In this post I’m going to show just how much more cash flow my four units are generating since making the switch to mid-term rentals. I’m going to compare my actual income and expenses from May 2025 when I was using a property manager and each unit was occupied by a long-term tenant to May 2026, my first full month self-managing and each unit was occupied by mid-term guests.
May 2025 – LTR Income & Expenses
| Income | Category | Expenses | Category |
| $1300 | Rent | $1965.69 | Mortgage |
| $1225 | Rent + Pet fee | $1729.60 | Mortgage |
| $1200 | Rent | $475 | Management fee |
| $1025 | Rent + Pet fee | $175 | Cleaning fee |
| $140 | Maintenance | ||
| $129.56 | Supplies | ||
| $65 | Appliance repair | ||
| $35.64 | Landscaping | ||
| $4750 | Total Income | $4715.49 | Total Expenses |
| $34.51 | Total Profit |
May 2026 – MTR Income & Expenses
| Income | Category | Expenses | Category |
| $2000 | Rent | $1885.17 | Mortgage |
| $2000 | Rent | $1732.39 | Mortgage |
| $2000 | Rent | $94.76 | Electricity |
| $2000 | Rent | $44.69 | Electricity |
| $19.59 | Electricity | ||
| $15.40 | Electricity | ||
| $84.50 | Gas | ||
| $84.50 | Gas | ||
| $60.76 | Gas | ||
| $58.08 | Gas | ||
| $44.40 | Sewer | ||
| $31.33 | Sewer | ||
| $46.28 | Water | ||
| $41.79 | Water | ||
| $140 | Landscaping | ||
| $254.96 | Internet/Cell Phone | ||
| $50 | Cleaning | ||
| $185 | Exterminator | ||
| $8000 | Total Income | $4870.60 | Total Expenses |
| $3129.40 | Total Profit |
As you can see, even with the added utility expenses the cash flow difference is staggering. The increased expenses were mostly offset by the subtraction of the management fee. And of course the increased income is the real driver. I’m well aware that every month won’t look this good.
With MTRs you can expect increased vacancies, cleanings, replacement furniture, and similar levels of repairs and maintenance as LTRs. Also not included here are the annual expenses tied to Furnished Finder listings (currently $199/property and $149/additional unit at same address) and Turbo Tenant property management software (currently $149/year for Premium) which would equate to an additional ~$70 in monthly expenses in my situation.
Still, $3000 in cash flow will go a long way in helping you get through slow months and repairs/maintenance. Are MTRs more work than operating a long-term rental? Sure, but it’s worth it! And not nearly as hectic as running an STR.
If you’re tired of barely breaking even on your LTRs and want to increase your cash flow without the headaches of short-term rentals, then download our free MTR Starter Guide and Furnishings List to get started. If your properties are in the Cleveland area, then join our Referral Network to get immediate leads and network with other MTR operators.
