Why are there so few rentals in Hot Springs outside of downtown?

[Jennifer Schelkopf]

I’m researching neighborhoods around Hot Springs for my next long-term rental purchase. While I come to Hot Springs regularly, I don’t live there, and I’d love to get input from folks who are more familiar with the area than I am.

I noticed that there are far more rentals in ‘downtown’ Hot Springs than there are west and south of Ouachita River. At the same time, there are quite a few homes for sale in those areas.

Does anyone have any insight as to why there are so few rentals west and south of the Ouachita River? Would you consider the lack of rental inventory in those areas an opportunity or a red flag?