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 historic downtown areas that attract tourists, with typical property prices ranging from $80,000-150,000. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks highlighting attractions like the Santa Fe Trail and nearby Clinton Lake, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos showcasing the rural Kansas charm and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $60-120 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and maintaining relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors, while ensuring compliance with Kansas state tax requirements including collecting and remitting applicable sales taxes to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Burlingame, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of downtown Burlingame and near Burlingame City Lake, as these areas attract visitors for outdoor recreation and 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. 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. Research competition by analyzing occupancy rates and guest reviews of existing STRs in Osage County and surrounding areas, noting that limited inventory may present opportunities. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce for event calendars and tourism information, while also monitoring Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks data for Burlingame State Park visitor statistics to gauge seasonal demand patterns.

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 permitting processes established yet. If permits are required, you'll likely need to submit a business license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property description, obtain liability insurance documentation, and pay applicable fees which typically range from $50-200 annually in similar Kansas municipalities. Required documents usually include a completed application form, property tax records, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, emergency contact information, and proof of compliance with fire safety codes. The timeline for approval generally takes 2-4 weeks after submitting complete documentation, though Burlingame may process applications faster due to its smaller size. Specific Burlingame requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning laws, maintaining adequate parking spaces, ensuring proper waste disposal arrangements, and adhering to noise ordinances, though you should verify current regulations directly with city officials as STR rules in smaller Kansas cities are often evolving and may require special use permits or conditional use permits depending on the property's zoning classification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Burlingame, Kansas are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state oversight. As a small city in Osage County with approximately 1,000 residents, Burlingame operates under Kansas state laws which do not prohibit STRs at the state level, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. The city likely requires STR operators to comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas or require conditional use permits. Property owners must ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and tax collection requirements including state and local lodging taxes. Recent changes in Kansas have seen some municipalities implementing stricter registration processes and safety inspections following growth in platforms like Airbnb and VRBO since 2018. Burlingame's proximity to recreational areas and its rural character make it attractive for short-term rentals, but operators should verify current zoning restrictions with the city clerk's office as regulations can vary by neighborhood and property type, with some areas potentially limiting rentals to preserve residential character.

The most promising 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 the Flint Hills Nature Trail are also attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists who use this converted rail-trail for recreation. Properties near the Burlingame State Fishing Lake area draw fishing and camping tourists, especially during spring and summer months. The area around Highway 31 and the approaches to Burlingame offers good access for business travelers visiting nearby Topeka (about 30 minutes away) who prefer quieter, more affordable accommodations outside the city. Additionally, homes near the Burlingame Community Building and park areas benefit from family visitors attending local events, sports tournaments, and reunions, with peak demand typically occurring during warmer months when outdoor activities and festivals are most common.

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 if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Additionally, local occupancy taxes may apply at approximately 2-4% depending on Burlingame city ordinances, typically collected through the same mechanism as state taxes. Hosts must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for a sales tax account and file monthly returns by the 25th of the following month, with payments due at the same time. Exemptions generally include stays of 28 days or longer (considered permanent residency), stays by government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings. Collection occurs at the time of booking through Airbnb's platform in most cases, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper remittance to state and local authorities, with penalties for late filing including interest charges and potential fines starting at $50 for the first offense.

To start an Airbnb in Burlingame, Kansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in small Kansas towns. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and safety inspections would total $500-$1,000. Insurance including liability coverage and property protection would cost $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies and services ($200/month), maintenance ($150/month), platform fees ($100/month), and marketing would total approximately $6,300-$7,500, bringing the complete startup investment to around $185,000-$220,000.

Airbnb properties in Burlingame, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the city's small population of approximately 934 residents and limited tourist demand, with average daily rates typically ranging from $45-65 compared to major metropolitan areas. Properties in this rural market generally achieve occupancy rates of 25-35% annually, generating gross revenues of $4,000-8,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning fees, Airbnb service charges (3% host fee), insurance, and maintenance typically consume 75-85% of gross revenue. Profit margins rarely exceed 15-20% in this market, with most successful properties being those that serve as overflow accommodation for nearby events in larger Kansas cities or cater to business travelers visiting local agricultural operations. Properties within walking distance of Burlingame's historic downtown area or those offering unique rural experiences like farm stays tend to perform marginally better, but the limited population base and lack of major attractions make it difficult to achieve the 50-70% occupancy rates needed for strong profitability that are common in established tourist destinations.

Airbnb investments in Burlingame, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and local demand patterns. Properties in this smaller Kansas market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-$95 and occupancy rates around 45-60% annually. Initial investment recovery timeframes extend to 8-12 years for full ROI realization, though cash flow positive operations typically begin within the first 12-18 months. Market factors including proximity to larger Kansas cities, seasonal agricultural tourism, and limited local accommodation options contribute to moderate but steady returns, with properties requiring initial investments of $80,000-$150,000 generating monthly net income of $400-$800 after expenses including property management, utilities, and maintenance costs.

STRSearch is a 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 Realty and RE/MAX Associates have experience with investment properties in the area, while Kansas-based firms such as Midwest Property Solutions and Prairie Investment Group focus on rental property acquisitions. National services including Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments. Roofstock and Awning offer turnkey short-term rental properties and management services, while local property management companies like Sunflower Property Management and Kansas Rental Solutions can assist with ongoing operations. Real estate investment firms such as HomeUnion and Mynd also provide end-to-end services for acquiring and managing vacation rental properties in smaller Kansas markets like Burlingame.