This year’s IMN Conference in Utah brought together the sharpest minds in real estate, finance, and investment strategy. At the center of the conversation was Kory Rankine, Founder and CEO of Escape, who took the spotlight to share cutting-edge approaches to property acquisition, capital structuring, and operational scalability in the short-term rental sector.
Kory began by addressing one of the most transformative tools in modern real estate financing: DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans. Unlike traditional financing, which hinges on borrower income, DSCR loans assess a property’s ability to generate cash flow.
This shift empowers real estate entrepreneurs, especially those in the short-term rental space, to rapidly scale portfolios without being bottlenecked by personal tax returns or W-2 documentation. DSCR loans make it possible to look at the asset’s performance—not the borrower’s personal financials—making this a game changer for operators with multiple properties. As interest in passive real estate income grows, DSCR is fast becoming the cornerstone of aggressive, sustainable expansion.
But acquiring properties at scale isn’t just about financing. Kory emphasized the power of local partnerships—specifically with real estate agents who understand niche markets. He discussed Escape’s innovative profit-share model that gives local realtors long-term equity upside when they bring high-performing properties into the portfolio.
This not only fosters loyalty but transforms agents into true business development allies. By aligning economic incentives across the board, Kory demonstrated how operators can build robust acquisition pipelines that are both relationship-driven and ROI-focused. Realtors become more than transaction facilitators—they become embedded partners in long-term wealth creation.
Another major theme: capital strategy. As traditional debt becomes more complex, GP/LP structures offer flexibility and scale. In this model, the General Partner (GP) handles acquisitions, management, and operations, while Limited Partners (LPs) provide capital in exchange for a share of the returns.
Kory detailed how Escape uses this approach to fund multiple luxury rentals simultaneously while retaining operational control. By clearly defining roles and return structures, this setup also builds trust and transparency with investors, which is critical for scaling efficiently and ethically.
Kory’s keynote wasn’t just theory—it was a blueprint. He shared insights into data-driven decision-making, portfolio optimization, and asset repositioning to maximize yield in today’s volatile market. He touched on the importance of building a brand that travelers recognize and trust, not just managing properties.
He emphasized how technology, guest experience, and repeat bookings are just as vital as acquisition cost. And he concluded with a rallying call for investors to think like operators and operators to think like entrepreneurs. In today’s fast-paced market, adaptability and creativity are just as important as capital.
The result? A standing-room-only crowd that left with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of what’s possible in real estate. As Escape continues to redefine the luxury vacation space, Kory Rankine’s thought leadership at IMN Utah signals that the future of real estate isn’t just about owning more—it’s about owning smarter, scaling strategically, and delivering unmatched guest value in every stay.
