What if your Airbnb business could fund your next investment, and your dumpster company could bring in your next client? In this episode, Darson Grantham shares how he's blending real estate savvy, short-term rental strategy, and entrepreneurship to build lasting wealth in Des Moines. From automation to mindset, Darson breaks down what it really takes to succeed in a shifting market.

Darson shares how he broke into real estate, scaled a portfolio of Airbnbs, and why creating memorable guest experiences is key to standing out. He dives into tools like automation and virtual assistants, compares flipping vs. buy-and-hold strategies, and reveals how launching a dumpster business opened new doors for growth.

Whether you're just getting started or expanding your portfolio, Darson offers sharp, actionable insights for navigating real estate with confidence and creativity.

🧠 Darson Grantham's Top 5 Takeaways:

• How short-term rentals are booming in Des Moines—and why unique guest experiences make the biggest impact.
• Why self-managing STRs is no joke—and how automation and virtual assistants help keep it scalable.
• How Darson thinks about flipping vs. buy-and-hold—and why your strategy should match your lifestyle and goals.
• Why launching a dumpster business turned into a surprising lead generator for real estate deals.
• How mindset, grit, and a strong network have helped Darson push through challenges and stay focused on the big picture.

👤 About Darson Grantham:
Darson Grantham is a Des Moines-based real estate agent, investor, and entrepreneur helping families and investors build long-term wealth. Since going full-time in real estate in 2020, he has grown a portfolio of short-term rentals, built a local investor community through weekly meetups, and launched educational YouTube channels to share real estate insights. With a focus on smart systems and people-first service, Darson is building both business and community—while raising a family of five in the city he proudly calls home.

Contact Info:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/darson.lee