I restored a 1900s train car with my dad and turned it into an Airbnb. Now it's paid for itself.

Courtesy of Isaac French

• Isaac French and his family transformed a 1900s train car into a profitable, unique Airbnb.
• The train car, found in Deary, Idaho, was purchased for $3,000 and cost $148,000 to restore.
• Their Airbnb hit 90% occupancy in its first year. It paid for itself within 18 months.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Isaac French, a 27-year-old who...