Vacation Rental and Property Management Influencers: A Comprehensive Guide to Industry Leaders

Executive Summary

This guide highlights top influencers shaping the vacation rental and property management space. Whether you’re an aspiring Airbnb host, seasoned STR operator, or industry marketer, these creators offer tactical strategies, design inspiration, and thought leadership across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and podcasts.

The vacation rental and property management industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, driven in part by influential content creators, coaches, and industry experts who share their knowledge across various digital platforms. These influencers have built substantial followings by providing authentic reviews, sharing practical tips and tricks, offering valuable insights, and offering ongoing support to both new and experienced property managers and hosts.

From TikTok creators showcasing million-dollar strategies to LinkedIn thought leaders revolutionizing property management practices, these influencers serve as crucial resources for anyone looking to succeed in the short-term rental space. Their expertise spans everything from investment strategies and rental arbitrage to operational efficiency and guest experience optimization, making them invaluable guides in this fast-paced and evolving industry.

Social Media Platform Leaders

TikTok Influencers

Michael Elefante (@melefante6)
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Followers: 916K+
Michael is a real estate investor and Airbnb expert who teaches financial freedom through short-term rentals. He founded the Airbnb Investor Academy and is known for creating over $100K in monthly cash flow with STRs.
TikTok Profile
Additional Resource: Airbnb Investor Academy Training

The KarWells (@thekarwells)
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, Podcast
Followers: 150K+
Kristen and Will Karwel are a dynamic couple helping aspiring STR hosts break into Airbnb through design, arbitrage, and coaching. Their content blends education, inspiration, and lifestyle.
TikTok Profile

Lauren Piller (@laurenpiller_)
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Followers: 131K+
Lauren shares practical Airbnb tips for hosts, including cleaning hacks, guest communication strategies, and listing optimization. She’s known for turning hosting challenges into digestible solutions.
TikTok Profile

Zoey Berghoff (@zoeyberghoff)
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Followers: 133K+
Zoey is an Airbnb coach and STR entrepreneur focused on teaching people how to start STR businesses through rental arbitrage. She emphasizes financial freedom and lean startup strategies.
TikTok Profile
Website: zoeyberghoff.com

Real Estate Robinsons (@therealestaterobinsons)
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
Followers: 24K+ (TikTok)
Tony and Sara Robinson are STR investors who share behind-the-scenes looks at their rental business, including property tours, revenue breakdowns, and host education.
TikTok Profile
Website: therealestaterobinsons.com/AlphaHost/

Derek Cheung (@derekcheungbnb)
Platforms: TikTok
Followers: 57.1K+
Featured on Business Insider, Derek runs a 7-figure Airbnb business at a young age and shares his journey and tips on TikTok.
TikTok Profile
Email: admin@derekbnb.com

Abi Hookway Property Investing (@abihookwayproperty)
Platforms: TikTok
Followers: 28.1K+
Abi focuses on UK property investment and wealth building, with a significant emphasis on Airbnb and short-term rental strategies, including acquiring property with minimal savings.
TikTok Profile

Instagram Influencers

Inayah McMillan (@inayahmcmillan)
Platforms: Instagram
Followers: 291.9K+
Inayah is a designer and STR coach helping hosts style and position their properties for higher profitability. Her content focuses on rental transformation and visual storytelling.
https://www.instagram.com/inayahmcmillan

Stayly (@coachinayah)
Platforms: Instagram
Followers: 249.1K+
A platform led by Inayah McMillan, Stayly™ coaches aspiring hosts on luxury styling, STR profitability, and hosting systems.
https://www.instagram.com/coachinayah

Gustavo Mello (@rendacomgustavo)
Platforms: Instagram
Followers: 58.9K+
Gustavo is a Brazilian content creator and STR coach sharing Airbnb strategies in Portuguese. He helps entrepreneurs grow rental businesses across LATAM.
https://www.instagram.com/rendacomgustavo

Mohammed Aitoubaha (@simowows)
Platforms: Instagram
Followers: 231.6K+
Mohammed focuses on Airbnb arbitrage, rental setup, and design hacks. His fast-paced content offers educational and motivational STR advice for global audiences.
https://www.instagram.com/simowows

Humza Zafar (@humzazafarbnb)
Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn
Followers: 165K+ (Instagram), 99.9K+ (TikTok)
Humza shares in-depth content on scaling STRs using automation, systems, and virtual assistants—helping hosts grow without burnout. Also founder of The Airbnb Accelerator.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humzazafarbnb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humza-zafar-02b300224/
Accelerator: https://bnbacceleratoracademy.com/next-steps-b

