The Hidden Side Hustle: He Built a Vending Business While Working 9-5

How Strong Are Your Systems? Managing 60 Units and Scaling with PadSplit

In another solo episode, Stevie Stacks takes the mic to discuss the unglamorous side of growing a real estate empire. While managing a portfolio of 60 units, Stevie was put to the test when his key team member took a week off, proving that a business is only as strong as the systems left behind. Stevie dives into the "Ewing Effect" in business—how a team can actually find new strengths when a top performer is away—and shares his personal experience jumping back into the daily grind of drafting leases and managing inquiries. What you’ll hear in this episode: * The Systems Reality Check: Why "boring" processes are the only way to scale without burning out. * Tech & Hardware: Stevie’s take on the current Mac Mini shortage, the power of using AI to professionalize listing photos, and why he is moving away from high-maintenance smart locks in favor of reliable manual keypads. * The PadSplit Pivot: How Stevie is filling rooms in record time in transit-lite cities like Arlington and his strategy for furnishing a 6-room property for under $3,000 using recycled gear and savvy Amazon finds. * Lessons from the Past: A look back at Stevie’s first major eviction and how facing that "worst-case scenario" removed the fear of growing his business. * New Acquisitions: The details of a recent "Subject-To" deal and how he's turning a new property into a high-cash-flow corporate rental. Whether you are managing one unit or sixty, this episode is a deep dive into the grit, technology, and operations required to thrive in the modern rental market. Work With UsInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks!⁠⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referr...⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJXWTBsTUYtSkRYUFhldFZRSnZ6VnBwT1ROUXxBQ3Jtc0tsNHVqb0dVTjVRYWVGVHlMaVh1UVVWMnJrS1RhTkxzTk9DOW9odGJDckRyWmpXQS1aZWRjSkx5V09OV0sxRVViV0N5aHRTeFhsbG0zbDJpX1lDTUNZWnM2Q2xSWk5lWXFMaWJab2pWMTV0eUcyZ25uYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.padsplit.com%2Fhosts%3Freferral%3D94AD509A%E2%81%A0&v=twlh29-PM9I]Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage ⁠   / @entrepremarriage  ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7d-1EIZQBax4erXL1jiwWw]Click our Link Tree for Podcast News!⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3Zlb0paM1NVYTJTUURHcmpCM0luYUVFT2dzQXxBQ3Jtc0trUnJ4eXl2UThuWnlpby1uODRHNXRTMzcxVk5pR0ZLZTE0ZlhkRDdfcTRRZlgyNmtqczBuNTlnSVRwbmhsRF9zb3J6b3FiTmhwOGNkWWxtbFpmT0tVWkpqNDNSZlhyY1I5VXlkaE1ndF95OEZySnhKRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fliveletthrive%E2%81%A0&v=twlh29-PM9I] ⁠#airbnb⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnb] ⁠⁠#airbnbhost⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnbhost] ⁠⁠#shorttermrentals⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shorttermrentals] ⁠⁠#BRRRR⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brrrr] ⁠⁠#realestate⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestate] ⁠⁠#turo⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/turo] ⁠⁠#homeaway⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/homeaway] ⁠⁠#VRBO⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vrbo] ⁠⁠#corporatehousing⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/corporatehousing] ⁠⁠#shareeconomy⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shareeconomy] ⁠⁠#podcasts⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcasts] ⁠⁠#podcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] ⁠⁠#liveletthrive⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/liveletthrive] ⁠⁠#realestateinvesting⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestateinvesting] ⁠⁠#airbnbsuperhost⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnbsuperhost] ⁠⁠#airbnbpodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnbpodcast] ⁠⁠#sharebnb⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sharebnb] ⁠⁠#liveletthrivepodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/liveletthrivepodcast] ⁠⁠#biggerpockets⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/biggerpockets] ⁠⁠#shorttermrentals⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shorttermrentals] ⁠⁠#directbookings⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/directbookings] ⁠⁠#directbooking⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/directbooking] ⁠⁠#bookdirect [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bookdirect]

