How to Analyze a Short-Term Rental Deal in San Antonio Using AirDNA

By Jeremy Rosen, Your Home Away Management

San Antonio is one of the most profitable and active short-term rental (STR) markets in Texas. Whether you’re a local homeowner or investor looking at your first (or next) Airbnb property, running the numbers before you commit is key. Tools like AirDNA help you evaluate real data instead of relying on guesses.

If you’re new to deal analysis, start with this free resource: John Bianchi of STRsearch offers one of the most helpful beginner-friendly breakdowns of STR analysis using AirDNA. His course is available here: https://strsearch.com/start-here

Once you’re ready to run your own numbers, here’s a step-by-step guide to analyzing a short-term rental deal in San Antonio.

Step 1: Define your buy box

Before you even open AirDNA, get clear on what kind of property you’re looking for. Set a budget, choose target neighborhoods, and think about your ideal guest profile—are you catering to families, business travelers, tourists, or medical professionals? Decide which amenities are non-negotiable, like a pool, parking, or a workspace. This buy box will help you filter properties and stay focused.

Step 2: Explore San Antonio market data in AirDNA

Search for San Antonio in AirDNA’s MarketMinder tool. Focus on:

• Occupancy rates by neighborhood

• Average Daily Rates (ADR)

• Revenue estimates for comparable listings

• Seasonal demand and market saturation

Avoid using data from listings that have less than 12 months of history or very few reviews, as they can skew your assumptions. Focus instead on properties with stable, proven performance.

Step 3: Identify and evaluate strong comps

Look for active listings in San Antonio that closely match your potential property in size, layout, guest capacity, and amenities. Aim to find 2 to 5 comps that have:

• Consistent availability

• Recent and frequent reviews

• Realistic pricing based on the market

Avoid properties with unusually high earnings or unique features that don’t apply to your situation.

Step 4: Use Rentalizer and run your numbers

Plug your property into AirDNA’s Rentalizer tool to get an estimated annual revenue. Then model your expenses using a basic spreadsheet or STR calculator. Make sure to include:

• Mortgage or loan payments

• Utilities, internet, and insurance

• Property taxes and cleaning fees

• Setup and furnishing costs (plan around $5,000+ per bedroom)

This gives you a clear picture of potential monthly cash flow and return on investment.

Step 5: Save and organize your research

Export your comps from AirDNA and organize them for easy comparison. Look at ADR, occupancy rates, number of reviews, and guest scores. Highlight your top comps and create a simple summary that helps you see which deals are strongest.

Step 6: Think long-term before you buy

Once you’ve found a potential deal that pencils out, step back and look at the bigger picture. Consider:

• Financing options like DSCR loans or creative lending

• Local STR regulations and permitting in San Antonio

• Whether you’ll self-manage or hire a professional team

• Tax strategies and long-term growth plans

Success with STRs goes beyond the initial purchase—it depends on how well the property is run over time.

Already have a property in mind? We can help.

At Your Home Away Management, we focus exclusively on short-term rental operations in San Antonio. With over 20 listings under management, an average guest rating of 4.95, and recognition as the #2 property management company on AirDNA in the city, we bring local expertise to every home we support.

We don’t search for or scout deals, but once you have a property in mind, we help you get it up and running smoothly. Our services include:

1. Revenue breakdowns based on San Antonio comps

2. Furnishing and listing setup that stands out

3. Guest communication and full operations

4. Automation systems to save time and reduce hassle

5. Owner reporting and portfolio planning

Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help you make the most of your STR investment in San Antonio.

Visit https://yham.host to connect with our local team.

About the Author

Jeremy Rosen is founder and CEO of Your Home Away Management, a San Antonio-based short-term rental property management company. With over 20 high-performing listings under management and a 4.95 average guest rating, Your Home Away Management brings hands-on local expertise to STR owners looking to optimize their income and operations. Ranked as the #2 STR management company in San Antonio on AirDNA, Your Home Away Management supports both new and experienced hosts through setup, automation, and full-service guest management. Learn more at https://yham.host.