Thinking about turning your spare room or apartment into an Airbnb listing? You're just one of a whole bunch of others. The rise of short-term rentals has made hosting seem like a modern gold rush, and with it comes a flood of programs promising to turn you (yes, you!) into the next short-term rental mogul.

 

One course in particular, the BNB Formula, has been making waves online, touting itself as a fast track to earning a six-figure income in six months, and without owning a single property. But is it really worth the $2,000 price tag? And more importantly, is it legitimate?

 

Let’s unpack the hype, the reality, and the smart next steps for would-be hosts.

A “Get Rich Without Owning Property” Promise

The BNB Formula pitches itself as a gamechanging strategy in real estate investing. But unlike traditional paths involving buying property or becoming a landlord, this method focuses on "rental arbitrage".  This method is basically just securing a long-term lease on a property, then turning around and renting it out on platforms like Airbnb.

 

It’s a model that’s caught on with some success stories, especially in large metro areas with high tourism traffic. But it's far from guaranteed (and apt to infuriate the locals).

 

The course promotes the idea that with the right scripts, systems, and mindset, anyone can build a short-term rental empire by convincing landlords to allow subletting on Airbnb. It’s flashy, ambitious, and priced accordingly. While one concerned consumer had heard the program cost $20,000 (thankfully, that’s inaccurate), the actual cost is closer to $2,000 ($1,977 to be exact).  

 

Still steep? Yes. Especially considering that most of the information the course provides can be found online… for free.

The Reality: What You’re Actually Getting

Let’s be clear: the BNB Formula is not a scam in the classic sense. It is a real course with real content. But it’s important to understand what you’re buying and what you’re not.

 

For $2,000, you’re certainly not buying any property or even guaranteed profits. You're buying a structured set of videos and templates that explain:

  • The basics of real estate investing
  • Rental arbitrage techniques
  • How to pitch landlords on short-term rentals
  • Management systems for multiple Airbnb listings
Approaching short-term rental hosting as a business, and not as a shortcut to easy money, you’ll be in a better position to succeed. (iStock)

This type of material isn't unique. Numerous YouTube creators, blog writers, and community forums break down these same concepts, often backed by real-life experience, and without the hefty fee. Even Airbnb itself offers a robust library of hosting tips and success stories that can serve as a solid foundation for beginners.

 

So ask yourself: do you need a $2,000 roadmap to follow, or are you comfortable doing some legwork to build your own?

Important Considerations Before You Spend a Dime

Before diving headfirst into the short-term rental game, or dropping thousands on a course, consider these essential factors:

  • Local Laws and HOA Rules: Many cities, including many parts of Georgia, have zoning laws or homeowners’ association rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals altogether.
  • Lease Agreements: Most leases prohibit subletting. Without written permission, you could be violating your contract and risking eviction.
  • Time Commitment: Managing guest inquiries, turnovers, and cleaning isn't exactly “passive income.” Even with tools, it’s a business.
  • Start-Up Costs: Even if you’re renting, you’ll likely need to furnish the unit, pay deposits, and invest in marketing. That’s money upfront.

You should also consider how saturated your area is with Airbnbs. In places like Atlanta, competition is fierce. Is your property (or potential property) well located and unique enough to stand out?

 

One last thing to consider, especially when it comes to whether you want to purchase a BNB Formula course: the BBB revoked the company’s accreditation in early 2025. According to the revocation notice, the decision was based on the company’s failure to meet several key standards expected of accredited businesses. These included maintaining a positive reputation in the marketplace, being transparent and accurate in the way products and services are described, and responding to customer complaints in a timely and good-faith manner.

So, Is It Worth It?

Here’s the tough truth: If a course promises big money with little effort, skepticism is healthy. While some people may find value in structured programs like the BNB Formula or others like it, especially those new to entrepreneurship or in need of a step-by-step guide, many others could achieve similar results without spending a dime.

 

Think about your learning style. Do you thrive with self-paced discovery and peer support, or do you need hand-holding and structure?

 

And more importantly, do you understand that success in short-term rentals, like any business, requires hustle, research, and adaptability?

Short-term leasing has spread like wildfire among hopeful investors, especially in areas with high tourism traffic. But it's far from guaranteed (and infuriates the locals). (DALL-E)

Smarter First Steps for Aspiring Hosts

If you’re serious about becoming an Airbnb host, here’s a more grounded plan to get started:

  1. Research the legal landscape in your city or county. Check zoning laws, licensing rules, and HOA guidelines.
  2. Explore Airbnb’s free resources, including the Host Resource Center.
  3. Join local Airbnb or short-term rental Facebook groups to learn from experienced hosts.
  4. Watch real life case studies on YouTube and read reviews of various hosting strategies.
  5. Experiment with one room in your own home before leasing an entire property.

By approaching short-term rental hosting as a business, and not as a shortcut to easy money, you’ll be in a better position to succeed, whether you invest in a course or not.

 

After all, the best way to protect your wallet is to invest your time first.