Vacation House for Free Season 1 Episode 5 Hilton Head Low Country Living

In Vacation House for Free season 1 episode 5, titled "Hilton Head Low Country Living," contractor and real estate expert Matt Blashaw helps a couple find their perfect vacation home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The couple, who have grown tired of renting vacation properties, are looking for a home that can also generate rental income when they're not using it.

Blashaw begins his search on the island's south end, where most of the vacation rentals are located. The couple is drawn to a home that's just a short walk to the beach, but it needs a lot of work to make it profitable as a rental. Blashaw estimates that they'll need to put in about $100,000 in renovations, which the couple is hesitant about.

Next, Blashaw takes the couple to look at a house in a more residential part of the island, where they can get more space for their money. They tour a home that's been on the market for over a year, but the couple doesn't like the traditional look and feel of the property.

Blashaw then shows them a contemporary home in a golf course community that has great potential as a rental property. It's move-in ready and already has a pool, but it's over budget for the couple at $625,000.

Finally, Blashaw takes them to see a home that's been on the market for a while but has great potential. It's an older home that needs updating, but it's located on a tidal creek where they can fish and kayak. The couple falls in love with the location and Blashaw sees the potential to create a total indoor-outdoor living experience for guests.

Ultimately, the couple decides to put in an offer on the tidal creek home and Blashaw gets to work on the renovations. He updates the kitchen, adds a new outdoor living space, and creates a separate rental area with its own entrance. The final cost of the renovations comes in at $90,000, which is under budget for the couple.

The couple is thrilled with the end result and can't wait to start generating rental income. They plan to use the rental profits to pay for family vacations and maybe even purchase a second vacation home in the future. Blashaw is pleased with how the project turned out and is confident that the couple will be successful in their vacation rental venture.