Definitely agree that this region is under-served on BiggerPockets — happy to explore how local permitting and engineering factors could support additional pipeline deals here. lets hop on the phone and chat later this week I am in the mountains of Utah fishing right now.. later this week will work though

We are in the process of foreclosing on some vacant land in a small county in the mountains.

Construction update: Broke ground mid September in 30A Blue Mountain Beach area: The Villages Rental property into a 1031 exchange to build a bigger home. 

Buy a unique property (or at least somewhat) unique -- big floor-to-ceiling windows, A-frame style, incredible deck and mountain views or something.2.

I did see one that had the topographical map of the mountains on the walls.

And real work, not listening to podcasts.You can search Bigger Pockets for "REPS", we have a mountain of material to read and watch if you're interested in details. 

Usually coastal towns and mountain towns do the best, I would try to find something that is available year round rather than seasonal for my first one.• Are there any markets I should avoid right now due to instability, strict rules, or weak management options?

(This client's A-frame in the mountains is a decent example of something really sharp.)Otherwise, the increased competition will eat you alive nowadays. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.

While STRs can be more volatile, a well-chosen property in a strong location, especially near a college town or high-demand area (like the beach or mountains) can offer both cash flow and tax advantages while you gain hands-on experience managing a property.Good luck if you do decide to invest, there still are plenty of opportunities out there if you strategize and figure out what works best for your situation.