Looking to Buy My First Short Term Rental - What Market is Best?

[Matthew Kwong]

Hi Everyone!

I am brand spanking new to real estate investing and I am looking to purchase my first property out of state as I live in San Francisco, where all I can afford is a loaf of bread (on a good day). Currently, I have been looking at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee because a good friend recently bought there and has seen high occupancy rates and great returns on his short term rentals there.

My budget is around $325-350k and wondering how to find the best market for short term rentals! Any advice would help - thanks!