Physician turned Airbnb Rental Arbitrage Expert
Age: 40 | Solon
By Lisa Love
What path did you take to get to where you are now?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor. I poured everything into that dream—years of training, sacrifice, and hard work. But once I was in practice (as an OB/GYN), I knew I needed to build something of my own—something that gave me control over my time and choices. One day, completely by chance, I came across an Instagram post about something called “rental arbitrage.” I had no real estate experience, and honestly, I didn’t even know what that term meant.
What is rental arbitrage?
Rental arbitrage is a real estate strategy where you rent a property from a landlord—usually on a long-term lease—and then legally sublease it as a short- term rental on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. The goal is to make more from the short-term rental income than you pay in monthly rent and expenses, allowing you to generate profit without owning the property.
How did you learn about it?
I invested in a course that promised to teach the process. To my surprise, it worked. Within 18 months, I was able to leave my full-time job as a physician and fully transition into real estate through rental arbitrage. Since then, I’ve grown my portfolio to over 30 arbitrage units, and I now own two large properties that I operate as Airbnbs—with plans to add one or two new properties each year.
What were some pivotal moments in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
The most significant change came when I used the profits from arbitrage to buy my first investment property. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be able to invest in a property like that. From purchasing it, to designing and decorating it, to listing it on short-term rental platforms and welcoming guests—it brings me so much joy.
What challenges have you faced in building your business?
One of the first and most personal challenges I faced was the skepticism from those closest to me. Pivoting so far from medicine—the career I had spent my entire life preparing for—wasn’t easy to explain. It wasn’t just about convincing myself that this was the right decision; I also had to reassure my friends and family, many of whom didn’t fully understand why I would walk away from such a traditional and secure path. That emotional weight was a real challenge in the beginning.
What does a “typical” day look like for you — if such a thing exists?
These days, my schedule feels more balanced and intentional than it ever did when I was working full-time as a physician. (In addition to the arbitrage work) I also recently started my own private practice in a part-time capacity, focusing on menopause—a deeply underserved area that I feel passionate about. I work a few hours a day, three days a week, and it’s been incredibly meaningful to support women through this phase of life. But every morning, I get to spend time with my kids and take them to school—something I couldn’t do before. I’m able to work out, have a calm start to the day, and be fully present for my family. In the afternoons, I pick them up, take them to their activities, and I’m there to put them to bed every night. That kind of time and freedom is something I deeply value, and something I never imagined I’d have when I was working around-the-clock.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Don’t let other people’s opinions outweigh your own intuition. Just because your path looks different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. You’re allowed to change your mind, pivot, and chase a version of success that actually makes you happy.
What are your hopes or goals for the next 5 years?
I plan to continue acquiring one to two new properties each year—unique, thoughtfully designed spaces that offer amazing guest experiences and strong returns. At the same time, I want to grow my educational platform and help more people break free from careers or lifestyles that no longer serve them. I’ve built a course to guide others out of that feeling of being stuck—whether it’s financially, emotionally, or with time—and I’d love to see that community thrive and expand.