02/18/2026
Hi, I’m Joel Schafer — Arizona-based real estate investor, property manager, and founder of Apricate Rentals.
Originally from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, I lived there for 23 years before moving to Arizona in 1998. Shortly after relocating, I began a 20-year career in golf operations (1998–2018), where I developed a deep foundation in service, leadership, operations management, and high-level hospitality. In 2019, I achieved PGA Life Member status — a milestone that reflects decades of commitment to professionalism and excellence in the golf industry.
That background in hospitality and operational systems directly shaped how I approach real estate and property management today.
My wife and I purchased our first vacation rental in 2014, and that investment sparked what would become a true passion for real estate, investing, and hospitality. After adding a second property in 2019, I officially launched Apricate Rentals in 2022 to help other owners experience the same success — without the stress.
What I Do
I help investors maximize returns on their Airbnb and short-term rental properties by handling every detail of the process — from initial setup to full-scale daily operations.
That includes:
• Strategic pricing to optimize occupancy and revenue
• Professional marketing and listing optimization
• Guest communication and 5-star hospitality management
• Cleaning coordination and detailed property inspections
• Maintenance oversight and trusted vendor management
• Revenue tracking and performance analysis
As both an investor and an experienced hospitality professional, I understand two critical components:
The financial performance behind the investment
The guest experience that drives that performance
The balance of smart strategy and elevated hospitality is what creates consistent bookings, strong reviews, and long-term profitability.
My goal is simple:
To make short-term rental investing seamless, organized, and profitable.
Owners trust me to treat their property like it’s my own — protecting the asset, maintaining its condition, and delivering a guest experience that keeps occupancy high and stress low.
When I’m not managing properties, you’ll find me on the golf course, coaching youth sports, or spending time with my wife and three sons (21, 19, and 12). And our English Lab, Birdie, definitely keeps life fun.
Joel Schafer | Founder of Apricate Rentals
Real estate. Investing. Hospitality. Done with intention.
