OCTOBER 14, 2025
 #154  Building Wealth Through Short-Term Rentals: How Zoey Berghoff Turned a Tiny Dome Into a Real Estate Empire
Could a 300-square-foot glamping dome really be the start of a real estate empire?
For Zoey Berghoff, the answer is a resounding yes. In just six years, she’s gone from running a single dome to managing a diverse portfolio of properties that generate cash flow, build equity, and create lasting wealth. Her journey proves that building wealth through short-term rentals isn’t about luck or timing—it’s about strategy, systems, and smart execution.
The Power of Starting Small
Like many successful investors, Zoey didn’t begin with millions in the bank or a big team. She started with one bold idea—a unique, tiny dome—and turned it into a profitable short-term rental by focusing on experience-driven design and market demand.
Her story reminds us that every empire starts small. What matters most is how you leverage what you have. Whether you’re hosting your first Airbnb or expanding your portfolio, Zoey’s success shows that building wealth through short-term rentals is possible one smart decision at a time.
“Ordinary properties can become extraordinary investments when you look beyond what’s visible,” Zoey shares.
Systems That Support Growth
As Zoey’s portfolio grew, so did her need for efficiency. She mastered outsourcing, built a reliable team, and put systems in place to manage everything—from guest communication to renovation timelines.
This shift allowed her to scale without sacrificing balance. For hosts dreaming of expansion, Zoey’s approach is a masterclass in operational structure. Building wealth through short-term rentals doesn’t have to mean working around the clock—it’s about creating a business that supports your life, not consumes it.
The Strategy Behind Sustainable STR Wealth
Zoey’s secret? She doesn’t chase trends—she builds long-term value.
While many investors jump from one “hot” market to the next, Zoey focuses on forced appreciation and strategic renovations that increase both equity and income potential. She treats every project like a puzzle—finding overlooked properties, identifying hidden potential, and transforming them into profitable, lifestyle-aligned investments.
This sustainable approach is how true vacation rental wealth is built: through smart acquisitions, creative development, and patient growth.
For more insight on building lasting success in the STR industry, check out this Forbes guide on real estate investing fundamentals.
Building Wealth Through Short-Term Rentals While Raising a Family
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Zoey’s story is her ability to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship. While raising a toddler, she’s built a thriving business grounded in purpose and family priorities.
She proves that building wealth through short-term rentals isn’t just about profit—it’s about creating freedom, flexibility, and a legacy that lasts.
The Takeaway
Zoey’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don’t need massive funding or years of experience to get started. You just need a vision, a plan, and the willingness to take that first step.
Whether your goal is to replace your income, scale your portfolio, or design a lifestyle business that gives you freedom, the path to building wealth through short-term rentals starts right where you are.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[01:03] A short introduction about our guest Zoey Berghoff, and her journey in short-term rentalsÂ
[04:18] How Zoey’s first short-term rental was a 300-square-foot glamping dome that she and her husband partly lived in before deciding to rent it out while travelingÂ
[07:34] Zoey explains how freelancing income, self-education, and trial-and-error opened the door to real estate investingÂ
[12:34] Zoey shares her approach to telling her story on social media and encourages others to start small, stay consistent, and focus on impact over perfectionÂ
[15:49] Zoey highlights the dangers of comparison on social media and shares how focusing on slow, intentional growth in real estate helped her define success on her own termsÂ
[19:13] How Zoey’s first ground-up construction project taught her the value of delayed gratification, forced appreciation, and learning the hard way through trial and errorÂ
[24:00] Zoey’s advice for vetting contractors and builders to protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes Â
[29:38] Zoey’s philosophy on pay structure to protect yourself and maximize value in contractor agreements Â
[33:07] The concept of forced appreciation in real estate and how buying undervalued properties can create massive equity gains in a short timeÂ
[36:50] How forced appreciation doesn’t always require major renovations—sometimes strategic cosmetic updates are enough to build equity and long-term wealthÂ
[40:45] Zoey explains how equity and forced appreciation play a central role in scaling short-term rental portfoliosÂ
[44:38] Zoey reflects on her biggest mistake of trying to do everything herself instead of outsourcing soonerÂ
[49:14] The lightning round
Golden Nuggets:
- “Just share what you’re doing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. People want the behind the scenes. They want to know the challenges.”
- “You, as the investor, need to be logical about your decisions and not as emotional.”
- “You always get three quotes per job no matter what. And that’s not to say you pick the lowest or the highest, but you need to know you’re in the ballpark for the price you’re being charged or quoted.”
- “You cannot get emotionally tied to the deal if the deal doesn’t pencil the line items all have to make sense. If it doesn’t come out to what you need, you drop the deal. It’s literally as simple as that.”
- “Stay aligned on the journey that you’re on, and don’t compare it to others.”
Let’s Connect!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeyberghoff
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeyberghoff
Website: https://www.zoeyberghoff.com/
Did you enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
FOLLOW ME ON
Hey, you!
If you’re a fan of my show, I want to say THANK YOU. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart – I couldn’t do this without you.
There’s one thing that would make me even more thankful – having your support through ratings and reviews on your preferred podcast player.Â
This helps me reach more people (just like you) who are eager to achieve their STR goals and dreams.
It’s super easy – just click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, please follow the podcast.Â
I’ll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out!
Thanks again, sister – and cheers to your STR success!
