	We guarantee exceptional staging and 5-star service to justify the higher final price (including the 16% tax), ensuring guests choose your property over competitors.
Zoning Limits/Historic Ban	We verify that your property is in a permitted zone and serve as your local 24/7 contact, fulfilling the mandatory local agent requirement for compliance.
Increased Supply/Competition	Our professional listing management and superhost status combined with quality control move your property into the top-earning tier ($308+ nightly rate), separating you from the noise.

The Columbus STR market is rewarding, but only to investors who refuse to settle for average. Don't let negative cash flow be the cost of self-managing.

Ready to move your STR to the top 10%?

Request a Premium STR Revenue Assessment