90 - From W-2 to STR Co-Hosting: Maine Markets, Amenities, and Expansion with Matt Welch
Mon Oct 06 2025
Welcome to Hassle-Free RE! Today, Dave Menapace and Will Van Wickler sit down with guest Matt Welch—a former CPG sales leader who left his W-2 to scale a short-term rental portfolio and co-hosting company across Maine. Matt shares how he and his partners built an owner-first management model, why certain amenities (hot tubs, saunas) outperform in specific markets, and how they’re preparing to expand beyond Maine.
You’ll hear the real numbers behind portfolio mix (owned vs. co-hosted), lessons from testing amenities in different geographies, and what gave Matt the confidence to make the leap from corporate to full-time real estate.
Whether you’re investing, managing, or considering co-hosting, this episode is a playbook for building systems, choosing the right markets, and growing with intention. Tune in now to learn how to balance guest experience, durability, and ROI while planning your next expansion.
TIMESTAMPS
01:05 – Will’s 50 deals
02:10 – Cape Cod hot tub ROI
03:14 – Sheets culture on Cape
04:04 – Best product, best price
05:25 – Guest intro: Matt Welch
06:13 – Early path into real estate
08:22 – From LTRs to STRs
13:21 – Co-hosting, owner’s mindset
16:05 – Maine markets they serve
17:51 – 33–34 listings overview
20:56 – Hot tubs extend season
21:57 – Sauna on deck test
23:20 – Leaving a W-2
28:27 – 2025: team building
29:05 – 2026: expand beyond Maine
31:52 – How to contact Matt
Connect with the Guest:
Website: https://daysawayrentals.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-j-welch/
#ShortTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #CoHosting #MaineRealEstate #Hospitality
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Welcome to Hassle-Free RE! Today, Dave Menapace and Will Van Wickler sit down with guest Matt Welch—a former CPG sales leader who left his W-2 to scale a short-term rental portfolio and co-hosting company across Maine. Matt shares how he and his partners built an owner-first management model, why certain amenities (hot tubs, saunas) outperform in specific markets, and how they’re preparing to expand beyond Maine. You’ll hear the real numbers behind portfolio mix (owned vs. co-hosted), lessons from testing amenities in different geographies, and what gave Matt the confidence to make the leap from corporate to full-time real estate. Whether you’re investing, managing, or considering co-hosting, this episode is a playbook for building systems, choosing the right markets, and growing with intention. Tune in now to learn how to balance guest experience, durability, and ROI while planning your next expansion. TIMESTAMPS 01:05 – Will’s 50 deals 02:10 – Cape Cod hot tub ROI 03:14 – Sheets culture on Cape 04:04 – Best product, best price 05:25 – Guest intro: Matt Welch 06:13 – Early path into real estate 08:22 – From LTRs to STRs 13:21 – Co-hosting, owner’s mindset 16:05 – Maine markets they serve 17:51 – 33–34 listings overview 20:56 – Hot tubs extend season 21:57 – Sauna on deck test 23:20 – Leaving a W-2 28:27 – 2025: team building 29:05 – 2026: expand beyond Maine 31:52 – How to contact Matt Connect with the Guest: Website: https://daysawayrentals.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-j-welch/ #ShortTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #CoHosting #MaineRealEstate #Hospitality