Is Tampa, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Tampa, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Tampa city clerk's office, as Kansas municipalities typically require short-term rental permits and may have occupancy limits or safety requirements. Contact the Marion County health department for any lodging permits needed, and check with the Kansas Department of Revenue for state tax registration requirements. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to local attractions like the Tampa State Lake or nearby recreational areas, and ensure the property meets fire safety codes with proper smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Tampa city hall (estimated cost $50-150), short-term rental permit if required (typically $100-300 annually), and register for Kansas state sales tax collection. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, cleaning supplies, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to Tampa State Lake and rural Kansas charm, set competitive pricing based on similar properties in the area (likely $60-120 per night), and write detailed descriptions of local attractions and amenities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries and reviews, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while collecting and remitting the required Kansas state and local taxes quarterly.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Tampa, Kansas, focus on location criteria near major attractions like the Kansas State Fairgrounds, downtown business districts, and proximity to highways for easy access, while targeting neighborhoods with low crime rates and good walkability scores. Seek properties with 2-4 bedrooms, updated kitchens and bathrooms, reliable Wi-Fi infrastructure, parking availability, and unique features like outdoor spaces or historic charm that photograph well for listings. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable STR rates on Airbnb and VRBO within a 3-mile radius, calculating potential monthly revenue against mortgage, utilities, cleaning, and management costs, aiming for properties that can generate 1.5-2x traditional rental income. Research competition by analyzing occupancy rates, guest reviews, and pricing strategies of similar properties within the market, identifying gaps in amenities or service quality you can exploit. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, local MLS data through Realtor.com, and connect with Tampa area real estate agents familiar with investment properties, while monitoring city regulations and zoning laws that may affect STR operations in different neighborhoods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Tampa, Kansas, you must first contact the Tampa City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 201 Main Street or call (785) 483-5765 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy with minimum $1 million coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and valid Kansas driver's license or state ID. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $100-125, and you may need additional inspections costing $75-100 each for fire safety and building code compliance. Submit your complete application package to the City Planning Department, and the review process typically takes 4-6 weeks including scheduling required inspections by the fire marshal and building inspector. Tampa-specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking spaces (minimum 1 space per bedroom), ensuring 24/7 local contact person availability within 30 minutes response time, displaying the permit number in all online listings, and adhering to quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM with noise restrictions that comply with city ordinances.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Tampa, Florida, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Tampa requires STR operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning restrictions that generally allow STRs in most residential areas, though some neighborhoods may have additional homeowner association restrictions. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that STR operators must follow, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included enhanced enforcement mechanisms and clearer registration processes, while the city continues to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood concerns. In contrast to Tampa's regulated approach, Kansas takes a more hands-off stance at the state level, with individual municipalities like Kansas City and Wichita having their own varying regulations ranging from minimal oversight to more structured permitting systems, though most Kansas jurisdictions have been slower to implement comprehensive STR frameworks compared to Florida's more tourism-dependent cities.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Tampa, Kansas would be downtown Tampa near the business district and government offices, which attracts consistent business travelers and state employees visiting for meetings and conferences. The historic Coronado Heights area offers unique appeal for tourists interested in Kansas history and the famous castle ruins, providing weekend and leisure travel opportunities. Areas near McPherson College and other educational institutions in the region generate demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic travelers. The neighborhoods around local parks and recreational areas like Maxwell Wildlife Refuge attract outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking rural getaways. Properties near the Kansas State Fair grounds in nearby Hutchinson benefit from annual events and seasonal tourism spikes. The residential areas close to major highways like I-135 appeal to travelers seeking convenient stopover accommodations between larger cities like Wichita and Salina, while maintaining lower property acquisition costs compared to major metropolitan markets.

Tampa, Kansas does not have specific lodging or occupancy taxes that apply to Airbnb rentals as it is a small unincorporated community in Marion County with minimal municipal tax structure. However, Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% applies to short-term rental accommodations under 28 days, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the Kansas Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts. Marion County may impose a local sales tax of up to 2%, bringing the total potential tax rate to approximately 8.5% on short-term rental stays. Hosts are required to register for a Kansas sales tax permit if Airbnb is not collecting taxes on their behalf, and must remit taxes monthly if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. There are generally no exemptions for short-term rentals under 28 days, though stays of 28 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes and treated as long-term rentals subject to different regulations.

Starting an Airbnb in Tampa, Kansas would require approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-3,000. Permits and licensing fees in Kansas are relatively minimal at $200-500, though specific Tampa municipal requirements may add another $300-800. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs approximately $1,200-1,800 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $800-1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-900 monthly), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses typically range $6,000-9,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a 10-15% contingency fund for unexpected expenses during the startup phase.

Airbnb properties in Tampa, Kansas show mixed profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property type and location within the small city. Revenue analysis indicates that a typical 2-bedroom property can generate $1,800-2,400 monthly during peak seasons, while expenses including mortgage, utilities, cleaning fees, Airbnb service charges, insurance, and maintenance typically run $1,200-1,600 monthly, resulting in profit margins of 15-25% for well-managed properties. Success factors in Tampa include proximity to local attractions, competitive pricing against the limited hotel options, and maintaining high guest ratings through consistent cleanliness and communication. Properties near Tampa's downtown area or recreational facilities tend to perform better, with occupancy rates averaging 60-70% annually. A case study of a renovated 3-bedroom home purchased in 2021 for $180,000 showed gross revenues of $28,000 in its first year with net profits of approximately $6,500 after all expenses, though success heavily depends on effective marketing, seasonal demand fluctuations, and the property's condition and amenities relative to the small local market competition.

Airbnb investments in Tampa, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property location and management efficiency. Properties in downtown Tampa or near major attractions like Busch Gardens can achieve higher returns of 12-15% annually, while suburban locations average 8-10%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The Tampa market benefits from year-round tourism, business travel, and proximity to beaches, with average daily rates of $85-150 and occupancy rates of 65-75%. Cash-on-cash returns are optimized when investors put down 20-25% and leverage financing, with break-even typically achieved in months 12-18 of operation. Properties purchased in the $200,000-350,000 range in desirable neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, or Westshore tend to perform best, generating monthly gross revenues of $2,500-4,500 depending on seasonality and property size.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Tampa, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area include Keller Williams Realty, RE/MAX Associates, and Coldwell Banker who have experience with investment properties. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investors. Local property management companies such as Tampa Property Management Group and Kansas Investment Properties offer turnkey solutions for short-term rental investments. Additional national platforms include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, and BiggerPockets, which connects investors with local professionals. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise also operate in the Tampa, Kansas market, helping investors identify cash-flowing properties suitable for Airbnb conversion. Local mortgage brokers and lenders such as First National Bank of Kansas and Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union specialize in investment property financing for short-term rental purchases.