I am considering hosting

[Paul9709]

Should I consider hosting (or realistically not hosting) since I don't live in the same state of the property I own? 

[Lorna170 · Accepted solution]

@Paul9709  The key to hosting from a distance is to have an excellent local person or persons who can respond to guest requests and handle the cleaning turnovers.

I hosted from an 8 hour distance for many years, but this would not have been possible without our staff couple (cleaner and maintenance) who are exemplary in providing service.  I found that property management companies were too hands off and negligent, as well as expensive in terms of their service (20% for poor communication and guest care).  It took a year or so to find the perfect couple and to determine the right amount of compensation for them.  They have been with us for more than 17 years, so it obviously worked.

AirBnB has a co-host feature if you want your staff to have access to the booking information.  I have never turned this on, as I find it more personal to communicate directly with my staff and provide clear details about the guests, their arrival and departure dates as well as extra cleaning requirements when pets are coming, etc.  

[Paul9709]

Hi Lorna,  I appreciate you taking the time to respond, thank you. That is helpful and encouraging.  I will look into the co-host option. I also have some avenues along those lines to pursue. 

[Bettye6]

I would consider though you need to know & trust someone to handle cleaning & maintenance. 
they just came out with a co-host toggle & I suggest you use that as well. It’s like having a second pair of eyes. You can see how they handle your guest comments of need & they see everything you see when they need to. 
I love this new feature even though I live on my property. I get sick or have to leave emergently they can seamlessly  take over. 

[Paul9709]

Hi Betty, thank you for your response. I did see the co-host option. I'm encouraged and will definitely consider moving forward with this. Thanks again! 

[Fred13]

What both @Lorna170  & @Bettye6  said is a must, once you get that person (s)  you can proceed.

[Paul9709]

 Thank you Fred13 for you input. As my thoughts and interest develop regarding this, I'm realizing my question was more along the lines of, has this been tried/done before, and is it repeatedly a fail, or is it something that is quite manageable? 

  I do have atleast 2 or 3 solid leads of friends and family members very close by who can help me connect with the person that comes to mind they think would be perfect for this.

 Thanks again for taking time out to read and respond to my post.

[Sangeeta8]

First question is how far away are you?

Second, how hard is it to find a co-host nearby!

[Paul9709]

Hi Sangeeta8, I'm about 600mi, or about 1000km. 10hrs by car. I have some time to work with. I can connect with a solid network of family and friends that are in the immediate vicinity. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Paul9709, How is it going for you? Keep us posted on what you decide or if you need any further help from our members. We would love to see you become a part of our Airbnb Host Community. 

I wanted to share a similar discussion that happened here: https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help-with-your-business/Hosting-in-another-city-you-don-t-live-i... which echoes the same suggestions as our members shared for you. But may be worth reading.

Although it is totally unrelated to your question, I also wanted to share these helpful resource links that may help you when you eventually decide to start hosting on Airbnb : 
👉 How to start a business on Airbnb 

👉  Create your listing on Airbnb 

Hope there are some positive developments in this direction and wish you all the very best!