Navigating Maintenance Meltdowns and Scaling with PadSplits

In this episode, Stevie Stacks shares the "un-glamorous" side of arbitrage, specifically a major plumbing disaster and the frustration of being denied insurance coverage for lost revenue. He also explains his shift toward PadSplits, converting 3-bedroom houses into 6-unit properties and using "cloud-based" key systems to streamline operations. ➡️ Insurance & Maintenance: Managing a pipe burst and the reality of insurance denials for plumbing issues. ➡️ PadSplit Conversions: Transforming a 3-bedroom home into a 6-unit rental, featuring a garage conversion. ➡️ Creative Financing: Buying properties via owner financing and "subject-to" deals to bypass traditional banks. ➡️ AI Tech Hacks: Using ChatGPT for listing photo touch-ups and Walmart kiosks for digital key backups. ➡️ Rental Grade Success: Furnishing a 6-unit property for under $3,000 with "rental grade" items. ➡️ Operations: Implementing lockboxes with spare batteries and tools to prevent midnight lockouts. ➡️ Market Strategy: Prioritizing consistent corporate leases over the gamble of World Cup short-term bookings. 🎧 Tune in and see if this hidden side hustle could be your next move Interested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms: ➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠ ➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠ Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks! ⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A⁠ Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage https://www.youtube.com/@Entrepremarriage Click our Link Tree for Podcast News! ⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠ #airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

The Hidden Side Hustle: He Built a Vending Business While Working 9-5

What if your next income stream is hiding in plain sight? 💸 This week new episode of Live Let Thrive, Steve sits down with vending machine entrepreneur Matthew Thompson for a conversation that started as a simple consultation—but turned into a masterclass on building a profitable vending machine business. Matthew breaks down how he went from learning everything on “YouTube University” to owning and scaling vending locations, sharing real insights on what actually works (and what doesn’t). From choosing the right machines and locations to understanding pricing, customer behavior, and profit margins—this episode is packed with practical gems. Whether you’re in Airbnb, mid-term rentals, PadSplit, or just looking for another income stream, this conversation might open your eyes to a whole new opportunity. Matthew walks through: → How Matthew got started in vending machines → Why turnkey locations matter (and how to evaluate them) → The importance of data, pricing, and customer demand → Card readers, profit margins, and hidden costs → Best-selling products and trends (energy drinks, snacks, and more) → Mistakes to avoid when starting out → Building generational wealth through business If you’ve ever thought about starting a side hustle—but didn’t know where to begin—this episode gives you a real, practical look at what it takes. Matthew Thompson w/ Legacy Vending LLC. Phone: 682-215-3939 Email: Thompsonlegacyvending@gmail.comx For Consulting or assistance with your vending journey whether you are just starting, think about starting, or already have started and need some assistance with all aspect when it comes to Starting and Scaling a Vending Business Needing help with locations, pricing, purchasing machines, and anything operational, mechanical. Matthew also has a Party and Event rental business named StarPoint Events. StarPoint Events offer quality chairs, tables, and tents for rent. Balloon Arch and other balloon services are also offered. Partnered with Summer Washington both are ready to provide all event rental needs. Please check them out at their user friendly website at starpointeventsco.com Name: StarPoint Events Email: starpointeventsco@gmail.com Phone: 469-629-6225 Website: starpointeventsco.com 🎧 Tune in and see if this hidden side hustle could be your next move Work With Us Interested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms: ➡️Myka (Sharebnb): ⁠www.sharebnb.com⁠ ➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): ⁠www.ArgestRentals.com⁠ Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks! ⁠https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A⁠ Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage https://www.youtube.com/@Entrepremarriage Click our Link Tree for Podcast News! ⁠https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive⁠ #airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect

