So, Im buying a Laundromat and I'm adding a Hostel. CDT Hostel in Rawlins WY 

My Dad says he'd start by talking to the City Business Licensing Dept, the Building Code Inspectors, the Fire Department and the City Manager. All of those are people who can shut you down and cost you huge piles of money you didn't plan on. From there you can get an idea of how much money you have to spend to keep the doors open. Then, look at the income/expense statements for the business in the last 3 years. After all these are done, then you can start thinking about how you're going to pretty it up. You might be buying a pit that you'll be throwing money into. Do your Due Diligence upfront so you aren't regretting things in a year or 2.

Good luck with your hostel. The first thing I would do is talk to the city manager and planning department and get them onboard. Because they can either approve or reject your plans. Even then you will have to still jump through all their hoops to get it approved. While you are doing that you could start fixing up the laundromat part. When you are getting the restrooms done, you might want to consider installing pay showers. Then you can promote your laundromat not only to hikers, but to vanlife people who need to shower while they are washing their clothes. That will generate some immediate income for you while you are working to get your hostel open. I hope it all works out for you. 👍

This will be the best adventure! A whole new chapter in your life. Good things come to those who wait. I think I’ve heard that before. Amazing story teller.

You can heat 🔥 with the heat from the dryers

Did this woman show you her business books? Taxes filed, etc? I'm hoping you saw p&l paperwork, Kate. That's a sizable place to heat. My Dad (RIP) was a master plumber and BTJ pipe fitter for 55 years. I was his sidekick. He was captain, I was First Mate on job sites. Try to focus on getting that heater replaced before worrying about the grounds looking "pretty". Wyoming is cold and windy. When I bought my house in 1996, I had an older woman advise me to live on my property for one year before doing any landscaping, etc to the outside so that I could learn what had been planted there before my ownership. I took her advice. It gave me time to learn my property. I'm from a construction family, all the men are/were tradesmen. I like the looks of that roof. The snow will slide right off. Did you ask her about the side of the building where customers go in & out? What's the winter maintenance like on that side? These are all questions I'd be asking. I wish you well. You've got a lot going on there..inside & out. I will be watching💜

If you are going to clean out the building I would have a big yard sale first yo make some cash then what doesn’t sell get a roll off and throw it out. Clean slate to work from.

Such a great new adventure. I agree with other comments - Bring in the RVers for potable water, if possible, and advertise with the laundry as well for a good starting income. So much potential as you mentioned. I prayed for you and Little Leaf in your new adventure. The Hostel idea is so great too.

My wife and I enjoyed meeting you today. Congratulations on your new adventure. I believe you can transform this property into something special. We’ll stop by when ever we are in Rawlins. Grandpa Goat

A true Diamond in the Rough, oh what fun you are about to have!

Stay away from anything to do with gas station I' lost my but on clean up and remove of old tanks. Other than that Way to go girl . What an adventure it's been from the PCT to now😚

I am very happy for you. Forget the gas station, the tanks probably need to be dug up and replaced with clean fill, it could cost anywhere from a few hundred thousand just to make it EPA compliant to over a million to reopen. That's why it's abandoned. The best thing is in the long run you can fully automate the entire business, the laundromat, showers, the hostel rooms and even set up a machine that sells popular items like the Sawyer Squeeze. It'll be easier for the hotel and yourself to keep books, no more quarters that can't be traced if someone is running things for you. It gives you total control, with apps like Alexa and Ring you can lock and unlock doors, see who is there, have automated welcomes and warnings, turn out light not being used. Have a handy man on call that you can Venmo. Go hike the CDT and run the business from your phone.

Silver here have been thru Rawlins 4 times on CDT most recent last year. Definitely in need of hostel usually stay at one of the motels on other end of town due to Walmart for resupply. Property has potential, but quite a bit to chew on at start. Perhaps concentrate on making smaller area nice for travelers needing place to stay. Hikers are usually not big spenders, but often willing to do work stays so perhaps some free labor there. I would give some thought to parallel uses that can generate income compatible with your vision. Great place to get traveler exposure is the app I-Overlander where anyone can put you on the app map and offer comments. Best wishes on a much needed resource.

