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Vacarya Client Quick-Start Checklist

Updated over a week ago

​Congratulations and welcome to Vacarya!

We are excited to do great things together. Our team is committed to providing you with the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to make your business thrive.

Your success is our business, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with you to achieve your business goals.

The next steps are now yours!
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​​(Follow the steps in order; the ones marked Mandatory must be done before you can request leases.)
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Step 1: Onboarding (Mandatory)

  • Download WhatsApp and accept the 1-on-1 chat invite labeled [Your name] to get dedicated support Monday to Friday, 9 am to Midnight Eastern Time.
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  • You can check your email for access to the Vacarya Arbitrage Alliance + Community, Masterclass Course, and Weekly Mastermind Calls. We also recommend making an introduction post there!
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  • Bookmark the Help Center to access our list of SOPs and procedures.
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  • Book an onboarding call with your Client Success Manager
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Step 2: Set up Your Business in the United States
Mandatory for Canadian clients.

For U.S. clients, you may need to complete some of these steps if you do not have a business created

Retain a U.S. lawyer to set up your Business Structure

  • Our preferred U.S. cross-border counsel is
    Mark Canfield - mcanfield@lippes.com - (904)-660-0020 ext 1523

  • If you need help setting up a Canadian Company, our preferred Canadian counsel is Hussein Kudrati - hkudrati@hsklawfirm.ca
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  • A U.S. lawyer will help you set up an LP business structure (Limited Partnership).
    A Limited Partnership consists of limited partners and a general partner

    • Usually, your Canadian corporation will be the Limited Partner (LP) and own 99.999% of the Limited Partnership

    • Usually, the lawyer will create a new entity known as the General Partner (GP), which owns 0.001% of the Limited Partnership
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  • The U.S. lawyer (Mark Canfield) will file all the papers necessary.
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    ​Once filed, it will take 10-14 business days to receive EINs for your LP and GP

    • EIN is equivalent to a business number

    • You need an EIN to open a U.S. business bank account

  • If you do not have a Canadian corporation, please consult with your Canadian lawyer and accountant to see if you should create one to start this business

    • If you have a Canadian corporation, we suggest you also consult with your Canadian lawyer and accountant to ensure assets in the existing Canadian corp will not be affected.
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Acquire a U.S. Mailing Address (Mandatory for Canadian clients)

  • You can go to physicaladdress.com and get a U.S. Business mailing address.

    • Physicaladdress.com is able to help receive/ship and scan mail on your behalf.

  • Go to 247parcel.com, set up an account, and get a personal mailing address.

Retain a Cross-border CPA (Mandatory for Canadian clients)

  • Our preferred Cross-border CPA (Certified Public Accountant):

Get Your U.S. Bank Account (Mandatory)

  • Once you receive your EIN for your LP, you can reach out to a bank and open a US business bank account
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  • If you have a CIBC Canada business bank account, we can refer you to CIBC USA.

  • If you do not bank with CIBC Canada (Business), you will have to inquire with your Canadian bank whether you can open a US Business Bank account remotely
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  • You can also open a US Business bank account with RelayFi or Mercury


Apply for U.S. Credit Cards for Your Business

This credit card section DOES NOT need to be completed for you to start your Short Term Rental Arbitrage business. But, it is highly recommended that you complete these steps as soon as you are able.

  • Do you have a Canadian AMEX credit card?

    • If no, please apply for one and start using the card to build a profile with AMEX (If you have been declined, start with basic, low threshold cards)
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    • If yes, continue to read below!

      • You want to get U.S. credit cards to avoid hefty exchange rates, and it’s more convenient when purchasing goods from U.S. vendors/merchants

  • Read this article and follow the step-by-step instructions to acquire your first personal U.S. AMEX credit card

    • AMEX U.S. allows you to receive your first U.S. credit card without the need for a U.S. credit score or social security number (SSN) because they leverage your Canadian history

To get your first US Business credit card:

  • You will need an Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)

    • You can use a service called Frugal Flyer to apply for an ITIN number.

