Buying STR in Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Buying STR in Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes

Looking to buy a property in Fort Walton Beach. I’m in the military, and will be moving again in about 15 months. Currently renting, but was really debating buying a beach front condo in Okaloosa island to live in for the remainder of my time here, but then hoping to rent it out once I leave. 

Does anyone have any experience buying short term rentals in that area? Any recommendations? Just currently exploring what would give me the best bang for my buck. Seems like okaloosa is very busy and lucrative during summer, but kind of a dead town in the winter. 

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Steven WachtelPro Member
Investor · Newark, OH · Member since 2019 · 9 posts · 8 votes
2y

Honestly I think that's a great move, and I wish I would have done it. I bought a condo in Destin while I was there at Eglin, but I never lived in it and I'm still stuck with an awful rate. If you can get a primary residence rate on it and STR it when you move out, you'd probably be sitting pretty. Just keep in mind that your insurance will probably go up when you change your policy to cover STRs. Also watch out for any HOA restrictions of course, and be aware that interest rates may be a lot higher for a non-warrantable condo - although I'm not sure how that would play out if it's your primary.

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  • Steven WachtelPro Member
    Investor · Newark, OH · Member since 2019 · 9 posts · 8 votes
    2y

    Honestly I think that's a great move, and I wish I would have done it. I bought a condo in Destin while I was there at Eglin, but I never lived in it and I'm still stuck with an awful rate. If you can get a primary residence rate on it and STR it when you move out, you'd probably be sitting pretty. Just keep in mind that your insurance will probably go up when you change your policy to cover STRs. Also watch out for any HOA restrictions of course, and be aware that interest rates may be a lot higher for a non-warrantable condo - although I'm not sure how that would play out if it's your primary.

  • Investor · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 754 votes
    2y

    Most beach markets are going to be busy during the summer months and dead in the winter. 

    Typically with a beach property you make all your money in 6 months out of the year. 

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Destin is a great market to purchase a property in, and like already mentioned you would do well to live in the place first and then rent out as a STR later on. I highly recommend Allison Freeman as a realtor, and she knows the Destin area as well!

  • Real Estate Agent · Member since 2019 · 569 posts · 257 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:

    Looking to buy a property in Fort Walton Beach. I’m in the military, and will be moving again in about 15 months. Currently renting, but was really debating buying a beach front condo in Okaloosa island to live in for the remainder of my time here, but then hoping to rent it out once I leave. 

    Does anyone have any experience buying short term rentals in that area? Any recommendations? Just currently exploring what would give me the best bang for my buck. Seems like okaloosa is very busy and lucrative during summer, but kind of a dead town in the winter. 

    You may want to know difference between warrantable and non warrantable condos! It will affect your financing. This was the list of non warrantable condos as of last year but could have changed. Townhomes are much easier on financing. 

    Destin Harbor Resort West – 09/20/2024

    Indian Lake – 01/09/2025

    Sandestin/Miramar Beach:

    Ariel Dunes – 11/22/2024

    Ariel Dunes 2 – 09/05/2024

    Crystal Village 1 – 12/31/2024

    Heron Walk – 02/27/2025

    Points of View Condos – 01/02/2025

    Seascape (Phase 2) – 04/16/2025

    Fort Walton Beach:

    Commodores Landing – 11/19/2024

    Emerald Isle Club – 09/11/2024

    Indianola On The Water – 05/19/2025

    Island Gardens – 03/17/2025

    Sea Oats On the Beach – 05/06/2025

    Venus Condominium Association – 11/18/2024

    Veranda Condominium- 03/25/2025

  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Walton Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 144 posts · 114 votes
    2y

    Great thought process. I helped 2 buddies buy condos on Okaloosa island within the last year who did the exact same thing - they're here for 12 months for flight upgrade training.

    Happy to recommend cleaners, management software/products, or listing advice when the time comes. Until then, let me know if you want to check out some properties. Happy to help!

  • Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Steven Wachtel:

    Honestly I think that's a great move, and I wish I would have done it. I bought a condo in Destin while I was there at Eglin, but I never lived in it and I'm still stuck with an awful rate. If you can get a primary residence rate on it and STR it when you move out, you'd probably be sitting pretty. Just keep in mind that your insurance will probably go up when you change your policy to cover STRs. Also watch out for any HOA restrictions of course, and be aware that interest rates may be a lot higher for a non-warrantable condo - although I'm not sure how that would play out if it's your primary.

