rural investing to create weekend getaway style rentals

[Nick Fernella]

hello all!

I have been doing research for a few months now and feel that I am learning new aspects of REI each week. I am currently teaching myself to analyze properties, one thing at a time, do not get overwhelmed I'm telling myself. Although I have not invested in real estate yet , I am extremely excited about it. My current goal is to obtain my first property and I am looking at sfh as a buy and hold. I live in anchorage Alaska which is a hot market. I'm hoping to get something around 200k that I can cash flow, and that is located in a nice area that will appreciate well.

So that is my current goal, my dream is to invest in a "weekend get away" style vacation rental. I'd like to buy property in a scenic place on the west coast and create a BnB style rental. This could exist in oregon or california. Ideally next to a river, mountains ,or an ocean view. I'd likely live on site and have my wife or I manage it. These could be an "off the grid" style place too, not sure yet. I am handy,creative, strong ,and love to build creatively.

OK so my question is does anyone have experience owning a vacation rental such as the situation I described? Is this something I should even consider in my 30s or should this wait until retirement?

Thanks!