    • Your ITIN number serves as a SSN. You will be able to slowly build a credit history and credit score with an ITIN

    • When applying for a US Business credit card, the application will ask for your EIN and ITIN


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Step 3: Get a U.S. PayPal Account (Mandatory)


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Step 4: Training (Mandatory)

While Vacarya will be with you along your STR Journey, it's incredibly important to learn how to operate your own business. Please don't skip this step as it is full of incredibly valuable information on owning, operating, and expanding your business.
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If you start the course at the same time you begin signing up for your business, and watch 2-3 videos a day, you will be done the course by the time your EIN arrives.

  • Complete our Airbnb Masterclass course - Masterclass Course

  • Go through our Help Center to have a better understanding of what to expect - Help Center

Reminder that completing the above is mandatory to start taking leases
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​YOU ARE NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
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Step 5: Get a DUNS Number
(Not needed, but recommended to have)

  • A DUNS number is a Dun and Bradstreet number. It’s the credit score of your company. When you apply for corporate leases to rent apartments, a lot of buildings will ask you for your DUNS number, as they want to check your company’s credit history


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Step 6: Essential Tools & Accounts
(Set these up once you’ve completed the training)

  • Airbnb: (Referral link: Airbnb)

    • This is the main platform you will use to operate your business
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  • VRBO:

    • We recommend multi-listing your properties on Airbnb and VRBO to generate more revenue and have great guests.

  • Instacart

    • Instacart allows you to order supplies and have them delivered to your location within an instant, depending on the time you submit your order.

  • Wyze app (smart lock) OR Schlage app (smart lock) - which one you get depends on what leases you are assigned, so wait to sign up for these until you've acquired a lease, and our team will assist you on which to get.

  • Blink app (Doorbell cam) through a U.S. Amazon Account

    • Each of our units will come equipped with a Blink doorbell camera to track your guests coming and going. We recommend signing up for an account so you don't have to manage clearing out the data storage each month on the app.


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Step 7: Additional Apps to pay VAs/Contractors

  • If you haven't done this yet, open a U.S. PayPal Business account so that you can pay cleaners/contractors instantly
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  • You can also do ACH payments from your bank account to pay cleaners/contractors. To do this, you will need to ask for your contractor’s bank account details
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  • Open a Wise Business account so that you can pay VAs
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Step 8: Request Lease Opportunities
(Do this once all above steps are completed)

  • Once you’re ready to take on units, fill out the information on the Vacarya leasing page

  • Be patient: Your client success manager will require time to acquire the leases based on your budget. The deals they provide will be first-come first first-served
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  • Requirement: Each unit will require a MINIMUM of USD 10,000+ to be furnished

  • You will be asked to wire a deposit to secure your lease. The amount of the deposit depends on the number of units you secure, as well as what type of property
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  • Sign your provided licensing agreement with leases attached ​


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Step 9: Unit Setup After Lease Secured

Our team will help you with all of the steps below, depending on your unit's needs and location.

  • Get connected (Wifi, Utilities, Smart lock)
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  • Order internet for the property
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  • Put utilities in your name(s)
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  • Smartlock account set up
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  • Create a U.S. account for Amazon (PERSONAL) for your TV
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  • Set up your payment methods on your building's rent portal
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  • Hire your operating team (Cleaners, handyman, accountant, etc.)


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Step 10: Set up Your Airbnb

  • The Vacarya team will plan, furnish, and take photos on your behalf.
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  • Set up your listings on Airbnb
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  • If you are planning on multi-listing on VRBO, follow this process.


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Step 11: Launch And Go Live

  • Background checks for guests: Background check

    • Some buildings require background checks for your guests. We recommend setting up and using an Authenticate.com account.

    • You must grab their IDs. Once they've submitted through Authenticate, make sure to send an email confirming that they've submitted, and also send the ID in the email. partner@baetelle.com

You’re in business! Happy hosting! 🎉

Tip: Bookmark this checklist. Need help? Drop a message in your WhatsApp support chat.

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