    Where about did you end up buying. I’m slowly noticing a lot of the beach condos I’d be looking at breaking even once I rent them out unless I put down a hefty down payment. At 40% down if I wanna make the passive income. Otherwise, I’m still trying to decide whether breaking even is still a good deal because I get to own a beach rental I can use, while still building equity. 
  • Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:

    Destin is a great market to purchase a property in, and like already mentioned you would do well to live in the place first and then rent out as a STR later on. I highly recommend Allison Freeman as a realtor, and she knows the Destin area as well!


    Thanks! Will keep that in mind. What's everyone's thoughts on condo complex where they manage everything for you (all baked into the HOA), vs buying somewhere where I could just Airbnb myself? Seems like most condos only allow STR through their own management for a hefty fee, but the ease of not having to worry about advertising and listing sounds nice.

  • Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Ricardo Hidalgo:
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:

    Looking to buy a property in Fort Walton Beach. I’m in the military, and will be moving again in about 15 months. Currently renting, but was really debating buying a beach front condo in Okaloosa island to live in for the remainder of my time here, but then hoping to rent it out once I leave. 

    Does anyone have any experience buying short term rentals in that area? Any recommendations? Just currently exploring what would give me the best bang for my buck. Seems like okaloosa is very busy and lucrative during summer, but kind of a dead town in the winter. 

    You may want to know difference between warrantable and non warrantable condos! It will affect your financing. This was the list of non warrantable condos as of last year but could have changed. Townhomes are much easier on financing. 

    Destin Harbor Resort West – 09/20/2024

    Indian Lake – 01/09/2025

    Sandestin/Miramar Beach:

    Ariel Dunes – 11/22/2024

    Ariel Dunes 2 – 09/05/2024

    Crystal Village 1 – 12/31/2024

    Heron Walk – 02/27/2025

    Points of View Condos – 01/02/2025

    Seascape (Phase 2) – 04/16/2025

    Fort Walton Beach:

    Commodores Landing – 11/19/2024

    Emerald Isle Club – 09/11/2024

    Indianola On The Water – 05/19/2025

    Island Gardens – 03/17/2025

    Sea Oats On the Beach – 05/06/2025

    Venus Condominium Association – 11/18/2024

    Veranda Condominium- 03/25/2025

    Ok definitely need to look into this. Didn't know much about it. My MLO did mention places need to be VA approved, so I'm assuming this plays into it?

  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Walton Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 219 posts · 275 votes
    2y

    @Carlos Lopes pretty good plan actually, as long as you are able to use your VA financing. So, yes, you have to make sure that whatever you buy is VA-approved. I'm very partial to Okaloosa Island. My four personal investment STRs are located there. I like that access to the beach is a lot easier than in Destin, Miramar and 30A. Also the location is much closer and more convenient for access to Eglin and Hurlburt. I've actually had a number of military servicemen on TDY here stay at my smaller condos for several months in the off-season. That's another thing you may want to consider as you turn your property into an STR later. Okaloosa Island gets more than just tourist renters.

    The northside of Okaloosa Island, starting from Bluefish and going west, does not allow for STRs per the current ordinance. The section east of that does. All of the south side allows it as well. There are not many townhouses on Okaloosa Island that allow STRs, but there are some. I actually own one. No HOA and easier financing than condos. My other three properties are condos, two small ones and one large. If you are looking at condos, those can be a good option too even with the HOA, because of the lower maintenance and with the added amenities like pools, lazy rivers, etc. Those type of things drive rental revenue and attract more guests. The key with condo complexes is to do due diligence on each individual complex as far at whether they are warrantable, VA-approved, and whether they might be facing any upcoming special assessments or have issues with the state-mandated structural integrity studies and their reserves. Special assessment can be a huge financial drain if they come up unforeseen.

    You can also consider single family homes or townhouses in town in FWB or Navarre. Those are usually ok for VA financing. Many people are very successful in turning them into STRs. The main issue I see there is the higher maintenance costs, especially if you are no longer local when you turn the property into an STR. Even if you get a full time property manager they will not be able to deal with a roof repair situation or any storm damage without your direct involvement. Just some examples of things that come up with owning a home :-). Also, revenue potential is lower further from the beach.
    With a condo a lot of building issues are handled by the HOA, but there can also be more restrictions.

