I started with a standard rental property, nothing fancy, just a solid home in a good location. Instead of keeping it as a long-term rental, I decided to furnish it and list it as an Airbnb. That one change brought in around $40,000 a year in short-term rental income. Not bad, right?

But I didn’t stop there. Next, I added an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) a small, separate living space on the same property. It could be a guest house, a converted garage, or even a tiny home. That addition brought in another $30,000 a year in rental income.

So now, instead of just one income stream, I have two and my property’s revenue nearly doubled.

Airbnb rentals can generate more income than traditional leases, especially in a city like Charlotte with strong tourism and business travel. ADUs are in high demand for guests who want privacy or longer stays. The added income also boosts the overall value of the property, making it more attractive to future buyers or investors. If you own property in Charlotte, this could be a game-changer for you too.