I expected the process of listing my house for short-term renters while I go nomadic to look something like this:

1. Pick a property manager
2. Finish that patio project I decided to take on
3. Start collecting checks

It turns out there’s a good bit more to it than that. And expense. I seriously underestimated what the start-up costs would be.

What I didn’t consider is that I’m essentially starting a new small business. Setting up a new LLC is easy, and the process of filing the form with the Colorado Secretary of State is very affordable. But I also need a new tax identification number from the IRS, a short-term lodger’s license from the city of Denver, and two new tax accounts with the department of revenue for the lodger’s tax and occupational privilege tax, a tax required for the privilege of being self-employed (!). All in, that’s more than $300 up front that I hadn’t accounted for.

That’s just the beginning, though. Next comes the shopping list, built from the list of things on the supplies list provided to me by my new property manager that I need to have available to renters that I’ve personally managed to get by without up to this point. First is the stuff I don’t have at all:

• Coffee maker (I’m a tea drinker)
• Dishwasher-safe steak knives
• Generic kitchen towels that may not return to my home
• More than 1 baking pan and cookie sheet
• Pizza cutter
• Pizza pan
• Cake pan, because apparently baking a cake in a casserole is doing it wrong
• Throw pillows (2) for the bed – why, just why?!?
• Luggage rack
• Waterproof mattress cover
• Hair dryer
• Plunger
• Boot tray
• Wardrobe

Next is the list of stuff I have but need to replace or get more of:

• Mixing bowls
• Bed pillows with zippered protector covers
• Bed linens
• Comforter cover
• Plastic clothes hangers
• Full-length mirror
• Bedside lamp
• Towels
• Board games
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Case of lightbulbs
• Variety pack of spare batteries
• Door mats
• First aid kit

A few new security measures:

• A security camera for the side door
• A new keyless, electronic lock for the front door
• A service that measures decibels inside and outside the house to guard against parties, one-time fee for equipment plus monitoring subscription

On top of all of that is $250 in professional photographs of my home for the listing.

That’s what…a couple grand in additional expenses? At least? Breaking even on this first 6-week trip is looking suspect, but in the end it should be worth it. If I make a profit out of this new venture, that’d be great. Ultimately, though, my goals are more modest for this latest side hustle as a short-term lodger. I’d consider it a win if I can simply cover the cost of flights and housing while on the road after paying for all this stuff I don’t need.

So, I’ve got some shopping to do in the next… checks calendar… 6 weeks (!) before I leave for Medellin. First, I gotta get going on that patio project.