Becoming a PadSplit host has not only given Lara purpose as a real estate investor but has also changed the lives of her residents, while allowing her to net $2,000-$2,500/month on each property.
Lara didn’t get into real estate just for the returns. When she became a PadSplit host in Atlanta, she had a different vision: creating spaces where people didn’t just rent a room but found a home.
Less than a year later, the results speak for themselves. Lara has scaled from one PadSplit home to four PadSplits, with her 21 rooms consistently booked and residents who choose to stay long-term. Her secret isn’t complicated: she treats housing as more than a transaction.
While it’s common for landlords to struggle with vacancy rates and turnover, Lara’s approach proves that when you lead with values, the business results follow. Her story demonstrates what’s possible when real estate becomes about community, not just cash flow.
Finding a PadSplit property—fast
Lara didn’t waste any time getting started with PadSplit.
“I found the first property within three weeks by using Zillow, Redfin, and other platforms,” she explained. “I got guidance on the price range to look for and found a property that met the criteria.”
After identifying a two-level, six-bedroom house that needed only minor HVAC and plumbing repairs, she acted quickly.
“I contacted a realtor I knew to inspect the property and made an offer, which was accepted despite multiple offers.”
Designing her PadSplit homes for dignity
Most property owners renovate with a spreadsheet. Lara renovates with intention.
“I hired a friend who’s a designer to create different designs for each room, using colors, wallpaper, and wooden panels,” she says. “The goal was to make the place look amazing and comfortable—somewhere I would want to stay.”
She wanted to ensure the space didn’t resemble temporary housing or feel institutional.
“It’s about dignity,” she emphasized. “I wanted to avoid a look that might make them feel like they are in a prison.”
The result of her efforts is a beautiful, colorful, and warm space that attracts renters and makes them want to stay long-term.
Why Lara never has to wait long for bookings
“My rooms are always quickly filled,” she said. “Tenants often choose rooms based on the colors and designs, with some specifically requesting rooms with certain wallpapers.”
And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I love hearing tenants say they picked certain rooms because of the colors or wallpaper.”
Hosting with a passion for people
For Lara, hosting is about more than just managing properties.
“My tenants are human beings and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,” she said. “I know their names. I celebrate their birthdays. I attend church with some of them.”
This people-first mindset has led to high tenant retention and genuine community building.
“I’ve had tenants who were planning to move out, but after experiencing the cleanliness and stability of the property, they decided to stay,” she shared.
From short-term rentals to meaningful impact
Before PadSplit, Lara dabbled in short-term rentals (STRs), but something felt off.
“I made the transition from STRs to coliving homes because of the meaningful impact the coliving model provides,” she said. “Tenants have told me I was an answer to their prayers.”
For Lara, this shift wasn’t just a business move—it was personal.
“We’ve become a community,” she said. “I feel like I’m making a difference.”
Smart financing, real returns
Years in real estate paid off as a PadSplit host: Lara can evaluate, acquire, and launch properties quickly.
“I used a 1031 exchange to sell two properties in Ohio and used the funds to buy the last two PadSplit properties,” she said. “I’ve put down 20% on most properties, and financing has been smooth.”
The financial returns are just as impressive.
“After paying the mortgage and utilities, I still bring home a significant amount of money,” she said—roughly $2,000-$2,500 per property, per month.
That strong income stream, combined with her passion for the mission, fuels her plans to continue expanding.
How Lara has built a system that works
Lara doesn’t do it alone. She’s built a reliable team and streamlined systems that allow her to operate efficiently.
“I have a cleaner and a maintenance crew,” she explained. “It’s important to create a system to avoid headaches and ensure smooth operations.”
That structure makes all the difference when tenants need help.
“I get positive feedback from my residents about the quick resolution of issues—it builds trust and loyalty,” she said.
Real stories, real impact
Some of the most inspiring moments have come from seeing her tenants reach new milestones.
“I had a tenant who saved for a down payment while living in one of my properties,” she shared. “She reached her goal and moved out, expressing so much gratitude.”
Her homes have welcomed professionals of all kinds—chefs, doctors, essential workers—all looking for a place that’s more than just affordable. They found it with Lara.
Lara’s long-term vision as a real estate investor
As Lara looks ahead, her goals are crystal clear: continue expanding her impact while maintaining the heart of what makes her properties special. She’s currently working on listing two additional properties on PadSplit by the end of the year.
“I treat every tenant the way I’d want my family to be treated,” she said. “That mindset has made all the difference.”
Interested in becoming a PadSplit host like Lara?
Discover how you can earn a consistent income while helping solve the affordable housing crisis. Learn more here.