    Lot's of option :-).

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:
    Quote from @Steven Wachtel:

    Honestly I think that's a great move, and I wish I would have done it. I bought a condo in Destin while I was there at Eglin, but I never lived in it and I'm still stuck with an awful rate. If you can get a primary residence rate on it and STR it when you move out, you'd probably be sitting pretty. Just keep in mind that your insurance will probably go up when you change your policy to cover STRs. Also watch out for any HOA restrictions of course, and be aware that interest rates may be a lot higher for a non-warrantable condo - although I'm not sure how that would play out if it's your primary.

    Where about did you end up buying. I’m slowly noticing a lot of the beach condos I’d be looking at breaking even once I rent them out unless I put down a hefty down payment. At 40% down if I wanna make the passive income. Otherwise, I’m still trying to decide whether breaking even is still a good deal because I get to own a beach rental I can use, while still building equity. 
    I would be careful with a complex that insists you only let them manage the property. After a very brief period of good management, usually everything takes a downward slide. Thankfully in the area you're looking, there are many condo options that do not require in house management for all owners.
  • Kimberly BalzliBusiness Member
    Member since 2022 · 9 posts · 4 votes
    2y

    Everyone has contributed some very good insight on this thread!

    One thing to be aware of is many real estate listings quote projected revenue amounts.  Companies that project for these listings may include fees and taxes that have nothing to do with your earnings. So, be sure you are comparing apples to apples in projections, since they are not all created equally! 

    Also, if there is rental history on a property, you are entitled to seeing the actual history and statements for that property. I provide this for the condos/homes that are up for sale all the time to potential buyers. 

    Oh, and thank you for your service! :-)

  • Property Manager · Destin, FL · Member since 2023 · 83 posts · 27 votes
    2y

    @Carlos Lopes, I think everyone mentioned everything there was to mention already. A few things to consider

    1. Some of the HOAs are being assessed for improvements by the city. Please remember to ask the seller to furnish those details. In some cases, the assessments are as high as over $100k. 

    2. Buyers these days are reaching out to Property Managers directly to get projections before going to the realtors. If you have a realtor already, great, collaborate with them to get projections. 

    3. More or less in the current market, know that most property owners who purchased a property in the last 24 months are not making positive cash flow on their properties due to astronomical rates. If you make 5-7% cash on cash, you are good in current market. 

    4. There are short term restrictions on properties. Not every property in Okaloosa county can be listed as an STR property. City of Destin has map marked out with restrictions, you should be able to find it easily with a quick google search.

    Thank you for your service and good luck with everything! 

  • Member since 2024 · 1 post · 0 votes
    2y

    I don't have alot to offer other than what's above - but just adding that we recently bought a beach front condo on Okaloosa Island (at Waters Edge) and really do love the area, but are still learning about it. Waters Edge is also a non-warrantable complex, but it is really nice and we were able to find a bank who could work with us. We had a great realtor and lender if I can be any help with those (and I'm not related to either LOL - so not trying to promote anyone, just offering to help)! We are renting the unit out and will be lucky to break even for the year, but we knew that going in. We do have a property manager since we are out of state and this is new to us, and I like the people at the company we chose, but I think they have set rates lower than anyone else, so unless I can start to understand why, I am going to be shopping other companies for occupancy/rates over the winter. Anyway, good luck to you! I never knew how much I didn't know about buying a beach condo STR until I started this process :)

  • Property Manager · Destin, FL · Member since 2023 · 83 posts · 27 votes
    2y

    @Tammy Vallee, STR markets overall have been down in 2024. The macro economy as whole has been bad too. Hopefully, STR market will get better after the elections.

  • Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Villy Ellinger:

    @Carlos Lopes pretty good plan actually, as long as you are able to use your VA financing. So, yes, you have to make sure that whatever you buy is VA-approved. I'm very partial to Okaloosa Island. My four personal investment STRs are located there. I like that access to the beach is a lot easier than in Destin, Miramar and 30A. Also the location is much closer and more convenient for access to Eglin and Hurlburt. I've actually had a number of military servicemen on TDY here stay at my smaller condos for several months in the off-season. That's another thing you may want to consider as you turn your property into an STR later. Okaloosa Island gets more than just tourist renters.

