Is Rosepine, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Rosepine, Louisiana, begin by researching Vernon Parish regulations and contacting the parish clerk's office to understand local zoning laws and short-term rental requirements, as Louisiana allows municipalities to regulate STRs independently. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Vernon Parish, sales tax permit from Louisiana Department of Revenue, and potentially a conditional use permit if required by local zoning ordinances. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Rosepine's residential areas, considering proximity to Toledo Bend Reservoir which attracts fishing and recreation tourists, and ensure the property meets safety codes and HOA restrictions if applicable. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Louisiana's humid climate), and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's outdoor recreation appeal. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing the property's proximity to outdoor activities, competitive pricing research based on similar properties in nearby Leesville or Many, Louisiana, and detailed descriptions highlighting local attractions like fishing, hunting, and Sabine National Forest access. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while collecting and remitting Louisiana's 4.45% state sales tax plus any applicable local taxes to Vernon Parish.

For identifying profitable STR properties in Rosepine, Louisiana, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sabine National Forest, as these outdoor recreation areas drive primary demand. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with fishing/boat storage, outdoor spaces, and lake or forest proximity, ideally priced between $80,000-$200,000 for optimal ROI. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, expecting $75-$150 nightly rates depending on amenities and location, with peak seasons during spring fishing and fall hunting periods. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 25-mile radius, noting limited inventory creates opportunity but also indicates smaller market size. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and local MLS data while connecting with Sabine Parish tourism boards and local fishing guides to understand seasonal demand patterns, as success heavily depends on marketing to Louisiana and Texas outdoor enthusiasts visiting Toledo Bend area attractions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Rosepine, Louisiana, you must first contact the Vernon Parish Planning and Zoning Department at (337) 238-0783 or visit their office at 201 S 3rd Street in Leesville, as Rosepine falls under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a detailed floor plan showing maximum occupancy, provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage, pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the Vernon Parish Fire Department, and obtain a Louisiana state sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue. Required documents include a valid driver's license, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, septic system inspection if applicable, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking for guests. The application fee is approximately $150 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee, plus inspection fees of around $100. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, provided all inspections pass and documentation is complete. Specific Rosepine requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, ensuring quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, providing adequate parking spaces (minimum 2 spaces), and having a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 miles of the property for emergency situations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Rosepine, Louisiana, as the small unincorporated community in Vernon Parish operates under Louisiana state law, which permits STRs with proper registration and compliance with state tax requirements including occupancy taxes. However, operators must register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue, collect and remit state and local taxes, and ensure compliance with any Vernon Parish regulations that may apply to rental properties. Since Rosepine lacks its own municipal government, there are no specific local STR ordinances prohibiting or heavily restricting short-term rentals, though properties must still meet basic safety and zoning requirements for residential areas. Recent changes at the state level since 2021 have strengthened tax collection enforcement and registration requirements, but these have not significantly impacted the legal status of STRs in rural communities like Rosepine, where tourism and hunting lodges have historically operated short-term accommodations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Rosepine, Louisiana would be properties near Toledo Bend Reservoir (approximately 15 miles east), which attracts year-round fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and weekend tourists from Texas and Louisiana metropolitan areas. The downtown Rosepine area near Highway 171 offers potential for business travelers visiting local timber and oil industry operations, as well as those passing through between Shreveport and Lake Charles. Properties within a 10-mile radius of Sam Houston Jones State Park capture outdoor recreation tourists seeking camping alternatives and family vacation rentals. The residential areas along Parish Road 206 and near Rosepine High School provide quiet, family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending local events, family reunions, or extended business stays. Additionally, locations with easy access to Fort Polk (about 45 minutes south) could attract military families during PCS moves, training exercises, or visiting relatives stationed at the base.

Airbnb properties in Rosepine, Louisiana are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and Vernon Parish sales tax of approximately 4-5%, totaling around 8.45-9.45% on lodging rentals, with these taxes typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Louisiana Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system implemented in 2018. The state requires registration for a sales tax permit if hosts collect taxes independently, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month, though Airbnb's collection service generally handles this process automatically for participating hosts. Louisiana does not impose a separate statewide lodging tax beyond sales tax, and Vernon Parish does not appear to have additional occupancy taxes specific to short-term rentals as of recent years. Exemptions may apply for rentals of 30 days or longer, which are typically considered long-term leases rather than taxable lodging, and some agricultural or educational exemptions might apply in specific circumstances, though these are rare for typical Airbnb operations.

To start an Airbnb in Rosepine, Louisiana, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase will be approximately $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Louisiana parishes. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Vernon Parish include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500-$1,000). Insurance will cost $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Monthly utilities average $200-$300 for electricity, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60% occupancy. Additional considerations include property taxes ($1,200-$2,000 annually) and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Rosepine, Louisiana show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($100-200/month), and maintenance costs ($200-400/month). Properties near Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sabine National Forest command premium rates of $100-150/night due to fishing and outdoor recreation demand, with successful hosts like those operating lakefront cabins achieving 75-80% occupancy and net profit margins of 25-35%. Rural properties further from recreational areas typically see lower occupancy (45-55%) and profit margins of 15-25%, with break-even points around 12-18 months for investors purchasing homes in the $80,000-150,000 range. Success factors include proximity to Toledo Bend (within 10 miles), professional photography, responsive hosting, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on peak fishing seasons (March-May, September-November) when rates can increase 20-30% above baseline pricing.

Based on Rosepine, Louisiana market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates. Properties in this rural Vernon Parish market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$120 for well-appointed cabins or homes targeting outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sabine National Forest. Initial investment requirements average $80,000-$150,000 for suitable properties, with annual gross revenues of $15,000-$25,000 achievable through consistent 40-60% occupancy rates during peak fishing and hunting seasons from March through November, while winter months typically see reduced demand affecting overall annual performance.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations for Rosepine, Louisiana. In the local market, Century 21 and Coldwell Banker have agents experienced in investment properties, while RE/MAX agents like those at RE/MAX Partners often work with investors seeking vacation rental opportunities in the area. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, and BiggerPockets, which connects investors with local real estate professionals familiar with short-term rental regulations. AirDNA offers market data and revenue projections for the Rosepine area, while companies like Awning and RedAwning provide full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance. Local property management companies such as Sabine Parish Property Management and DeRidder-based firms often help investors identify suitable properties, and national franchises like Keller Williams have investment-focused agents who understand the Airbnb market dynamics in rural Louisiana markets like Rosepine.