How Did Ian Lobas Build a 60+ Unit Caribbean Airbnb Business From the U.S.?

Fan-Favorite ReplayWhat if your next real estate move did not require relocating, quitting everything, or waiting for “perfect timing”? What if building an international business was less about luck and more about systems, leadership, and personal growth? And what if your biggest breakthrough came from thinking bigger than your comfort zone?In this fan-favorite replay of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Ian Lobas, a real estate investor, coach, and international short-term rental operator who built a thriving hospitality business in St. Martin, all while managing it remotely from Baltimore.Ian shares how he turned a bold vision into a fully integrated short-term rental operation with over 60 units in less than a year. From marketing and interior design to concierge services and construction, he reveals how building strong systems and the right team made international scaling possible.Ian Lobas went from running a high-performing real estate business in the U.S. to launching a full-service Airbnb and hospitality company in the Caribbean. Rather than relying on hype or shortcuts, he focused on operational excellence, personal development, and uncompromising standards.In this episode, Ian breaks down how he navigated market failures, cultural differences, and infrastructure challenges to build a predictable, high-performing operation in one of the most competitive tourism markets in the region.About Ian LobasIan Lobas is a real estate investor, coach, and fractional CEO and COO. After experiencing burnout as a top-producing agent, he shifted his focus toward building sustainable businesses rooted in systems, leadership, and personal growth. Today, he leads both a coaching company and a growing international short-term rental operation in St. Martin.Key Takeaways from This Episode-How Ian’s background in international shipping and sales shaped his business mindset.-Why personal development became the foundation of his success.-The turning point that led him from traditional real estate into coaching.-Why St. Martin became the ideal market for his hospitality vision.-How he built a trusted local team and scalable leadership structure.-The importance of process-driven operations in hospitality.-How multiple service verticals strengthened his business model.-Why reputation matters more in small international markets.-How Ian scaled to 60-plus units in under a year.Connect with Ian LobasInterested in collaborating, investing, or learning more about international short-term rentals?Email: [email protected] and SubscribeThis replay episode is packed with real-world lessons for investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who want to combine freedom, impact, and profitability.Subscribe, rate, and review the REI Freedom Podcast to stay connected with stories and strategies that help you build a life of freedom through real estate.