Partner with Upstream Vacations
Northwest Michigan’s premier cohosting team — founded by local owners who operate top 1% properties. We move the needle where it matters most: Hospitality, Revenue Management, and Marketing.
Our Commitment:
Revenue You Can Feel
Increasing revenue isn’t about chasing the highest nightly rate—it’s about building systems that perform consistently. We combine dynamic pricing, intentional design decisions, and targeted marketing to position your property clearly in its market. From how the home is presented and photographed, to how it’s priced day-to-day and promoted to the right guests, every decision is made to drive stronger demand and better bookings. The result is a thoughtful, repeatable approach that leads to higher annual revenue—and more money in your pocket.
Less Managing, More Owning
Our clients don’t just step back—they relax knowing their property is in good hands. We run the day-to-day operations through proven systems that cover guest communication, pricing, scheduling, and on-the-ground coordination, so nothing falls through the cracks. Whether you’ve been self-managing or working with an underperforming property manager, we bring consistency, accountability, and attention to detail. When you arrive at your own home, it’s clean, cared for, and ready to enjoy—because a well-run property should feel just as good for the owner as it does for the guest.
Your Property, Protected
Your property deserves more than basic oversight—it deserves intention. We focus on attracting the right guests, setting clear expectations, and maintaining consistent standards that keep your home in excellent shape. From proactive maintenance to thoughtful oversight, every stay is handled with care and attention to detail. We notice the small things, address issues early, and make decisions with the long-term health of the property in mind. The result is a home that not only performs well today, but continues to grow in value, reputation, and appeal over time.
Trusted platforms and tools we use to operate high-performing short-term rentals.
What working with us looks like...
1 - Start with a Goal-Oriented Strategy Call
We begin by learning about your property, your goals, and how hands-off you want to be. This gives us the context we need to understand what’s working, what isn’t, and where the biggest opportunities for improvement are.
2 - We Tailor Your Optimization Plan
Before we ever step inside the home, we create a clear, tailored plan for setup, design, and optimization. This plan is informed by your goals, your market, and how guests actually use the space—so we’re not guessing or making changes just to make changes.
3 - We Implement With Precision
When we visit the property, we execute the plan. From layout and amenities to operational details, we make the updates that matter most for performance and guest experience, efficiently and intentionally.
4. We Grow Your Revenue & Ease
With the foundation in place, we manage hospitality, revenue management, marketing, and maintenance. We continuously refine the strategy as the market changes to keep performance moving in the right direction.
What’s the difference between cohosting and full property management?
Cohosting is a partnership. You retain ownership of the listing and receive payouts directly, while we handle the systems, execution, and day-to-day operations that drive performance. It’s more flexible than traditional property management and designed for owners who want better results without being involved in every detail.
Do you work with self-managing owners?
Yes! We love to work with clients who come to us after managing their own property. We step in to take over the time-consuming work, put stronger systems in place, and improve performance, while still keeping you informed and in control.
What if I’m already working with a property manager?
That’s common. Some owners come to us because their current setup isn’t performing, communication is lacking, or standards have slipped. We start with a clear evaluation and only recommend changes that make sense for your goals and your property.
How involved do I need to be once we start?
As involved as you want to be, but not required to be involved day-to-day. Our goal is hands-off ownership with confidence. You’ll have visibility into performance and decisions without being pulled into constant tasks or guest issues.
Do you redesign or renovate properties?
No major renovations unless that’s something you want. Our focus is on practical setup and optimization. Things like layout, sleeping arrangements, amenities, and details that impact bookings and operations. Every plan is tailored, and nothing is done without alignment first.
How do you attract the right guests?
Through intentional positioning, pricing strategy, clear expectations, and strong marketing. We focus on attracting guests who are a good fit for the home, which leads to better stays, fewer issues, and stronger long-term performance.
What does it cost to work with you?
Every property is different. Pricing depends on the scope of services and the needs of the home. We start with a conversation and a clear plan before discussing numbers, so expectations are aligned on both sides. Our goal is to pay for our services through increased revenue, putting more money in your pocket.
What’s the first step if I’m interested?
Start with a conversation. We’ll learn about your property, your goals, and walk through what working together could look like. No pressure, just clarity. Schedule a 15 minute call to see if we're a good fit!
Three Focus Areas That Directly Impact Your Bottom Line
Hospitality
We treat every guest as our own — five-star communication, thoughtful touches, and a seamless experience that drives repeat bookings.
Revenue Management
Dynamic pricing, data-driven insights, and local expertise to ensure your property earns top dollar year-round.
Marketing
Professional photography, storytelling, and social presence that make your home stand out and book faster.
Meet the Founders
Lucas and Tyler are Michigan-based hosts with proven track records managing top-performing vacation rentals. We know what works — because we do it ourselves.
Lucas Miller - STR Strategist
Lucas is a seasoned real estate investor with experience dating back to 2008 and a focus on short-term rentals since 2022. He has owned and operated properties across multiple markets, including the Smoky Mountains and Northwest Michigan, where he’s developed a reputation for pairing design-forward hospitality with data-driven performance. In addition to managing his own portfolio, Lucas provides consulting and revenue management services for other hosts and investors, helping them maximize profitability and elevate the guest experience across diverse markets.
Tyler Kostich - Hospitality Expert
Tyler is a dedicated short-term rental investor and hospitality specialist who has focused exclusively on the Northwest Michigan market since 2022. With a strong background in business management, he brings an operational and guest-experience mindset to every property he touches. Tyler’s approach emphasizes thoughtful design, seamless communication, and five-star service—building stays that feel personal, memorable, and effortlessly managed. He continues to expand his footprint in the region while helping other owners elevate their operations and deliver hospitality that stands out in a crowded market.
Check out our Podcast!
Hosted by the team behind Upstream, The Peak Season Podcast is where hospitality, entrepreneurship, and real estate intersect. Each episode dives into the strategies that drive high-performing short-term rentals — from pricing and guest experience to design, marketing, and leadership. Whether you’re managing properties, growing an STR portfolio, or exploring what it takes to build a truly exceptional hospitality brand, you’ll find real conversations, practical insights, and lessons learned from the field. Tune in to level up your business and see what it really takes to thrive in the peak season — and beyond.
