He’s Building AI-Powered Short-Term Rental Condos in Miami

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René Bello started his career as an architect and construction executive, eventually helping deliver a 60-story tower at Royal Palm Companies and managing over $100M in development.

But after years of working behind the scenes, he saw a new opportunity emerging.

Travelers wanted hotel-quality experiences without hotel constraints. Investors wanted STR cash flow but hated the operational burden. And cities like Miami were evolving to allow more flexible ownership models.

So René launched BLDG Ventures, a vertically integrated development firm creating short-term rental–friendly condos designed for both owners and guests.

With in-house architecture, construction, branding, and AI integrations, he’s rethinking what residential hospitality can look like — and proving it can scale.

The Play: Branded STR Condos with Built-In Operations

Unlike traditional condos or apartment hotels, BLDG Ventures creates ground-up assets designed specifically for short-term rental use. That means every decision — from floor plan to tech stack — is made to serve the dual needs of investors and guests.

Their flagship project, a 56-key building in Miami, is designed with wellness, automation, and community in mind:

• Fully furnished, turn-key units for investor-owners

• AI-powered concierge and guest communication tools

• Shared spaces like cold plunge tubs, co-working lounges, and rooftop terraces

• Automated access control, noise monitoring, and cleaning coordination

• In-house revenue management and branding

Why This Works

1. Zoned and Zoned Right
René focuses on areas already zoned for STR use, removing one of the biggest risks for buyers and lenders.

2. Brand = Premium
By controlling the building’s identity from the ground up, Bldg creates a consistent guest experience and charges higher nightly rates.

3. AI-Enabled Hospitality
Automation reduces operating costs while enhancing guest satisfaction. Chatbots handle check-in, maintenance requests, and neighborhood recs without added headcount.

The Risks (and How He Mitigates Them)

STR Regulation Shifts:
BLDG targets markets with favorable legal frameworks and actively consults with zoning attorneys before acquiring land.

Overbuilding and Competition:
By designing with flexibility and premium amenities, their product stands out even in crowded markets.

Guest Management at Scale:
AI tools combined with internal operations allow for lean management without sacrificing quality.

What You Can Learn (and Steal)

1. Design the Product Around the Exit
René builds with both the guest and investor in mind. Higher nightly rates and hands-off ownership make these assets appealing for resale and recapitalization.

2. Brand Matters in STR
As platforms like Airbnb get noisier, branded product with consistent experience is what rises to the top.

3. You Don’t Have to Start Big
René’s first deal with Bldg was just 56 keys. But with the right partners and playbook, it set the foundation for a much larger pipeline.

Listen to the full episode

🎙 Groundbreakers with René Bello

In it, we cover:

• His transition from architect to developer

• How he underwrites and structures branded STR condo projects

• Why AI is more than just a gimmick in hospitality

• His plan to scale from 56 keys to 500 and beyond

• The biggest lessons he learned developing high-rise towers in Miami