Short-term rentals continue to attract investors looking for higher yields than traditional long-term rentals. Thanks to modern short-term rental investment platforms, you don’t need to manage properties yourself to get started. From fractional ownership to fully managed vacation homes, these platforms make it easier to invest in Airbnb-style properties with less hassle. Below are the top 10 short-term rental investment platforms worth considering this year.
1. Arrived
Arrived makes short-term rental investing accessible through fractional ownership. You can invest in vacation and long-term rental homes with relatively low minimums, and the platform handles property management, tenant placement, and maintenance. For short-term rentals, Arrived focuses on professionally managed properties in high-demand vacation markets. Investors earn quarterly dividends plus potential appreciation over time. It’s ideal for beginners who want passive income without managing listings on Airbnb themselves. Transparent fees and a simple online dashboard make it easy to track performance and diversify across multiple properties.
2. Pacaso
Pacaso offers co-ownership of luxury second homes in popular vacation destinations. While it’s structured differently from traditional short-term rental platforms, investors can benefit from appreciation in premium markets. Pacaso manages the property, design, and scheduling system, making ownership frictionless. Although rental income isn’t always the primary focus, some co-owners may offset costs through rental arrangements depending on local rules. It’s best suited for investors who also want personal use of the property while gaining exposure to high-end short-term rental markets.
3. Here
Here is a mobile-first short-term rental investment platform that lets users invest in curated Airbnb properties with relatively small amounts of capital. The company acquires, renovates, and manages vacation rentals in tourist-friendly cities. Investors receive income distributions from rental performance and potential appreciation. The app experience is clean and easy to use, appealing to younger investors seeking passive income. Here focuses on data-driven property selection, targeting markets with strong occupancy rates and seasonal demand. It’s a streamlined way to invest in Airbnb properties without dealing with daily operations.
4. Roofstock
Roofstock is widely known for single-family rental investments, but it also provides access to short-term rental opportunities in select markets. Investors can browse detailed property analytics, projected returns, and neighborhood data before purchasing. Roofstock’s marketplace model allows buyers to directly own properties, giving more control compared to fractional platforms. While you may need third-party management for short-term rentals, the transparency and data tools make it easier to evaluate performance potential. It’s ideal for experienced investors who want ownership control with marketplace convenience.
5. AirDNA
AirDNA isn’t a direct investment platform, but it’s one of the most important tools for short-term rental investors. The platform provides in-depth Airbnb and vacation rental analytics, including occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue projections by city. Investors use AirDNA to evaluate which markets and properties have the strongest potential returns. If you plan to invest through other platforms or buy independently, AirDNA can help you make data-backed decisions. It’s especially valuable for identifying emerging vacation rental hotspots before they become saturated.
6. Vacasa
Vacasa is a full-service vacation rental management company that partners with property owners to maximize short-term rental income. Investors purchase properties independently and then hire Vacasa to manage bookings, cleaning, maintenance, and pricing optimization. The company uses dynamic pricing technology and nationwide marketing to boost occupancy rates. While it’s not a fractional investment platform, Vacasa simplifies ownership for those who want professional management. For investors who prefer direct ownership but minimal day-to-day involvement, Vacasa provides a scalable solution.
7. Sonder
Sonder operates tech-enabled short-term rental units in major cities worldwide. While retail investors can’t typically buy individual units directly, accredited investors may gain exposure through private offerings or public market vehicles. Sonder blends hotel-level consistency with apartment-style living, appealing to business and leisure travelers alike. For investors seeking exposure to professionally managed urban short-term rentals at scale, Sonder offers a hospitality-driven model. It’s best suited for those comfortable with corporate-style real estate investments rather than individual property ownership.
8. Fundrise
Fundrise is a popular real estate crowdfunding platform offering diversified portfolios that may include short-term rental and hospitality assets. Instead of picking individual properties, investors buy into eREITs and funds managed by Fundrise professionals. This approach spreads risk across multiple assets and markets. While it’s not exclusively focused on vacation rentals, it provides indirect exposure to the short-term rental sector. With low minimum investments and automatic reinvestment options, Fundrise is suitable for hands-off investors seeking diversification and long-term growth.
9. Mashvisor
Mashvisor helps investors analyze short-term rental properties with tools like Airbnb profit calculators, heatmaps, and neighborhood comparisons. While it doesn’t directly sell properties, it connects users with listings and brokers. The platform estimates occupancy rates, cash flow, and cap rates based on real data. For DIY investors planning to buy and manage their own Airbnb properties, Mashvisor offers valuable insights before committing capital. It’s particularly helpful for comparing long-term versus short-term rental strategies in specific markets.
10. RealtyMogul
RealtyMogul is a real estate crowdfunding platform that offers access to private real estate deals, including hospitality and vacation rental projects. Investors can choose between REITs or individual property offerings, depending on eligibility. The platform conducts due diligence on sponsors and projects, adding an extra layer of vetting. For short-term rental exposure, investors may find hotel or resort-style investments that align with tourism-driven markets. RealtyMogul suits those looking for diversified, professionally managed opportunities without directly owning and operating properties.
Conclusion
The best short-term rental investment platform depends on your goals. If you want a fully passive income, fractional platforms like Arrived or diversified funds like Fundrise may be ideal. If you prefer direct ownership, marketplaces and management companies like Roofstock or Vacasa provide more control. Always research local regulations, occupancy trends, and fee structures before investing. With the right platform, short-term rentals can become a powerful addition to your real estate portfolio.