Start an Airbnb Business Without Money Using Rental Arbitrage or Cohosting

How to Start an Airbnb Business Without Money (Yes, It’s Possible)

Most people think launching an Airbnb business requires buying property, spending thousands on furniture, and hiring a full team. But what if we told you that you can start an Airbnb business with little to no money upfront?

At BNB Guardians, we specialize in helping busy professionals launch profitable short-term rental businesses without burning out or blowing their savings. Whether it’s through rental arbitrage, cohosting, or just making smarter moves with what you already have, this post will walk you through how to start an Airbnb business without money, and actually succeed.

We’ve done it. Our clients have done it. You can too.

The Truth About Starting an Airbnb Business with No Money

The sharing economy has changed everything. You no longer need to own property to run a successful Airbnb. You just need the right Airbnb strategy, creative thinking, and systems that work.

In this guide to starting an Airbnb business with no money, we’ll show you:

• How to use spaces you already have access to

• Budget-friendly ways to furnish and market your listing

• How Airbnb property management tools can help you scale

• The basics of Airbnb rental arbitrage (aka running Airbnbs you don’t own)

• And how to grow your Airbnb business step-by-step

Step 1: Start with What You Already Have: Start an Airbnb Business Without Money

No money? No problem. Many hosts get started by listing:

• A spare bedroom in their home

• A basement or converted garage

• A friend or family member’s unused property (with their permission!)

The key here is resourcefulness. You don’t need luxury—just clean, safe, and guest-ready. At BNB Guardians, we’ve helped clients turn overlooked spaces into income-generating listings with nothing but elbow grease and smart design.

Step 2: Furnish and Decorate Without Breaking the Bank

To stand out on Airbnb, your space needs to look inviting, but you don’t have to spend thousands. Some of our favorite Airbnb optimization tips for furnishing on a budget:

• Use Facebook Marketplace for gently used furniture

• Shop at discount stores for decor and kitchen essentials

• Start with the essentials and add more as bookings come in

You can even borrow items from friends or repurpose what you already own. Just make sure your photos look sharp and the space feels clean and welcoming.

Step 3: Offer a Killer Guest Experience (Without Extra Cost)

Creating a 5-star experience doesn’t mean you need luxury sheets or fancy tech. It’s all about hospitality and communication.

Here’s how to boost reviews on a budget:

• Automate Airbnb guest communication using tools like Guesty

• Leave thoughtful touches like a handwritten welcome note

• Provide local recommendations or self-guided tour ideas

• Respond quickly to any questions or concerns

This is a core part of our Airbnb coaching method: the guest experience is where you win (or lose) on this platform.

Step 4: Partner with Local Businesses

One way to add value to your listing without spending a dime is to team up with local businesses. Offer your guests:

• Discounts at local cafes or restaurants

• Deals on tours or experiences

• Wellness perks like yoga or massage with neighborhood providers

These partnerships benefit both sides and enhance your Airbnb marketing by creating a more “local” and curated stay.

Step 5: Use Airbnb Rental Arbitrage to Scale Without Owning Property

If you’re wondering how to start an Airbnb business without owning property, this is your move.

Airbnb rental arbitrage means you lease a property long-term, then rent it short-term on Airbnb for a profit. Here's why it works:

• Low startup cost: Just cover the deposit, furnishings, and maybe first month’s rent

• High ROI: You can often earn 2–3x the monthly rent in bookings

• Scalable: You can rinse and repeat across multiple properties

• Lower risk: No mortgage, no maintenance headaches

We break down how to do this legally and profitably inside our Airbnb Super Host Academy.

Step 6: Automate and Manage Your Airbnb Business Efficiently

Once your first listing is live, the real challenge is keeping things running smoothly—especially if you’re still working full-time.

Use Airbnb management tools like Guesty to:

• Automate guest messaging

• Schedule cleanings

• Sync calendars across platforms

• Track performance and occupancy

This is what lets you scale without burning out. Trust us, we’ve tested everything.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Start an Airbnb Business with No Money

We’ve coached people through this process: teachers, nurses, IT professionals, stay-at-home parents. Most had zero real estate experience. Some didn’t even know what Airbnb arbitrage was when they started.

But now they’re earning extra income every month, building wealth, and even leaving their jobs.

Here’s what they all had in common: they took action.

Want Help Starting Your Airbnb Business with No Money?

If you’re ready to go from “how do I even start?” to “I just got my first booking,” we’ve got you covered.

👉 Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy community 👉 Or book a call with BNB Guardians to get personalized Airbnb coaching and a game plan for launching your first listing

No property? No problem. Let’s build your Airbnb business from the ground up—together.