Get a property management system that is API connected (software connected) to both Airbnb and VRBO (and Google Vacation, booking.com, etc)That will become the mitochondria of the business. any update you make in the PMS will reflect in your listing for the other platforms (channel manager).Each of the booking platforms have different fees collected so you'll adjust the management fee in the system so that you get a similar payout.I use JURNY, a little known system that's I've used for 2 years to manage nearly 20 properties. but I love it because it connects to Autohost so I get automated leases sent out for signature (yes, even on Airbnb and VRBO) along with ID collection, SELFIE, credit card deposit and then the AI tool kicks in and detects for fraud. 

Don't depend on google maps and sat view for confirmation. 

Something to consider is that while those rural vacation areas can cash flow, you might want to also look at larger cities like Columbus, Ohio, where STR demand is growing because of business travel, university traffic (Ohio State brings in 68k+ students plus tons of visitors), and big events tied to all the new development like Intel, Amazon, Google, and Honda.

Now do a google search but for "Sparefoot" in your city. 

Ohio, I’d suggest also looking at Columbus as you build your network—it’s one of the strongest markets in the Midwest right now with rapid population growth, tons of job creation, and huge developments like the $26B Intel plant plus expansions from Amazon, Google, Honda, Microsoft, and more.

If you’re looking in Ohio, I’d suggest putting Columbus high on your list—it’s one of the few metro areas where the fundamentals are really strong with population growth, job growth, and huge companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Honda, and Nationwide investing here.

For example, in Columbus, Ohio you can still find properties in the $120–180k range that hit the 1% rule and cash flow, and the long-term story here is really strong with population growth, job growth, and big players like Intel, Amazon, Google, Honda, and Microsoft moving in.

Columbus is one of the strongest markets in the country right now with population growth, job growth, and companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Honda moving in, so investors are locking in solid cash flow plus great appreciation upside.

Originally posted by @John Frantz:I was googling info about Blair.

Columbus is still super affordable (you can find deals in the $130K–$180K range that hit the 1% rule), and it's growing fast with companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, and Honda pouring billions into the area.