Is It Time to Quit? Testing the Waters of Full-Time Real Estate Investing

Welcome back to Live, Let, Thrive, the podcast for everything related to Airbnb, the shared economy, and real estate investing. In this solo episode, Stevie Stacks reflects on the importance of building a reliable team and shares a high-stakes story from his early days that changed his perspective on property management.In this episode, we discuss:Weathering the Storm: How a strong team and proactive winterization saved his Texas properties during a recent ice storm.The Power of Systems: A throwback to a stressful night at the hospital that taught Stevie why he could no longer be the "bottleneck" in his business.The Leap to Full-Time: Stevie shares his real-time math on health insurance costs and why he’s considering a leave of absence from his 9-5 to focus on growing from 50 to 100 units.New Ventures: A sneak peek into upcoming episodes about the world of vending machine investing.Work With Us Interested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms: Myka (Sharebnb): www.sharebnb.comSteven (Argest Rentals): www.ArgestRentals.comCheck out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa25taDRBQUNOdmE2aFctVnJ0Tko4bHNYeDhkd3xBQ3Jtc0trMjhmLXF4Wmk5d2NhTG4tXzhDRURDVkZTZHhta20tLTlRdVZ0aUJEeTBiSlRKY00yTHhieUpRd1lqd2VLSllFUEJXcFN3TDNNc2FRN0lNQ0lKX1Rpekkyb05YdTNTd3VuVXhmZk5YaEhUY1FlRjlCSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fliveletthrive&v=XzDuuSCCu18]#airbnb [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnb] #airbnbhost [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnbhost] #shorttermrentals [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shorttermrentals] #BRRRR [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brrrr] #realestate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestate] #turo [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/turo] #homeaway [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/homeaway] #VRBO [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vrbo] #corporatehousing [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/corporatehousing] #shareeconomy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shareeconomy] #podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcasts] #podcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] #liveletthrive [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/liveletthrive] #realestateinvesting [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestateinvesting] #airbnbsuperhost [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnbsuperhost] #airbnbpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/airbnbpodcast] #sharebnb [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sharebnb] #liveletthrivepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/liveletthrivepodcast] #biggerpockets [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/biggerpockets] #shorttermrentals [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shorttermrentals] #directbookings [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/directbookings] #directbooking [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/directbooking] #bookdirect [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bookdirect]

How AI is Replacing Property Management Software: The $200 vs $20 Revolution

We are BACK! After a long hiatus, Myka and Steve return for new episode to discuss the massive shifts in their real estate businesses. From replacing expensive software with AI to navigating the wild world of PadSplits, this episode is packed with actionable insights for every investor. In this episode, we dive into: * Firing the PMS: Micah explains why he ditched his Property Management Software to run his entire operation through Claude AI for just $40/month—saving thousands in fees. * AI-Driven Operations: How to use "Claude Cowork" and bots to automate guest messaging, PriceLabs updates, and even build websites in minutes. * The PadSplit Goldmine: Steve shares how he’s turning a 4-bedroom house into a 6-bedroom cash cow, generating over $4,000/month in a "C-class" neighborhood. * Real Tenant Stories: What happens when a tenant goes to jail? Steve discusses the realities of managing "the hood," room inspections, and why strict screening is your best friend. * AI Investing Mindset: Why AI should be used to 10X your existing knowledge rather than just seeking quick answers Work With UsInterested in professional management or consulting? Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms: Myka (Sharebnb): www.sharebnb.com [http://www.sharebnb.com]Steven (Argest Rentals): www.ArgestRentals.com [http://www.ArgestRentals.com] Sign up for PadSplit with Steve’s link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks! https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A [https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509A] Check out Myka’s Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriage https://www.youtube.com/@Entrepremarriage https://www.youtube.com/@Entrepremarriage [https://www.youtube.com/@Entrepremarriage] Click our Link Tree for Podcast News! https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive [https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive] #airbnb #airbnbhost #shorttermrentals #BRRRR #realestate #turo #homeaway #VRBO #corporatehousing #shareeconomy #podcasts #podcast #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbpodcast #sharebnb #liveletthrivepodcast #biggerpockets #shorttermrentals #directbookings #directbooking #bookdirect