Mursalin, Design Forward Living Meets Smart Investment

Mursalin has become one of my good mates, and his story is proof that great real estate journeys often start unexpectedly. In this case, with a For Sale sign next door.

I met him after listing his neighbor’s place, and before long we were deep in the trenches searching for a home that checked every box. Mid century style, open layout, walkable location, great light, and ideally somewhere in Mission Hills. All of that, on a very real Kearny Mesa budget.

It took time, patience, and a few wild bidding wars, but we found the one. Original hardwood floors, beautiful natural light, super central, and somehow still within reach. One of those rare homes that feels right immediately.

Once the keys were in hand, Joe jumped in on the design side, helping bring Mursalin’s vision to life in a way that feels elevated but completely authentic. Nothing forced. Just thoughtful design and attention to detail.

From Home to High Performing Airbnb

Mursalin is a numbers guy, so every move was intentional and strategic, and it paid off.

The home quickly became a standout Airbnb and was added to The Plum Guide, a highly selective platform known for only accepting the best of the best. Today, the property pulls double duty as both a design statement and a smart long term investment.

👉 View the Airbnb here:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1015135961099516601?check_in=2026-01-02&check_out=2026-01-07&guests=1&adults=2&s=67&unique_share_id=c04fb224-0fed-455e-8ec5-26f469bf901d

Airbnb Insights, In Mursalin’s Words

How do you handle maintenance and cleaning between bookings?
Amidst technologies, we often forget human connections are the most important tool. We have years of relationships with cleaners, electricians, handymen, and plumbers. We text them and they are there.

What strategies have helped ensure consistent bookings throughout the year?
Know your target market. The audience for summer will not be the same as the guests during the holidays.

What do you think are the biggest challenges in the San Diego Airbnb market?
High property prices mean no run of the mill investment math works here. Cash on cash, ROI, and cap rate alone are not enough. San Diego is also design sensitive. You cannot just buy items from Target and call it a day. Get experienced help. The Carmine Collection helped a lot on this front.

What’s the most unique feature guests rave about?
The cohesive design theme and attention to detail. Even guests who are not MCM or Bauhaus lovers say they are converts. Small side tables, lamps, power cords everywhere. Anywhere a tired guest might sit or lie down, it works.

Would you recommend investing in an Airbnb to others?
If you are in it just for the money, Airbnb is probably not for you. We love hosting, meeting new people, and traveling as guests ourselves. Guests leave us artwork, recipes, and life stories. That experience is unique to hosting.

Personal Reflection

Mursalin describes himself as a dad, husband, son, engineer, design enthusiast, and retrophile. An engineering manager at a Fortune 500 company, he thrives on problem solving, thoughtful systems, and long term thinking. That mindset shows up clearly in both the home and the investment strategy behind it.

When asked about the biggest lesson learned from hosting, his answer was simple. Know your customer. There is no free or easy lunch.

Between coffee catch ups, design tweaks, and far too many Instagram design DMs, it has been incredibly rewarding watching this place, and this friendship, come together. This is exactly why I love what I do.