    The northside of Okaloosa Island, starting from Bluefish and going west, does not allow for STRs per the current ordinance. The section east of that does. All of the south side allows it as well. There are not many townhouses on Okaloosa Island that allow STRs, but there are some. I actually own one. No HOA and easier financing than condos. My other three properties are condos, two small ones and one large. If you are looking at condos, those can be a good option too even with the HOA, because of the lower maintenance and with the added amenities like pools, lazy rivers, etc. Those type of things drive rental revenue and attract more guests. The key with condo complexes is to do due diligence on each individual complex as far at whether they are warrantable, VA-approved, and whether they might be facing any upcoming special assessments or have issues with the state-mandated structural integrity studies and their reserves. Special assessment can be a huge financial drain if they come up unforeseen.

    You can also consider single family homes or townhouses in town in FWB or Navarre. Those are usually ok for VA financing. Many people are very successful in turning them into STRs. The main issue I see there is the higher maintenance costs, especially if you are no longer local when you turn the property into an STR. Even if you get a full time property manager they will not be able to deal with a roof repair situation or any storm damage without your direct involvement. Just some examples of things that come up with owning a home :-). Also, revenue potential is lower further from the beach.
    With a condo a lot of building issues are handled by the HOA, but there can also be more restrictions.

    Lot's of option :-).


    thank you for the good info. Super helpful. Currently I’ve been looking at Destin West Vacations. Condo complex looks like a huge resort and has a pretty robust lazy river and pool. Properties mostly have bay views, but the condo has a sky bridge that connects to the gulf side for easy pedestrian crossing. Currently waiting for rental profit numbers and waiting on answers about assessments. Really trying to find out the pros and cons. I was told someone got one of their buildings VA approved, so hopefully I can do the same for the adjacent building. 
  • Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes
    2y

    yea I have noticed the overall STR performance is down for the area, but I'm trying to really see the pros and cons for long term holding. I know there's a lot of expansion happening on okaloosa island, to include the new bridge, and new outlets they're looking to build. So I'm hoping that's a future boost in the economy there. Occupancy rates seem to be ok hovering around 62%, so maybe with some really amazing managing I can expect about the same? I've come to terms that currently I'd probably break even once I move and turn it into a STR, but I would hate for it to be a break even forever. So I'm hoping that after a little while I could refinance again for lower rates and hopefully have more cash flow. It's all really hard to tell as I'm still learning a lot in the process. I'm still going through the learning what questions to ask phase.

    1) profits and losses?

    2) STR allowed?

    3) assessment fees and costs?

    4) warrantable?

    5) occupancy rates? 

    6) comps? 

    Currently two units I’m looking at in the same complex, one is a 1 bed and other is a 3 bed. They gross ~51k and ~60k respectively. So I’m trying to figure out if paying the extra 200k for a 3 bed is even worth the investment since annual gross is so close. But those numbers are also all based on people using Vacasa as their manager, which I hear they’re mediocre at best. But at a glance I noticed people average around 10% of total home price as far as annual gross income, so a $500k home is grossing about $50k a year. Is this about what most of you have experienced in the area? If so, how do you break above that?

    Overall, I’m loving the learning process and am getting close to a pull the trigger point. Just want to really make sure I’ve asked all the right questions: 

  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Walton Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 219 posts · 275 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:

    yea I have noticed the overall STR performance is down for the area, but I'm trying to really see the pros and cons for long term holding. I know there's a lot of expansion happening on okaloosa island, to include the new bridge, and new outlets they're looking to build. So I'm hoping that's a future boost in the economy there. Occupancy rates seem to be ok hovering around 62%, so maybe with some really amazing managing I can expect about the same? I've come to terms that currently I'd probably break even once I move and turn it into a STR, but I would hate for it to be a break even forever. So I'm hoping that after a little while I could refinance again for lower rates and hopefully have more cash flow. It's all really hard to tell as I'm still learning a lot in the process. I'm still going through the learning what questions to ask phase.

    1) profits and losses?

    2) STR allowed?

    3) assessment fees and costs?

    4) warrantable?

    5) occupancy rates? 

    6) comps? 