I'm seeing a firepit with all of the rocks and maybe a couple benches for the hikers to relax. I see the potential and know you're going to do great things.

Good luck 🍀💚🍍

I think you found yourself a great diamond to polish as you go. My congrats!

I can see some beautiful potential . I can’t wait to watch this journey unfold

Congratulations!! That sounds so cool! Much luck and success on your new adventure and chapter! Hiking the CDT is something I really hope to do before I depart this existence & who knows...maybe if I'm lucky I'll get a chance to do some laundry and get a great night's sleep sometime at your place. 😃

I like the name of the washboard maybe you should keep it

Congratulations on your purchase! Best wishes for success and happiness.

Im speechless and very happy for you kate. Cheers

Wow! That should be some fun/work getting your own business thriving!! Great work making a deal. 👍👍 Lake Havasu 🌞 Az

Convert the gas station into a watering hole! I saw one done like that years ago, in Pueblo,Co.. Place was packed!

Be careful with old gas stations, before you buy find out who is responsible for the underground tanks after the purchase. That could turn into a nightmare. Congrats!

I'm excited for your new adventure. Congratulations

Hi Kate, I have been following your channel since the PCT and am surprised that of all the places you have been in the states you pick (or it picked you) to settle in Rawlins, WY. I currently live in Laramie, WY and am excited that we are neighbors! Hopefully one day I will meet you and Little Leaf in person. Take care of you and good luck and congratulations on your new endeavor.

Looks like an exciting project! Have you thought about hanging laundry lines in the yard so folks can sun dry their laundry during good weather? Will cut down on the energy bill for you, and the bill for the hikers.

Welcome to Rawlins, it's a fun little town

Maybe bring in IBTAT and you both could turn this place into something phenomenal. And yet have the money you make pay for your next hiking adventures 💗❤️❤️❤️

Young lady, I love what you are doing!❤ I wish you success and happiness.

Hey Kate, best of luck with your new endeavor, will be looking forward to seeing the videos of the transformation. I can almost picture what it will look like when you're done. Again, Best of luck.

Wow...congrats!

Wow amazing when I hike the CDT in a few years I will stop

Much love and peace ✌️ Shout out from Mystic Connecticut 🎉

That is so cool!! I went to high school in Rawlins. I live in indiana now. But thought Rawlins would be a great place for a hostel. There is so little for the thru hikers once you leave Colorado. Next time I’m out there visiting family, I’ll have to stop by and see how your doing. Please knock down the tall vegetation so you can see the rattlesnakes. All part of living in the high desert. You’ll love it.

build a rocket stove mass heater. uses one fifth the wood, once hot only steam comes out the flu..

Wishing you all good things with this new adventure

If you could buy that gas station and put some EV charge stations on it….or create some parking spots for car/van lifers. So much potential!

Congrats on your new property❤ don't mean to be Debbie Downer but I lived in Saratoga in the late 70s I hope you know how cold Rawlins is in the long long eight months of long blistering cold Winters and 80 mph winds It's Not Unusual at all to be 40° below zero with the wind chill. But that said saratoga's not all that far from you it feels fantastic to go get in the natural Hot Springs called the hobo pool when it's snowing it's really wonderful I guess it's totally different they have a couple pools in the late 70s there was only one and it took at least 30 minutes to get in that's how flipping hot it was and I wish you the best of luck with your new adventure and a nice big space to create your art 2 yay🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ big hugs to little leaf

Best News.💫So so happy for you Kate. Looking forward to staying there! Oh Yeah … now i know one place I’ll definitely be visiting along the CDT in the coming years. Clint🇦🇺

Very exciting!

Very few people hike the CDT and by the time the trail gets to Wyoming there will be even fewer hikers. It will be very hard to be successful depending on CDT hikers.

