Is Burlingame, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Burlingame, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Osage County Planning Department, as Burlingame typically falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal short-term rental ordinances. Contact Osage County at (785) 828-4812 to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone and obtain any required business licenses or permits, which may include a general business license costing approximately $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on homes near Burlingame State Park or along the Wakarusa River, with average property prices ranging from $150,000-300,000 as of 2023. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to appeal to visitors exploring the nearby state park and lake activities. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the rural Kansas charm and proximity to outdoor recreation, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on seasonal demand. For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services like those found through Topeka-based companies (30 minutes away), install keyless entry systems, and maintain responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with Kansas state tax requirements by registering for sales tax collection through the Kansas Department of Revenue and remitting the state's 6.5% sales tax plus any applicable local taxes.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Burlingame, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of downtown Burlingame or near Burlingame State Park and Santa Fe Lake, as these areas attract outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to local events. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features appeal to families and groups visiting the area for fishing, boating, and recreational activities. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 15-mile radius including nearby Topeka properties, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, with potential for higher rates during peak summer months and local festival periods. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings in Burlingame and surrounding Osage County communities, noting occupancy patterns, guest reviews, and seasonal demand fluctuations. Utilize tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR analysis platforms to evaluate market performance, while leveraging local resources such as the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce for event calendars, consulting with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, and monitoring Kansas state and local STR regulations to ensure compliance with any licensing or tax requirements specific to Osage County.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Burlingame, Kansas, contact the Burlingame City Hall at 785-654-3391 or visit their office at 119 Santa Fe Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small city may not have formal STR ordinances established yet. If permits are required, you'll likely need to submit a business license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Expected fees would range from $50-200 for initial permits plus annual renewal fees of $25-100, with processing typically taking 2-4 weeks after complete application submission. Burlingame-specific requirements would likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, parking requirements of 1-2 spaces per unit, noise ordinance compliance, and potentially a limit on the number of STR permits issued citywide. You may also need to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and remittance, and ensure compliance with Osage County health and safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit signage.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Burlingame, Kansas are generally legal but operate under local zoning regulations and state oversight. The city, located in Osage County with a population of approximately 900 residents, does not have specific STR ordinances as of 2023, meaning they fall under general residential use guidelines and must comply with Kansas state regulations. Property owners can typically operate STRs in residential zones provided they meet basic safety requirements, obtain necessary business licenses, and comply with tax obligations including Kansas sales tax and local lodging taxes. There are no specific prohibited areas within the city limits, though properties must maintain residential character and not create nuisances for neighbors. Recent changes at the state level since 2020 have required STR operators to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue and collect applicable taxes, while some Kansas municipalities have implemented stricter local regulations, though Burlingame has not enacted comprehensive STR-specific legislation as of late 2023. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and business licensing requirements with Burlingame city officials before operating an STR.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Burlingame, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and antique shopping, particularly during the annual Burlingame Fun Days festival in July. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Burlingame City Lake offer appeal to fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, especially during spring and summer months when camping and water activities peak. Properties near the Flint Hills Discovery Center area benefit from educational tourism and families visiting the prairie ecosystem exhibits. The neighborhoods close to Highway 31 and Interstate 35 corridor provide convenient access for business travelers working with agricultural companies like Cargill or visiting the nearby Topeka metropolitan area, making these locations attractive for short-term corporate stays. Areas near the Burlingame Community Building and school district also draw visitors attending youth sports tournaments and community events throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Burlingame, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on lodging stays of less than 28 consecutive days, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue by the 25th of the following month if monthly collections exceed $40. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit local transient guest taxes to Osage County, which typically range from 2-4% depending on local ordinances, with quarterly remittance required to the county treasurer's office. The City of Burlingame may impose an additional municipal lodging tax of approximately 2-3% on short-term rentals, collected by hosts and remitted monthly to the city clerk's office along with required occupancy reports. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 28 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to claim these exemptions and may need to register with both state and local tax authorities before beginning operations.

To start an Airbnb in Burlingame, Kansas, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in small Kansas towns. Furnishing costs would range $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and appliances suitable for short-term rentals. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would cost $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals would total $500-$1,200. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would cost $1,500-$2,500 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would require $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100/visit), maintenance, supplies, and platform fees would total approximately $4,500-$6,000, assuming 50% occupancy rate typical for new Airbnb properties in smaller markets.

Airbnb properties in Burlingame, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 934 residents and limited tourist attractions, resulting in average daily rates of $45-65 and occupancy rates of only 25-35% annually. A typical 2-bedroom property generates around $4,800-7,200 in annual revenue, while expenses including mortgage payments ($800-1,200/month), utilities ($150/month), cleaning fees ($40 per turnover), insurance ($200/month), and maintenance ($100/month) total approximately $15,600-19,200 annually, creating negative cash flows of $8,400-14,400 per year. The market lacks the demand drivers found in larger Kansas cities, with most bookings coming from business travelers visiting local agricultural operations or families attending events in nearby Topeka or Kansas City, limiting profit margins to negative 65-75%. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting corporate housing for extended stays at agricultural facilities like Cargill or ADM, offering monthly rates of $1,200-1,500, and maintaining extremely low acquisition costs through properties purchased under $60,000, though even these strategies rarely achieve positive returns exceeding 3-5% annually due to the limited market size and seasonal agricultural demand patterns.

Airbnb investments in Burlingame, Kansas are expected to generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the rural Kansas market dynamics and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties typically require initial investments of $80,000-$150,000 for suitable rental homes, with average nightly rates of $65-$95 generating monthly revenues of $800-$1,400 during peak seasons. The timeframe to profitability is estimated at 18-24 months, considering occupancy rates of 35-50% annually due to the small market size and seasonal demand fluctuations. Higher returns of 10-12% are achievable for properties near recreational areas or during hunting seasons, while standard residential properties may see returns closer to 8-9% annually, with break-even typically occurring within the first two years of operation.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Burlingame, Kansas. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Hedrick Real Estate and RE/MAX Associates have experience with investment properties in the area, while Kansas-based firms such as Midwest Investment Properties and Prairie Land Realty focus on rental property acquisitions. National services including Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments in smaller Kansas markets. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors evaluate potential returns, while companies like BiggerPockets and Roofstock occasionally feature Kansas investment opportunities. Local property management firms such as Sunflower Property Management and Kansas Investment Services can provide insights into the Burlingame rental market, and national platforms like Rentometer and RentSpree help analyze rental potential in emerging markets like Burlingame.