Is Kendall, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kendall, Kansas, begin by researching Hamilton County's zoning regulations and contacting the county clerk's office to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area, as Kansas delegates most rental regulations to local jurisdictions. Obtain necessary business licenses from Hamilton County and register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes, including the 6.5% state sales tax that applies to short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Midwest Land Group or consulting with local realtors familiar with Hamilton County's rural market, focusing on properties near Syracuse (the county seat) or along Highway 50 for better accessibility. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet (likely through services like Nex-Tech or AT&T), comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, and consider adding local touches that highlight Kansas's agricultural heritage. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos emphasizing the rural Kansas experience, competitive pricing (likely $60-120/night based on regional markets), and highlight nearby attractions like the Kendall area's farming heritage or proximity to outdoor activities. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and consider partnering with local cleaning services in Syracuse since Kendall's small size may limit local options, while ensuring compliance with any seasonal agricultural activity that might affect guest experience in this farming community.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kendall, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major attractions like state parks, lakes, or hunting areas since rural Kansas draws outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal workers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with amenities like full kitchens, outdoor spaces, fire pits, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these appeal to groups and families visiting for recreation or work purposes. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 25 miles using AirDNA or Mashvisor, aiming for properties that can generate $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities, while keeping acquisition costs under $150,000 to maintain healthy profit margins. Research competition by examining existing STR listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and local Facebook groups to identify gaps in amenities or pricing, particularly focusing on properties that cater to hunters, fishermen, or agricultural workers who may need extended stays. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and local MLS data through Kansas Regional MLS, while connecting with Kendall area real estate agents familiar with rural investment properties and checking with Hamilton County planning departments regarding STR regulations and zoning requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kendall, Kansas, you must first contact the Hamilton County Planning and Zoning Department since Kendall falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Begin by submitting an application for a Conditional Use Permit through the county office located in Syracuse, Kansas, which requires a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing the rental property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and fire safety inspection report. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an additional $75 public hearing fee, and you must also pay for required inspections which typically cost $100-150 total. The timeline involves a 30-day review period followed by a public hearing before the Planning Commission, then approval by the County Commissioners, resulting in a total process of 60-90 days. Specific requirements for Hamilton County include maintaining adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces per unit), ensuring the property meets residential zoning standards, providing emergency contact information to neighbors within 300 feet, maintaining the property in good condition, and limiting occupancy to no more than 2 guests per bedroom with a maximum of 8 total guests, while also requiring annual permit renewal and compliance with Kansas state tax registration requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Kendall, Kansas are generally legal as Kansas state law does not prohibit STRs, and most small rural communities like Kendall (population under 100) typically do not have specific municipal regulations governing short-term rentals. However, operators must comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting transient guest taxes, and properties must meet basic safety and zoning requirements. Since Kendall is an unincorporated community in Hamilton County, county-level regulations would apply rather than city ordinances, and Hamilton County has not enacted specific STR restrictions as of recent years. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and ensure proper business licensing, but there are no known prohibited areas or recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in this small agricultural community, making it relatively permissive for short-term rental operations compared to larger Kansas cities that have implemented more restrictive regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Kendall, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Kendall Days festival. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Kendall Lake offer appeal for fishing and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, particularly during spring and summer months when tourism peaks. Areas near the grain elevator and agricultural facilities could serve business travelers and agricultural consultants visiting local farming operations, especially during harvest season from September through November. The neighborhoods closest to Highway 50 provide convenient access for travelers passing through southwestern Kansas, making them attractive for overnight stays. Properties near the Kendall Community Center and school district appeal to families visiting for sports tournaments and school events throughout the year, while homes with larger lots on the outskirts of town attract guests seeking rural experiences and stargazing opportunities in this low-light-pollution area.

Airbnb properties in Kendall, 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. Hamilton County, where Kendall is located, does not impose additional county-level lodging taxes as of 2023. The city of Kendall, being a small rural community, does not have municipal occupancy taxes. Hosts must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, collect the tax from guests, and file returns using Form ST-16 even if no tax was collected during the period. Exemptions include stays of 28 days or longer, certain government employees on official business, and sales to exempt organizations with proper documentation. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in Kansas through their platform's tax collection service, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify that taxes are being properly collected and remitted.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kendall, Kansas would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property completely would cost $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental rider would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and property management software ($300) would total approximately $3,300. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 should be reserved for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods during the initial launch phase.

Airbnb properties in Kendall, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the area's rural location and limited tourism demand, with most properties generating annual revenues between $8,000-$15,000 compared to expenses of $12,000-$18,000 including mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and platform fees, resulting in negative profit margins of -15% to -25% for many hosts. The small population of approximately 100 residents and lack of major attractions or business centers severely limit booking frequency, with properties typically achieving only 20-30% occupancy rates and average daily rates of $65-$85. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting hunting and fishing enthusiasts during seasonal periods, offering unique farm stays or rural experiences, and maintaining extremely low acquisition costs through inherited or fully-owned properties. A typical case would be a converted farmhouse purchased for $45,000 that generates $12,000 annually but incurs $8,000 in operating expenses, achieving a modest 8-10% profit margin only when mortgage costs are eliminated, while most leveraged properties struggle to break even due to insufficient demand to cover debt service and operational costs in this small Kansas community.

Airbnb investments in Kendall, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are estimated given the limited market data for this small rural community. Properties in Kendall, with an estimated population under 100, face challenges due to low tourism demand and limited local attractions, resulting in occupancy rates likely below 30% annually. Initial profitability timeframes extend to 18-24 months due to the need for significant property improvements and marketing efforts to attract guests to this remote location in Hamilton County. Investment properties in the $40,000-$80,000 range may generate $200-$400 monthly revenue during peak months, but seasonal fluctuations and maintenance costs significantly impact overall returns. The market lacks major corporate presence or tourist destinations, making Kendall more suitable for long-term rental strategies rather than short-term Airbnb operations, with break-even points typically occurring after 2-3 years of consistent operation and property appreciation contributing more to total returns than rental income alone.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kendall, Kansas, offering market analysis and investment property recommendations. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and RE/MAX Associates have agents familiar with the Kendall area who can assist with Airbnb investment properties, while Kansas-based firms such as Weichert Realtors and United Country Real Estate provide regional expertise. National services include Mashvisor, which offers Airbnb profitability analysis and market data for Kansas properties, AirDNA for short-term rental market insights, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Additional specialized services include RedAwning for vacation rental market analysis, Awning for Airbnb investment consulting, and local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning Property Management that can help investors understand operational aspects of short-term rentals in the Kendall market, though the rural Kansas location may have limited dedicated Airbnb investment specialists compared to larger metropolitan areas.