Jorge Contreras (@thejorgecontreras)
Platforms: Instagram
Followers: 311K+
Jorge is a real estate investor and Airbnb mentor teaching passive income strategies through STRs. He also runs bootcamps and webinars.
https://www.instagram.com/thejorgecontreras

Rob Abasolo (@robuilt)
Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Followers: 87K+ (Instagram), 290K+ (YouTube)
Rob is known for expertise in glamping, tiny homes, and STR automation. He mixes humor with insights to help others launch unique short-term rentals. Also founder of Host Camp.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robuilt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Robuilt

John Hildebrand (@johnhildebrandsicky)
Platforms: Instagram, YouTube
Followers: 72K+ (Instagram)
An Airbnb Superhost Ambassador, John shares hosting hacks and strategies for creating 5-star stays, drawing from over 10 years of experience. Founder of Hilde Homes.
https://www.instagram.com/johnhildebrandsicky

Kendra Barnes (@thekeyresource)
Platforms: Instagram
Kendra focuses on empowering women and people of color in the Airbnb industry, sharing her journey and insights on STR investment and management.
https://www.instagram.com/thekeyresource

Ivana Petkovic (@ivankadxb)
Platforms: Instagram
Ivana shares her insights and experiences related to the Dubai property and lifestyle scene, potentially including vacation rentals.
https://www.instagram.com/ivankadxb/?hl=en

LinkedIn Thought Leaders

Barbara Corcoran
Platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram
Barbara is a Shark Tank investor and real estate mogul who shares motivational business content and real estate tips. Her insight into scaling, branding, and leadership benefits STR operators.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaracorcoran

Brandon Turner
Platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram, Podcast
Brandon is a former BiggerPockets Podcast host and author helping real estate investors systemize and scale. He specializes in operations frameworks for property managers.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncgt

Ryan Barone
Platforms: LinkedIn
Ryan is the founder and CEO of RentRedi, a tech platform simplifying property management for landlords. He shares actionable insights around property automation and landlord tech.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-barone-3325b3109/

Mark Jenney
Platforms: LinkedIn
Mark is an STR tech entrepreneur and thought leader sharing insights on scaling vacation rental businesses with automation, analytics, and growth systems.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjenney/

Julie George
Platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram, Book
Author of “Million Dollar Host,” Julie shares practical business advice, growth mindset strategies, and coaching for STR hosts ready to scale into serious profitability.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-george-milliondollarhost/
Website: https://www.milliondollarhost.com.au/

Humza Zafar
Platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Founder of The Airbnb Accelerator, Humza educates hosts on SOPs, automation, and outsourcing so they can grow STR portfolios without burnout.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/humza-zafar-02b300224/
Accelerator: https://bnbacceleratoracademy.com/next-steps-b

Linda Day Harrison
Platforms: LinkedIn
Linda is founder of theBrokerList and a commercial real estate expert. Her content helps operators improve tenant relations and brand visibility.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindadayharrison

Simon Lehmann
Platforms: LinkedIn, Podcast
Simon is a global STR advisor and founder of AJL Atelier, a consulting firm for PMs and tech companies. He speaks widely about scaling, tech, and market dynamics.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonlehmann

Thibault Masson
Platforms: LinkedIn, Blog (Rental Scale-Up)
Thibault runs Rental Scale-Up, a resource offering in-depth reporting, PR insights, and marketing strategies for PMs and STR software firms.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibaultmasson

Richard Vaughton
Platforms: LinkedIn
A veteran in the vacation rental industry, Richard advises on technology, channel management, scaling operations, and M&A through Yes Consulting.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-vaughton-0195a7/

Sally Lawson
Platforms: LinkedIn, AgentRainmaker.co.uk
A property management expert and founder of Agent Rainmaker, Sally provides training and coaching for traditional letting agents on business growth and marketing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallylawson/

The vacation rental and property management industry benefits from a diverse group of influencers who serve different audiences and offer a wide range of expertise. From TikTok creators like Michael Elefante sharing million-dollar strategies to LinkedIn leaders like Barbara Corcoran delivering business insights, this ecosystem offers well-rounded guidance.

These influencers do more than create content. They build trust with followers by sharing authentic reviews, practical advice, and continued support. The variety of platforms ensures diverse learning styles are accommodated—whether through visual storytelling, short-form videos, podcasts, or industry blogs.

As the industry continues to evolve, these voices act as a bridge between innovation and real-world application—helping hosts and property managers stay competitive and informed.