    Currently two units I’m looking at in the same complex, one is a 1 bed and other is a 3 bed. They gross ~51k and ~60k respectively. So I’m trying to figure out if paying the extra 200k for a 3 bed is even worth the investment since annual gross is so close. But those numbers are also all based on people using Vacasa as their manager, which I hear they’re mediocre at best. But at a glance I noticed people average around 10% of total home price as far as annual gross income, so a $500k home is grossing about $50k a year. Is this about what most of you have experienced in the area? If so, how do you break above that?

    Overall, I’m loving the learning process and am getting close to a pull the trigger point. Just want to really make sure I’ve asked all the right questions: 


     You're definitely asking the right questions. While no one can predict interest rates with complete certainly, they have already come down from the highs 7-8 months ago. So a re-fi situation will definitely be a good option in the not so far future. I, personally, have a owner-financing loan on a property I recently bought that I plan to refinancing once the rates are lower and to get better cashflow just on that.

    You mentioned that you are considering Destin West. Great complex. I used to own Heron 505 (3 bedroom unit on the Bayside). Sold it a couple years ago. The person who bought it used VA financing. I know that Sandpiper and Pelican at Destin West might be harder to do with VA because of how their covenants were structured by the initial builder. Heron and Osprey should be ok for VA. I'm not 100 % sure about Gulfside.

    Pluses for Destin West: great amenities, very popular with guests, spacious and updated units, good rental potential.

    Some minuses: HOA is pretty high, beach access can be an issue for some guests. Beach facing units and complexes tend to get higher rent, even though the amenities at Destin West are superior. The Bayside units are very nice, but the ones at Gulfside, which is older, can be pretty dated and have odd layouts. Also, with the new beach regulations in Okaloosa County, the beach section where the beach service for Destin West can be set up has been narrowed significantly and the Island Hotel amenities and beach area are no longer available to Destin West guests to use. That makes the beach area tight for the many guests that Destin West can hold as an overall complex.

    If you have any further questions, feel free to message me if I can help. There are a number of other complexes on the Island that are also VA approved.

  • Member since 2023 · 21 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Villy Ellinger:
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:

    yea I have noticed the overall STR performance is down for the area, but I'm trying to really see the pros and cons for long term holding. I know there's a lot of expansion happening on okaloosa island, to include the new bridge, and new outlets they're looking to build. So I'm hoping that's a future boost in the economy there. Occupancy rates seem to be ok hovering around 62%, so maybe with some really amazing managing I can expect about the same? I've come to terms that currently I'd probably break even once I move and turn it into a STR, but I would hate for it to be a break even forever. So I'm hoping that after a little while I could refinance again for lower rates and hopefully have more cash flow. It's all really hard to tell as I'm still learning a lot in the process. I'm still going through the learning what questions to ask phase.

    1) profits and losses?

    2) STR allowed?

    3) assessment fees and costs?

    4) warrantable?

    5) occupancy rates? 

    6) comps? 

    Currently two units I’m looking at in the same complex, one is a 1 bed and other is a 3 bed. They gross ~51k and ~60k respectively. So I’m trying to figure out if paying the extra 200k for a 3 bed is even worth the investment since annual gross is so close. But those numbers are also all based on people using Vacasa as their manager, which I hear they’re mediocre at best. But at a glance I noticed people average around 10% of total home price as far as annual gross income, so a $500k home is grossing about $50k a year. Is this about what most of you have experienced in the area? If so, how do you break above that?

    Overall, I’m loving the learning process and am getting close to a pull the trigger point. Just want to really make sure I’ve asked all the right questions: 


     You're definitely asking the right questions. While no one can predict interest rates with complete certainly, they have already come down from the highs 7-8 months ago. So a re-fi situation will definitely be a good option in the not so far future. I, personally, have a owner-financing loan on a property I recently bought that I plan to refinancing once the rates are lower and to get better cashflow just on that.

    You mentioned that you are considering Destin West. Great complex. I used to own Heron 505 (3 bedroom unit on the Bayside). Sold it a couple years ago. The person who bought it used VA financing. I know that Sandpiper and Pelican at Destin West might be harder to do with VA because of how their covenants were structured by the initial builder. Heron and Osprey should be ok for VA. I'm not 100 % sure about Gulfside.

    Pluses for Destin West: great amenities, very popular with guests, spacious and updated units, good rental potential.

