Live Let Thrive

10/22/2026

COPS RAIDED OUR AIRBNB?! A guest wanted in connection with a killing in California, a busted-down door, and a cleaner who walked away with a PS5 and Bose headphones.

Episode 355 of Live Let Thrive!

Myka and Stevie Stacks share wild stories from their early Dallas Airbnb days and why real-world experience beats expensive real estate coaching programs.

They dive into Airbnb horror stories, rental red flags, Texas vs. Arkansas housing market predictions, AI scams, and the debate over making $30K on a flip versus $12K a year in rental income.

Plus, midterm rental strategies, security deposits, backup Wi-Fi, dealing with difficult guests, a 4-bedroom rental that made $20K in two months, and how robotaxis and PadSplit could change the future of housing.

From crazy guests to smart investing strategies, this episode is packed with lessons about building wealth, adapting to change, and staying hungry.

Watch Episode 355 now! Link in bio.

Steve was catching up with the guy who used to clean their old Dall...

10/21/2026

Imagine getting a call from the police about your Airbnb guest… and finding out they're wanted for murder. 😳🚨

That's one Airbnb experience Steve will never forget!

In Episode 355 of Live Let Thrive, Steve shares the wild story of how police kicked down the door of one of their old Dallas rentals to arrest a guest who was wanted in connection with a killing in California.

But beyond the crazy Airbnb stories, Myka and Steve get into the real lessons they've learned from years of managing rental properties, including why pricing matters, how to spot red flags, and why real-world experience teaches you things no course ever could.

They also dive into the changing Texas housing market, flipping vs. holding rental properties, managing difficult guests, and what it really takes to succeed in real estate.

💡 Sometimes the toughest experiences teach you the most valuable lessons in business.

🎥 Watch the full Episode 355 of Live Let Thrive to hear the full story and more lessons from Myka and Steve!

10/14/2026

Would you invest in a market where NONE of the properties could cover their own mortgage? 🏠📉

Myka built an AI-powered real estate dashboard in just five minutes using Claude, and the results were eye-opening!

In Arkansas, he found properties showing positive cash flow potential, including a 4-bedroom home listed at $175,000 that could bring in $526 a month above its estimated mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance.

But when he switched to Texas? 28 listings in Grand Prairie, and not a single one passed the same cash flow test. 😳

In Episode 354 of Live Let Thrive, Myka goes solo to break down what the numbers are telling him, why he's focusing on Arkansas over Texas, and how AI is helping him find better investment opportunities.

He also covers the changing housing market, negotiating lower purchase prices, and why having multiple rental strategies matters more than ever.

💡 The lesson? Don't just buy because a property looks like a good deal. Make sure the numbers actually work!

🎥 Watch the full Episode 354 of Live Let Thrive to see Myka's AI dashboard in action!

Myka had Claude build a dashboard in about five minutes: every 2016...

10/13/2026

Would you spend $220 a month on AI if it could help you generate $10,000 in rental revenue? 👀💰

That's what Myka says he's doing with Claude and ChatGPT!
In Episode 353 of Live Let Thrive, Myka shares how he's using AI to automate his rental pricing, adjust minimum stays, and fill vacancies faster. He even breaks down how one pricing strategy helped generate $13,000 in bookings in just three days after a cancellation!
But this episode isn't just about AI.

Myka and Steve also dive into real estate investing, why knowing your target guests matters, creative financing, negotiating better deals, and how the changing Texas housing market is affecting rental operators.

💡 The biggest takeaway? AI can be a powerful tool, but knowing how to run your business is what makes it valuable.

🎥 Watch the full Episode 353 of Live Let Thrive to see how they're using AI and adapting their rental strategies!

10/13/2026

What if you could build a 20-unit rental portfolio in just five years? 🏠💰

Myka shares a real estate strategy for beginners: buy a four-unit property, live in one unit, rent out the others, and repeat the process.

In Episode 352 of Live Let Thrive, Myka and Steve break down how investors can find opportunities even when interest rates are high and the housing market is slowing down.

