Secondary STR Markets outside of Gatlinburg?

[Angelo Cortez]

Hello, I am looking to get my first STR property in Gatlinburg, TN area (open to Waynesville and NC Maggie Valley, NC) . I am looking for secondary markets (e.g. radius 30 miles from Gatlinburg, TN). Is this the right approach, or should I get my first property just within Gatlinburg to just get my feet wet? My take in Waynesville, NC, you are equidistant to the Smokies, Pisgah National Forest, and Dupont State Recreational Forest.

Also reasons as to why I am looking to get into the STR market:

1.  W2 taxes deductions; I paid northward of 100k last year. 

2. Have some free time as I work remotely ; my job is generally low stress and I find myself just playing video games in the middle of the day. I would like to use that energy towards elsewhere.