Airbnb House Hacking: From Free Travel to an Empire of Airbnbs

The Big Picture on Airbnb House Hacking:

• Mike Cossette and his wife started by renting out their home during peak events to pay for travel — a move that sparked a cycle of income and inspiration, eventually leading to a portfolio of five properties.

• After being rejected by multiple banks, they secured a creative loan to build a duplex — living in one side and renting the other — proving that Airbnb hosting can adapt to family life while generating income.

• Success came from treating hosting professionally: incorporating hospitality insights from global travel, working with the right lenders, and selecting strategic locations. Mike now helps others do the same.

Most people see travel as a luxury — a costly dream that needs to be saved for years in advance. But what if one investment property could fund your travel forever? That’s exactly what Mike Cossette and his wife accomplished — starting with a single Airbnb unit that eventually grew into five properties and a lifestyle filled with global adventures.

From Divorce to Discovery: The Start of a New Chapter

Mike, a long-time real estate broker and investment specialist, met his wife in 2011. Both coming out of challenging life chapters, they decided early on that travel was going to be a central part of their new life together.

At the time, Mike had recently bought a downtown property post-recession. Airbnb was a new concept then, and it was his wife who suggested they try renting it out while they traveled. Mike was skeptical at first — concerned about strangers staying in their home — but they gave it a shot.

To their surprise, a single weekend rental by a group of bachelors brought in enough money to fund their own mini-vacation. That’s when the lightbulb went off.

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How They Funded Travel With Airbnb

The couple began timing their trips with Austin’s festival season — events like ACL and Formula 1 — when Airbnb prices surged. They’d use the extra income to book longer and more expensive trips abroad.

They didn’t just travel — they studied travel. While staying in hostels in Europe and hotels in Australia, they noticed features they loved:

• • USB outlets 
  • Convenient breakfast-to-go setups 
  • Unique decor and hospitality touches 

They brought these ideas home and implemented them in their Airbnb. It created a feedback loop: Travel funded their Airbnb → Travel inspired better Airbnb design → Better Airbnb generated more income → More travel.

Scaling Up to a Family Business

By 2015, their Airbnb income had grown significantly. Around the same time, they were ready to start a family — but needed more space. Mike approached multiple banks to finance a new home while keeping their Airbnb. 

Nine banks rejected him. The tenth considered it. The eleventh said yes.

That lender saw the potential of short-term rentals and structured a custom deal that allowed them to build a duplex:

• • One side for their growing family 
  • One side to continue hosting guests 

The result? More income. More flexibility. And a more sustainable setup for a family with four kids under five.

From One Unit to Five — and Beyond

Eventually, they expanded to five unique Airbnb properties. One is now managed by a third party (because four kids keep them busy), but the entire portfolio continues to support their lifestyle.

Guests can book individual units or rent “The Compound”, a connected space that can host up to 24 people. Whether someone wants a quirky, globally inspired stay or a modern family-friendly space — they’ve got it.

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Mike’s Advice for New Investors

Mike’s story shows how even a single, well-placed property can change your life. But he’s quick to point out:

• • Be strategic about location and timing 
  • Bring your travel experiences into your hosting style 
  • Use local lenders who can see your vision 
  • Think long-term — design your Airbnb like a business 

Today, Mike helps others do the same through his real estate practice in Central Texas.

“I help people find the right asset type, market area, and strategy that aligns with their funds and lifestyle,” Mike says.

Connect With Mike

Find Mike on all major platforms @AskMikeCos. Whether you’re new to real estate or ready to scale, he’s a great resource — especially if you’re looking in Central Texas.

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