I spent Monday in San Antonio appearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustments related to a short-term rental permit for one of my personal investments.
It’s a duplex we’ve operated successfully for over five years, but a recent interpretation around whether one permit or two is required led to an appeal.
What stood out most wasn’t just my case — it was sitting through several others. You’re reminded quickly that real estate isn’t just about the asset itself. It’s about navigating local regulations, interpreting policy, and understanding how decisions actually get made at the city level.
No decision yet — I’ll be back next month after engaging with the neighborhood association and providing additional information.
While I don’t agree with the staff’s interpretation in this case, I will say the process itself is valuable. Having a structured forum to work through disagreements is important, and everyone involved was professional and helpful.
Experiences like this are a good reminder that owning and operating real estate — especially across different markets — requires more than just finding a good deal. It requires understanding the regulatory environment and being willing to engage in it.
Hiring the right property manager is the key to any successful real estate investment. For this property, I’ve also been fortunate to work with Richard and the team at Feliz Stays SA, who have been great partners with the operational expertise in an asset class that we here at HRE don't work with.