They also dive into creative financing strategies, seller credits, DSCR loans, why insurance housing can be a strong rental niche, and how they're using AI to simplify their real estate operations.

💡 You don't always need the perfect market to make a move. Sometimes, it's about finding the right deal and making the numbers work.

Myka's advice to anyone starting today: buy a two-bed, one-bath qua...

10/13/2026

What happens when a rental platform changes the rules and your cash flow takes the hit? 😬🏠

PadSplit had changed its booking window to 30 days after a guest booked 22 days in advance, leaving a room sitting empty with no income in the meantime.

In this episode of Live Let Thrive, Myka and Steve break down the risks of relying on rental platforms and why they're becoming more selective about their next investments.

They also dive into why 4-bedroom homes with pools are winning in the midterm rental market, the advantages of owner financing, new-build duplex opportunities, and Airbnb's 15% host fee.

💡 The goal isn't just to get more properties. It's to make sure the numbers actually work.

🎥 Watch the full episode of Live Let Thrive to hear how Myka and Steve are adapting their strategies to today's rental market!

PadSplit changed its booking window to 30 days without warning host...

10/13/2026

Imagine losing $2,600 on an Airbnb booking, and your guests just disappear. 😳🏠

That's exactly what Steve experienced when Airbnb held his payment for a 48-day reservation, then canceled the booking after the guests had already left.

In this episode of Live Let Thrive, Myka and Steve break down what happened, the risks of long-term Airbnb bookings, and why protecting your rental business goes beyond just getting reservations.

They also dive into handling difficult guests, why relying only on midterm rentals can be risky, and how new AI tools from Hospitable are changing property management.

💡 Every booking comes with a lesson, and this one is a reminder of why having the right systems and policies matters.

🎥 Watch the full episode of Live Let Thrive to hear the full story and what every rental host can learn from it!

Airbnb held Steve's $2,600 payment on a 48-day booking, then cancel...

10/13/2026

Is Airbnb arbitrage still worth it in today's market? 👀🏠

After years of running profitable 1- and 2-bedroom rentals in DFW, Myka and Steve are making a big shift!

With smaller units sitting vacant, midterm rental demand changing, and operating costs climbing, they're moving their focus toward owning larger properties, 3-4 bedroom homes, and PadSplit opportunities.

In this episode of Live Let Thrive, they break down what's still working in the rental market, why workforce housing is becoming a bigger opportunity, and why building equity may be a better long-term strategy than managing dozens of arbitrage leases.

💡 The rental market is changing, and what worked a few years ago might not work today.

🎥 Watch the full episode of Live Let Thrive to hear Myka and Steve's take on where the market is heading and how they're adjusting their strategies!:

Myka and Steve announce they're done with 1-2 bedroom arbitrage in ...

10/13/2026

What if AI could help you run your entire rental business? 👀

From adjusting Airbnb and Vrbo pricing to tracking profits, sending invoices, and managing guest communication, Myka is showing how he uses Claude AI to simplify his rental operations.

In this episode of Live Let Thrive, Myka breaks down his custom AI dashboard, how it connects with tools like PriceLabs and QuickBooks, and how automation helps take repetitive tasks off his plate.

But here's the catch: AI is only as smart as your understanding of your own business. 💡

🎥 Watch the full episode to see how he's putting AI to work in his rental business!

08/19/2026

Are we watching 2008 happen again in slow motion?

In Episode 347 of Live Let Thrive, Myka and Steve break down the warning signs showing up in the DFW housing market, from slowing sales and foreclosures to rising property taxes and deals that no longer make sense.

They also talk about why they’re getting out of Airbnb arbitrage, where midterm rentals are still performing, the 5 paid-off houses strategy, ADUs, AI data centers, PadSplit insurance, and Myka officially becoming a Texas real estate agent.

And if you’re in DFW, come hang out with us this Friday!

STR/MTR Meetup at Chicken N’ Pickle
August 21 | 6–9 PM
Grand Prairie, TX

Food, networking, and pickleball with Myka & Steve.

Grab your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strmtr-meetup-chicken-and-pickle-6-9-pm-tickets-1997616112567

Watch Episode 347 on YouTube and Spotify.