I have Idea get some goats to knock those weeds😂. This looks like a perfect place for you! ❤️

So very cool. I would love a protect like that. I hope you find folks to help you. You clearly have a vision. I think it will be magical.

Oh boy. Go girl! Get solar. Get heat pumps.

If anyone can really turn this diamond in the rough into something amazing it's you. Such a wonderful soul you're. I'm sure you'll get plenty of support from the hiking community as they pass through on the CDT. Wish you all the very best.

I am so excited to find your channel! I look forward to following your adventure and watching past videos as well. I found you from Wandering Jeepsy! Can’t wait to see what you do with the place!

Congratulations I can’t wait to see all of the artwork on the outside of those buildings

You have a great idea. Start small and then fix the big stuff when the time is right.

Oddly enough that town was on my list of places to move to after I leave NYS.

Perfect perfect perfect 🎉 you go girl! 🌈🦄💜 I can see it covered in your art will be beautiful! How exciting, huge project you can really give it love. Wishing you the very best fortune going ahead. X

I just found your channel through the slab city video, and I am so excited to follow your journey with the laundromat.

Wow! You're a property owner! Fix yourself a nice little seating area outside. You'll need a place to relax a bit while planning your next project. Good luck and have fun.

It was great to meet you both at the Colorado Tiny House Festival, Kate! This is exciting news, too! She has a lot of work to do to move out. And you have a lot of work ahead of you, too. That "hoop" structure is (also) called a high tunnel. Some use them to grow hot-weather veggies like tomatoes in colder climates. I think you'll also need a second apple tree for cross-pollination to get apples. I know you will make the whole place fabulous for you both and for your guests. Rawlins is VERY lucky to have you!

Congratulations! You’re gonna make it great one day at a time. Thanks for taking us along on this new adventure.

You'll be busy.

Well you have a lot of work ahead of you but hope you get the right assist and where will the Little Goat stay.

Exciting! I can imagine how extremely cool it’s gonna be! I can hardly wait to see it evolve!!

Fantastic!

Really enjoyed staying with y'all for a few days. You and Christine are a great team!

How cool!

Congrats! I think it will suit you (and you it) Perfectly! If im in the area from Seattle, Ill purposely roll around in the dirt so i can come wash my clothes there. ;) May many great people flow thru and financially it be plentiful too.

The back wall of that hotel would be amazing for a mural too, with those tuscan column facades. Maybe they'd commission you to beautify it?

Lots of potential. Lots of work. Lots of joy. I can forsee your hostel becoming one of the iconic hostels on the CDT, like some of those on the AT. I'll be in the area next year so i am definitely coming to do laundry and say hi.

How exciting! Congratulations! Cannot wait to watch the epic transformation. Sending Hugs and good vibes. If anyone can transform this place its you.

Amazing place . Can't wait to see how beautiful you make it ❤️🇨🇦

We’re so excited for you and little leaf! It would be nice to have hiker tent spots too. Praying for y’all’s new adventures!!! A wood stove might not be feasible for your area.

I just bought a house myself. A laundry mat! You have great ideas! is great! Enjoy. Rawlings is great. Enjoy Wyoming ❤❤

Happy for you and LL. I am sure the hiker community will rally around you to help.

Well, I hope this is signaling a turnaround for Rawlins. I know exactly the building you purchased. We stayed there on our CDT trek (SOBO) last year and found that part of town depressed, with a multitude of closed and abandoned businesses. Also had my wallet stolen there and learned that petty crime is super high as jobs and other opportunities have declined considerably over the years. This could be the beginning of the resurgence of Rawlins! And they def could use a good hostel. Wishing you all the good things in your new, exciting endeavor!

This is so awesome! Can't wait to visit and stay there off the trail.

Best of luck to you from Ireland .

Oh its so great to hear your good news! I was just thinking about you and Little Leaf today. Theres so much potential there. Cant wait to see how magical you make it. Many blessings to you and LL

Congratulations ❤️ you're going to do great.

I can't wait to see what you do with the place! It'll be beautiful, that's for sure!