    Some minuses: HOA is pretty high, beach access can be an issue for some guests. Beach facing units and complexes tend to get higher rent, even though the amenities at Destin West are superior. The Bayside units are very nice, but the ones at Gulfside, which is older, can be pretty dated and have odd layouts. Also, with the new beach regulations in Okaloosa County, the beach section where the beach service for Destin West can be set up has been narrowed significantly and the Island Hotel amenities and beach area are no longer available to Destin West guests to use. That makes the beach area tight for the many guests that Destin West can hold as an overall complex.

    If you have any further questions, feel free to message me if I can help. There are a number of other complexes on the Island that are also VA approved.

    Oh that’s actually great to know you owned in Destin West. You mind me asking why you sold?

    I’m currently trying to decide between two 3 bedroom units (one is roof top with gulf views and boat slip, other is ground floor with direct access to pool and big patio) , or a one bedroom in the same building that’s also roof top with gulf views (I believe sandpiper). So I’m playing the game of trying to figure out which one is gonna be the best bang for my buck as far as rentability goes. Would the extra 200k (720k and 540k respectively for the 3 vs 1 units) that the three bedroom costs yield much more in rents in this area? The One BR unit has the typical bunk beds in hallways that you see a lot here as well, so you can sleep multiple guests in it. Or are people typically looking to rent bigger units? 

    On this same subject, what’s been your experience when you compare how Destin West performed vs your other properties here? Do you happen to have any that are actual beach side? I looked at a handful of 1 bedrooms on the beach with amazing beach views. Direct beach access, and a little pool; but no lazy River or giant pools, no gyms, etc; just slightly more of a residential vibe. I liked Destin West because I figured the “resort” vibe would be appealing to guests, but I did wonder how unattractive that 5 minute sky bridge walk to the beach would be. What was your overall experience with all that? Would you give up direct access beach views for the Destin West amenities. 

    Thank you again for all your help!! I really appreciate the advice. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Walton Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 219 posts · 275 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:
    Quote from @Villy Ellinger:
    Quote from @Carlos Lopes:

    yea I have noticed the overall STR performance is down for the area, but I'm trying to really see the pros and cons for long term holding. I know there's a lot of expansion happening on okaloosa island, to include the new bridge, and new outlets they're looking to build. So I'm hoping that's a future boost in the economy there. Occupancy rates seem to be ok hovering around 62%, so maybe with some really amazing managing I can expect about the same? I've come to terms that currently I'd probably break even once I move and turn it into a STR, but I would hate for it to be a break even forever. So I'm hoping that after a little while I could refinance again for lower rates and hopefully have more cash flow. It's all really hard to tell as I'm still learning a lot in the process. I'm still going through the learning what questions to ask phase.

    1) profits and losses?

    2) STR allowed?

    3) assessment fees and costs?

    4) warrantable?

    5) occupancy rates? 

    6) comps? 

    Currently two units I’m looking at in the same complex, one is a 1 bed and other is a 3 bed. They gross ~51k and ~60k respectively. So I’m trying to figure out if paying the extra 200k for a 3 bed is even worth the investment since annual gross is so close. But those numbers are also all based on people using Vacasa as their manager, which I hear they’re mediocre at best. But at a glance I noticed people average around 10% of total home price as far as annual gross income, so a $500k home is grossing about $50k a year. Is this about what most of you have experienced in the area? If so, how do you break above that?

    Overall, I’m loving the learning process and am getting close to a pull the trigger point. Just want to really make sure I’ve asked all the right questions: 


     You're definitely asking the right questions. While no one can predict interest rates with complete certainly, they have already come down from the highs 7-8 months ago. So a re-fi situation will definitely be a good option in the not so far future. I, personally, have a owner-financing loan on a property I recently bought that I plan to refinancing once the rates are lower and to get better cashflow just on that.

    You mentioned that you are considering Destin West. Great complex. I used to own Heron 505 (3 bedroom unit on the Bayside). Sold it a couple years ago. The person who bought it used VA financing. I know that Sandpiper and Pelican at Destin West might be harder to do with VA because of how their covenants were structured by the initial builder. Heron and Osprey should be ok for VA. I'm not 100 % sure about Gulfside.

    Pluses for Destin West: great amenities, very popular with guests, spacious and updated units, good rental potential.

