About Mary Beth Blackwell
Founder, Property Manager, Investor, Realtor
Mary Beth Blackwell launched Blackwell STR in 2018 while managing her own short-term rentals remotely—all while juggling a high-pressure career in marketing analytics. She saw firsthand what was missing in the property management space: reliable systems, data-backed strategy, and someone who truly gets what it takes to run a profitable Airbnb. So she built it.
With over 15 years in corporate analytics and consumer insight, Mary Beth brings a sharp, numbers-first mindset to every listing. The systems she created to manage her personal STRs are now the backbone of Blackwell STR, helping investors across Tampa Bay maximize revenue and reduce stress—without cutting corners.
Today, Mary Beth lives in St. Pete aboard her 40’ sailboat, fully immersed in the coastal lifestyle she helps guests and investors tap into. Her work spans real estate sales, property management, and investment acquisitions through her company, Blacked Out Properties.
If you’re looking for a partner who understands this market from every angle—host, guest, investor, and agent—you’ve found her. Mary Beth’s passion for hospitality, real estate, and Tampa Bay runs deep, and she’s here to help you win.
Our vision is to be THE place to stay when you come to our city! We strive to create comfortable and concierge-like experiences that keep our guests happy and returning. We do this by offering properties in a variety of popular travel destinations while going above and beyond, always.
We manage properties that provide top guest experience ratings and achieve above average occupancy rates in our markets. We act with the same care and attention to detail that we give our personal investment properties. Our team comes with over 8.5yrs experience in the vacation rental and mid-term rental market. We understand trends that drive bookings and stay on top of the latest research and tools to stay ahead of the curve.
Mary Beth’s expertise has garnered attention, earning her spotlights on local real estate podcasts and features in BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine. As an 8-time Superhost, she’s recognized for her outstanding hospitality in the short-term rental community. In the realm of real estate, Mary Beth holds a prestigious GRI designation and leads as a Certified Crypto Agent with Propy, pioneering innovation in the industry.