Wow ! How exciting! You will be perfect as a hostel host, can’t wait to see the transformation.

Wow, so excited for you to stamp your uniquely beautiful style on this place. Lots of opportunities for hiker work-for-stay to get the hostel up and running. Best of luck!

Wishing you all the best! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo, Any chance IBTAT might get involved? Just a wild thought!

congratulations , I know with the correct promo...this could work... to b cozy as you said.. Welcoming is KEY. Best always Jp

So awesome. Congratulations! You'll make this happen with love. I see this as a soon to be a very talked about place along the trail in WY.

Might should have visited Rawlins in the winter before deciding to land there but how cool and good luck

Hi again KATE WOW! Soo happy to see you and your new business project. A perfect situation for you and all the knowledge you've acquired along the way. You'll even have a wonderful studio now for all your beautiful art. There will never be a dull moment in your life!Lots of work but you will enjoy it to go along with your creative ideas. Soo excited and hoping for all good things to come. LL will soo enjoy her new home with lots of places to climb and roam. Thx so much for sharing your good news and can hardly wait to see the progress. Take good care and catcha next time as always.

forwimp is so right. You need to work on the BASICS now. You will need to heat the place and keep it in. Energy costs are going higher and higher, insulation and storm windows might help keep the costs down. You need to concentrate on how to cut your costs. Kate, EVERYTHING IN LIFE is about money, don't forget that. Your jeep, feeding the animals and yourself, paying property taxes, utility bills, internet, etc. will eat up most of your income. A home/property will continually eat up your funds, spend them wisely. When you are late for any payment, there are big late fees to be paid. Hope you have established some kind of budget meeting your basic expenses. Planning and spending is a must for now. You will need to get established before spending big bucks on making things cute. I do wish you so much luck. A handyman boyfriend sure would be beneficial. You are such a cute gal.

Kate congrats on your new adventure. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos. Hope to get up that way in my RV . Beth in Phoenix

Fantastic! Looks like a great fit! And there's even a bowling alley!

Looks like it will be great

Fantastic. However, I will never visit. I spent my visit to Santa Fe in the hospital with altitude sickness. Enjoy it! Excited for LL to have a big yard.

Another thing I forgot to mention is many parts of Wyoming have serious water issues. If your running well water as are your neighbors that would explain why they use your laundromat, having high flowing Gallons Per Minute water is rare in Wyoming, which is a major reason why more people don't live there.

Congratulations I can't believe I'm the post, do on this post I am support you the most I can't put away until you finally put this on your RU-vid channel

Congratulations!! What a adventure this will be. Can’t wait to see what you do with it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

The view is worth it alone!!! Congrats & happy cleaning. I look forward to your future videos of your journey!!!😃👍🏻💯

Very cool I wish you the best of luck I'm sure that you can buy firewood locally for the winter some of those good old boys for sure sell firewood on the side if you needed to burn pallets for winter you would need like a thousand of them or more no exaggeration

Feathers hostelomat! Congrats!

That's amazing!!! You are going to create the most beautiful and comforting space! I am so happy and excited for you!

Looks like a lot of work, but I’ll bet you make it beautiful and profitable! Buena Suerte ❤️🙏🏼

Im so excited for this new adventure. If anyone can pull it off its you. You have a lot of work ahead of you. Little Leaf seems to be doing well.I hope ibtat doesn't come knocking on your door. Peace

So excited for you, can't wait to see what you do with the place!

I think it's great to take care the old of the can never Google what they have learned in a lifetime Keep them around and cherish the time that you have with them learn as much as you can when you have the chance. It's a blessing that they are around even though we are trying to evolve quickly. But we must I know what's lie before us as we work to make our own path.

Wow! How exctiting!! The place has some great potential. A lot of work for sure, but it's going to look amazing when you are done. Can't wait to see the progress. Congrats!

May I suggest adding a Brothel.

Congratulations God bless I hope you get everything that you want..🙏✌✌💪👏🌻