    Some minuses: HOA is pretty high, beach access can be an issue for some guests. Beach facing units and complexes tend to get higher rent, even though the amenities at Destin West are superior. The Bayside units are very nice, but the ones at Gulfside, which is older, can be pretty dated and have odd layouts. Also, with the new beach regulations in Okaloosa County, the beach section where the beach service for Destin West can be set up has been narrowed significantly and the Island Hotel amenities and beach area are no longer available to Destin West guests to use. That makes the beach area tight for the many guests that Destin West can hold as an overall complex.

    If you have any further questions, feel free to message me if I can help. There are a number of other complexes on the Island that are also VA approved.

    Oh that’s actually great to know you owned in Destin West. You mind me asking why you sold?

    I’m currently trying to decide between two 3 bedroom units (one is roof top with gulf views and boat slip, other is ground floor with direct access to pool and big patio) , or a one bedroom in the same building that’s also roof top with gulf views (I believe sandpiper). So I’m playing the game of trying to figure out which one is gonna be the best bang for my buck as far as rentability goes. Would the extra 200k (720k and 540k respectively for the 3 vs 1 units) that the three bedroom costs yield much more in rents in this area? The One BR unit has the typical bunk beds in hallways that you see a lot here as well, so you can sleep multiple guests in it. Or are people typically looking to rent bigger units? 

    On this same subject, what’s been your experience when you compare how Destin West performed vs your other properties here? Do you happen to have any that are actual beach side? I looked at a handful of 1 bedrooms on the beach with amazing beach views. Direct beach access, and a little pool; but no lazy River or giant pools, no gyms, etc; just slightly more of a residential vibe. I liked Destin West because I figured the “resort” vibe would be appealing to guests, but I did wonder how unattractive that 5 minute sky bridge walk to the beach would be. What was your overall experience with all that? Would you give up direct access beach views for the Destin West amenities. 

    Thank you again for all your help!! I really appreciate the advice. 


     I will do my best to answer your questions. Might be easier on a brief phone call. PM me and we can set up a time for a quick call.

  • Member since 2021 · 24 posts · 6 votes
    2y

    I think prices of properties are still high.  Would it be cheaper to build?  Does anyone know the going rate for price/sq ft to construct a beach house?

  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Walton Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 219 posts · 275 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Cheng Chu:

    I think prices of properties are still high.  Would it be cheaper to build?  Does anyone know the going rate for price/sq ft to construct a beach house?


     The increase in home prices on the Panhandle has also affected the price of residential land. So if you are looking the build a beach house, any beachfront or beach-adjacent land parcel will be very expensive as well. Prices have leveled off some this year. At least we're not seeing steep increases like a couple of years ago and in some areas (PCB and 30A) there are even some price decreases. No drastic pricing drop though.

  • Investor · FL · Member since 2016 · 332 posts · 388 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Cheng Chu:

    I think prices of properties are still high.  Would it be cheaper to build?  Does anyone know the going rate for price/sq ft to construct a beach house?

    Most reputable builders are between $300 and $450 a sq ft.  Alot depends on material choice and design complexity.  Beachfront lots are now from $1.5M to $7M+ depending where on emerald coast you want to buy.  So on the low end a $1.5M lot plus a 3,000 sq ft home x $300= $2.4M not including furniture and with permitting to build completetion running most builders 12 to 15 months.  With that said, I saw one take almost 3 yrs from a well known builder. I build in the Smokies and buy already built on the Emerald Coast.
  • Property Manager · Destin, FL · Member since 2023 · 83 posts · 27 votes
    2y

    @Cheng Chu I will agree with @Account Closed. But I also wonder, that most beachside lots are built out and a new build may also need to remove old homes before building out a new one by the beach.  

  • Property Manager · Destin, FL · Member since 2023 · 83 posts · 27 votes
    2y

    @Carlos Lopes You are asking all the right questions. While revenue at 10% of total property cost might be a quick calculation to find profitable properties, there are other calculators that will provide better insights for you. Destin West is a great resort. I would typically recommend 3br over a 1br unit, however, there are a few more things to consider. Even with bunk beds, there are limitations on how many guests are allowed to occupy a 1br unit. There are a few things to consider as a host to improve the listing and maximizing revenue. A lot to type here, happy to jump on a call to discuss further. Please feel free to call the number listed below. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Member since 2019 · 569 posts · 257 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Cheng Chu:

    I think prices of properties are still high.  Would it be cheaper to build?  Does anyone know the going rate for price/sq ft to construct a beach house?


     300 to 350 a foot is where I build most of the beach properties. 

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