I’m both a mortgage broker and real estate investor, and I’ve worked with clients doing both long term rentals and Airbnbs, so I know it can feel like a tough call.Here’s what I’d think through:Tampa long term rental - more passive once leased, strong rental demand and job growth, cash flow might be righter, your banking more on appreciationAirbnb in North Myrtle - higher income potential, can use it personally when not rented, more hands on, local regulations can be trickyIf you want, I’d be happy to help you compare both options side by side.

I would expect about half of that for a straightforward note and mortgage/DOT and title review.

If it's pretty straight forward might not need one. 

For insurance, it’s straightforward here without crazy premiums since we’re not dealing with the natural disasters you’re trying to avoid.

Out-of-State: Pros & Cons**Staying Local**- Easier to manage or check on- Build hands-on experience- Tighter margins in Nashville**Going Out-of-State**-Better cash flow-Landlord-friendly states-Requires a solid team and more upfront due diligenceIf cash flow is your top priority and you’re open-minded, out-of-state investing in the Midwest or Southeast might be your best move, especially for a buy-and-hold strategy.Top Markets for Cash Flow Right Now:These are all turnkey-friendly and beginner-friendly:*Birmingham, AL*Indianapolis, IN*Cleveland OH*Augusta or Macon, GAAll have solid rent-to-price ratios, affordable entry points, and reliable property management infrastructure.Evaluating a Market (Checklist Style):* Landlord-friendly laws* Low property taxes* Population and job growth* Diverse economy* Strong rent-to-price ratio (1% or better is great for cash flow)* Good local turnkey teams or PMsFinancing Tips for Your First Deal:* Conventional 15–25% down: Still the most straightforward route.* House hack: FHA (3.5% down) or conventional (5%) if you’re willing to live in it.* Portfolio lenders: Great if you want to scale quicker or buy in LLC.* DSCR loans: For out-of-state investors - based on property cash flow, not your income.Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid:* Overestimating rent or underestimating expenses* Buying in a bad area just because it’s cheap* Not vetting the property manager* Emotional decisions over data-driven ones* Skipping proper inspections or due diligenceYou’re already doing the hardest part: asking the right questions and taking the initiative to plan thoughtfully.You can invest remotely as a first-timer - just be disciplined with your numbers, vet your team hard, and be willing to move forward without everything feeling 100% perfect.

. - Permitting and Licensing is straightforward.

This platform has been incredibly useful for me, offering a straightforward and easy-to-understand navigation experience.

They communicated well throughout the process, answered all my questions, and made everything feel smooth and straightforward.

And, more importantly, is it worth the extra spend when compared to more affordable, “unlimited” options?

Another, straightforward breakdown.