10 acres on Columbia River Gorge - STR / glamping; starting out

[Robert Hudon]

I recently purchased a ~10 acre property in Skamania county Washington overlooking the Columbia River and am evaluating how to approach STR/glamping. It is zoned residential but has an agricultural designation on most of the property. I am new to STR and REI as a whole. The property will serve as both a primary residence (1906 farmhouse) and investment. To begin, what is the best way to analyze profitably and how best to approach this project? We are in the process of clarifying zoning restrictions with the county but for now it seems that tents/camping areas are allowed but more permanent structures restricted (we meet with the county this week). Assumed first steps include airdna in the region, assessing occupancy of local airbnbs, and determining costs (construction, permitting, etc). General advice is appreciated, along with approaches to analyzing profitability and of course if anyone is familiar with the area or similar projects, your insight is very welcome. Thanks in advance!

[Michael Baum]

Ok, good to know. So, with a 50k max, that puts you right at the entry level for a park model place. 390sqft etc. You still need to outfit it and the like.

It sounds like you have water available and electricity. What is the farmhouse using for septic/sewer?

Personally I would be a fan of making this a more amenity driven rather than rustic. I would do a park model. Placed to where you can put a few more. Run water and electricity and get full septic setup. This would have the best potential for $$$ over the long term. That is my opinion.

The disadvantage of a trailer is that it is a trailer. Even the best 4 seasons trailer can't hold up as well as a park model unless you build a snow shed type over it. And it is still a trailer.

At least with a park model, it more like a small house. Check with the county if a park model counts as a temp structure.