All Forum Posts by: Gary Nelson

Excellent question @Jeremy Jareckyj! Our season begins in mid-march with spring break, steadily increasing tourism traffic through the spring. Once school is out for the summer, it is by far the busiest time in May, June and July. The fall months remain busy and get busier around the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

January and February are quiet months, which is perfect for improvements, furniture changes, deep cleaning, etc.!

Hi @Ashley Isaacson,
Branson is a fantastic choice for short-term rentals, especially with tourism numbers climbing every year! Branson is one of the few markets where vacation rentals are still affordable AND can still cash flow consistently—but only if you’re strategic about what and where you buy. I’ve been investing in Branson since before the AirBnB boom and bust - and have built a resources website for The Branson Investor! Helping investors make smart, informed and confident decisions here!

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you want to consider at a high-level:

The COA You Choose Matters
Branson's condo associations (COAs) are more affordable than in many other markets. That said, centrally located COAs tend to perform better year-round because they're close to shows, shopping, and dining. You should definitely check out the Branson COA Guide —covering STR approval, amenities, monthly dues, pets allowed, and guest restrictions, etc.

Views Make a Difference
Properties with views of the lake, golf course, or private wooded areas are getting booked more often and command higher nightly rates. Guests are here for the experience, so a better view can be the edge that keeps your calendar full with annual rebookings.

Layout & Unit Type
Certain floor plans and unit sizes perform better based on guest expectations and seasonality. Ground-level walk-in units are especially popular due to accessibility and ease of entry.

If you're interested in the Branson, MO market, please feel free to shoot me a PM. I’m happy to help you narrow down the best areas, run some numbers for practice, and connect you with our trusted lenders, cleaners, or property managers if needed!

Hi @William Hunt,

Analysis paralysis is real, and honestly, it just means you care about doing it right. The best way to push through it is to take small, educated steps. You don’t have to buy the perfect deal right out of the gate. Get good at running numbers, talk to local investors, and focus on making your first move a smart one, not a perfect one.

Momentum beats perfection in this business. And if you ever want to see what real deals look like in a solid market like Branson, feel free to PM me. I’m happy to share examples.

Your agent should do a professional photoshoot, drone shots if it makes sense, virtual tour, and a clean video walkthrough. Buyers decide online whether it’s worth seeing in person, so your first impression has to hit.

Open houses can work in some markets, but in others they’re a total waste of time. I’d also check out your agent’s social media game—strong visuals and good exposure there can get your listing in front of the right buyers fast. Of course this can vary by market. 

Totally agree—finding the “best” market really comes down to what fits your strategy and resources.

I'm a little biased, but if you're open to secondary markets, Branson, MO has some solid flip potential. It's a tourism-heavy area with consistent demand for updated properties near the lakes and attractions. We're seeing older condos and homes being bought, refreshed with modern finishes, and resold to second-home buyers or STR investors at strong margins.

The key is knowing the submarkets—some are saturated, some are goldmines. I actually have a web page where I keep all my favorite flip opportunities in Branson. If you’re curious, shoot me a PM and I’ll send it over!

Hi @Nicholas Minich,
If you're thinking BR for short-term rentals, I'm a little biased—but Branson, MO is hard to beat. Condos here are relatively affordable, often need just light cosmetic updates, and can cash flow quickly thanks to our year-round tourism. There are a few pockets that are oversaturated, so working with a local agent who invests here is key. But done right? STR condos here can make the numbers work—and then some. Everyone loves the STR talk, but don't sleep on long-term rentals—especially in Branson. Most LTRs here are single-family homes in neighborhoods with strong rental demand and low turnover. You can still find properties that qualify for a classic BRRRR, especially if you're handy or have a solid contractor. Plus, LTRs come with way less management headache and are easier to finance. If you're looking for long-term stability, it's worth a serious look. Happy to share more if you're curious.

Hey @Arelly Maldonado! You’re asking the right questions early—love to see it. Some smaller markets still have duplexes in the $150K–$200K range, and with the right loan program, your income might stretch further than you think. A place like Branson, MO could be worth a look—low cost of living, strong rental demand, and you can live in one side and rent the other. Happy to help you run numbers or explore options—feel free to PM me!

Hi @Priscilla C.!

The best shortcut to building your Core 4 is finding an agent in your market who also invests—they'll already have a solid network of lenders, contractors, and property managers they trust. Saves you the trial-and-error and puts you in touch with people who are already vetted and investor-friendly. That kind of insider access is a game-changer for BRRRR success.

Locations near water and entertainment are always a solid choice for STRs. I might be a little biased, but Branson's one-bed condos do especially well, sitting between two amazing lakes and a thriving tourist scene. I actually have a listing that is a 1-bedroom lakefront that needs renovated and will be an excellent performer! Wherever you choose, I would recommend working with an agent who has STR investments themselves and can help you find the best-performing spots.

Investing in Branson, MO condos for short-term rentals can yield excellent returns. The median condo price is around $225,000, with top properties generating over $3,000 gross revenues monthly. However, the market does have a few areas of oversaturation and centrally located condos often perform better. Partnering with a local agent experienced in investments is crucial to navigate these nuances effectively. Feel free to PM me for more details.