STR - Emerald Coast vs Smokies

[Jithendra Palasagaram]

Hello

We are thinking of purchasing an STR this year within driving distance from Atlanta area. Based on research so far, narrowed the areas to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge or Destin//PCB area. Any thoughts on pros & cons between the two locations and suggestions on finding property that will cash flow?

I talked to STR Search and their fee structure seems pretty steep. Has anyone used them? If so, did you find value? Are there other resources similar to STR Search that can help with finding an STR?

Thanks!

[Joseph Sauer]

Hi@Jithendra Palasagaram!

Congrats on narrowing down your market options! My wife and I were torn between a mountain and beach market as well. We decided on the Emaerald Coast market and are currently looking in the area. We're looking in the Panama City Beach area mainly because you can get more house for your money and the vacation market there is consistent and even growing! We love the market so much we actually moved our co-hosting business to focus on the Emerald Coast! 

I do my own research using Airdna, but there are a few options you can use to help with your research. There's a real estate group called The Short Term Shop that has realtors in the Emerald Coast market and they focus 100% on STRs, so very knowledgeable. It's ran by Luke and Avery Carl, who are well known in BP for their STR experience and knowledge.

If you want to do a deep deep dive, Avery has a podcast, The Short Term Show and she does a 7 or 8 episode deep deep dive on the Emerald Coast market.
Here's a link to the first episode:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buying-an-airbnb-in-the-emerald-and/id1696763806?i=1000621122081

Definitely check that out!

Hope this helps!