Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals — Riverstone Realty
Short-Term Rental Investing · SC & GA

Your Property.
Working for You
Every Night.

Airbnb and short-term rentals are one of the most powerful ways to generate income from real estate. We help buyers find the right properties, sellers get top dollar, and beginners understand exactly how it all works — across South Carolina and Georgia.

2–3×
More Income vs. Long-Term Rental
82%
Average Occupancy in Strong STR Markets
18mo
Average Payback on Furnishing Investment
SC & GA
Markets We Serve
STR 101 · For Beginners

What Is a Short-Term
Rental Property?

A Short-Term Rental (STR) is any property rented out for short stays — nights, weekends, or weeks — through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com instead of a traditional long-term lease.

Think of it like a hotel you own. Guests book online, pay automatically, and you earn income every time someone stays. The right STR property can generate significantly more income than renting the same home to a single tenant for a year.

"The same $250,000 home that rents for $1,500/month long-term can generate $2,500–$4,500/month as a short-term rental in the right market."

We help you find those right markets, analyze the numbers honestly, and make smart acquisitions that perform from day one.

Beach & Lake Houses

Waterfront properties near SC lakes and coastline generate strong year-round demand and premium nightly rates.

Downtown Condos

Urban properties near Augusta, Columbia, and Charleston attract business travelers, event guests, and tourists year-round.

Cabins & Retreats

Wooded and rural retreats in SC and GA are among the fastest-growing STR categories — guests pay a premium for peace and privacy.

Family Vacation Homes

Spacious homes near attractions, golf courses, and Masters Tournament venues command top rates and high repeat bookings.

Why Short-Term Rentals

The Case for STR Investing
in SC & GA

02
Personal Use Flexibility

Unlike a traditional rental, you can block off dates for yourself. Use the property for family vacations, holidays, and getaways — then rent it the rest of the year.

100%
control over when you use your property
03
SC & GA Markets Are Growing

South Carolina and Georgia consistently rank among the top STR markets in the Southeast. Tourism, golf, college towns, and coastal destinations drive year-round demand.

Top 10
SC ranked nationally for STR revenue growth
04
Platforms Do the Marketing

Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com handle guest discovery, reviews, and payment processing. You don't need to find your own tenants — the platform brings them to you.

3+
major platforms marketing your property 24/7
05
Appreciation + Cash Flow

STR properties build equity just like any other real estate while generating active monthly income. You're building long-term wealth and earning cash flow at the same time.

2-in-1
appreciation and monthly cash flow combined
06
Easier to Start Than You Think

Many first-time STR investors are surprised by how accessible this strategy is. With the right property, the right market, and the right guidance — you can be live on Airbnb within 60 days of closing.

60d
average time from close to first booking
How We Help You

Full-Service STR Support
From Start to Close

Whether you're buying your first STR property, selling an existing one, or just trying to understand if this strategy is right for you — we've got you covered at every step.

Finding the Right STR Property

Not every property makes a good short-term rental. We analyze STR performance data, zoning regulations, and market demand to identify properties with real earning potential — before you buy.

  • STR market analysis & revenue projections
  • Zoning & regulation review by county
  • Comparable nightly rate benchmarking
  • Occupancy rate and seasonal demand review
  • Off-market STR-ready property sourcing
Selling Your STR Property

If you own a short-term rental and are ready to sell, we know how to market it to the right buyers — investors who understand the income potential and will pay a premium for a performing property.

  • STR income history presentation strategy
  • Marketing to active investor networks
  • Pricing that reflects STR performance value
  • Transition strategy to keep income flowing
  • 1031 exchange coordination if needed
First-Time STR Investor Program

Never invested in real estate before? No problem. We walk beginners through every step — from understanding the basics to analyzing your first deal and closing with confidence.

  • STR strategy education & goal setting
  • Financing & lending partner introductions
  • Deal analysis walkthroughs
  • Side-by-side guidance from offer to close
  • Post-close setup and launch support
STR Portfolio Expansion

Already have one short-term rental and ready to grow? We help established investors add properties strategically — diversifying markets, property types, and income streams for maximum returns.

  • Portfolio performance review & analysis
  • Market diversification strategy
  • Scaling from 1 to multiple properties
  • Property management network access
  • Long-term STR exit strategy planning
For Beginners

How to Get Started with
Your First STR Property

Think it's complicated? It doesn't have to be. Here's exactly how it works — step by step.

01
Discovery Call With Our Team

We start with a free conversation about your goals, budget, and timeline. No pressure — just honest guidance about whether STR investing makes sense for your situation.

02
Market & Property Analysis

We identify properties in SC and GA that match your budget and have strong STR performance data — including projected nightly rates, occupancy, and annual income estimates.

03
Make an Offer & Close

We handle negotiations, due diligence, and closing. We also connect you with lenders who specialize in STR financing so you get the best terms available.

04
Set Up & Stage Your Property

We connect you with interior designers and stagers who specialize in short-term rentals — the right setup dramatically improves your reviews, occupancy, and nightly rates.

05
List & Start Earning

We connect you with a trusted property manager or walk you through self-managing your listing on Airbnb and VRBO. Most clients are live and taking bookings within 60 days of closing.

Our Markets

Top STR Markets We Serve
Across SC & Georgia

We know these markets deeply — their demand patterns, seasonal peaks, zoning rules, and the neighborhoods where STR properties consistently perform.

South Carolina
Augusta / North Augusta Area

Home of The Masters Tournament — one of golf's most prestigious events. Augusta drives some of the highest Airbnb nightly rates in the Southeast during tournament week, with strong year-round corporate and leisure demand.

$800+
Nightly · Masters Week
78%
Avg Occupancy
South Carolina
Lake Murray & Midlands SC

Lake Murray is one of SC's most beloved destinations — boating, fishing, and waterfront living drive strong weekend and summer STR demand. Properties on or near the lake command premium rates year-round.

85%
Summer Occupancy
2.4×
LTR Income Premium
South Carolina
Columbia, SC

South Carolina's capital city — home to the University of South Carolina — drives consistent STR demand from parents, alumni, sports fans, and government travelers. Low entry price, strong occupancy.

76%
Avg Occupancy
Low
Entry Price Point
South Carolina
Hilton Head & Lowcountry

One of the East Coast's premier vacation destinations. Golf, beaches, and year-round sunshine make Hilton Head one of the strongest and most consistent STR markets in the entire country.

91%
Peak Occupancy
$350+
Avg Nightly Rate
Georgia
Augusta, Georgia

The Masters at Augusta National is the single largest short-term rental event in the Southeast. Investors who own property near Augusta can cover a full year of mortgage payments in one tournament week alone.

$1,200
Nightly · Peak Week
7d
Can Cover Months of Costs
Georgia
Blue Ridge & North Georgia

Cabin and retreat rentals in the North Georgia mountains are among the fastest-growing STR segments in the South. Guests pay premium rates for seclusion, scenery, and the escape from city life.

88%
Fall Occupancy
LTR Income Premium
"

We had no idea how to get started with Airbnb investing. Riverstone Realty walked us through everything — found us a property near Augusta that more than pays for itself every Masters week. Best investment decision we've ever made.

— STR Investor Client · Augusta, GA Area
Ready to Get Started?

Let's Find Your
First STR Property

Whether you're brand new to investing or ready to add another property to your portfolio — we'll have a real conversation about your goals and show you exactly what's possible in your market and budget. No pressure. Just honest guidance.

STR Investor Inquiry
Tell us about your goals and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.
Your information is kept completely confidential · 706.951.1183