Luis and Elena Rivera bought their 4-bedroom in West Anaheim in 2017 for $720K. Three kids, two dogs, and one Disney annual pass later, they realized something the data supported: their house was worth more as a Disney-adjacent vacation rental than as their full-time family home.
In early 2024, they made the move most owners don't make. They rented a smaller 2-bedroom apartment ten minutes away for their own family, and turned their original house into a full-time short-term rental aimed at Disney visitors.
The pitch we made them: with professional management, their 4-bedroom could support both mortgages and still generate surplus income. The numbers penciled at 72% occupancy with a $320 average nightly rate — aggressive but not crazy given the property's walk-to-parks location.
In 2024, the Riveras' original house ran 79% occupancy at an average $345 ADR. Gross revenue: $99,400. After management fees, utilities, cleaning, and property costs: roughly $63,000 net. Both mortgages paid. Plus tuition margin for the kids.
The kids adapted faster than Luis and Elena expected. They visit their old house between guests to pick up anything left in the garage. The dogs are happier in the smaller apartment's yard. The kids' bedrooms that used to be cluttered are staged for four, six, or eight guests at a time — and they never fight over who gets the good room anymore.
