Pigeon Forge Cabin Investment Questions

[Courtney Y.]

Purchasing a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN and had questions a few questions for investors in that area:

- Have you had success managing from out of state?  With all the technology available today, I do not want to pay a PM 30-40% of revenue.

- Any recommendations on assembling a reliable team such as cleaners, handyman, HVAC, etc.?

- Average annual maintenance costs including resealing the exterior every few years?

- Does anyone have experience with evolve vacation rental and dynamic pricing?

- Any pitfalls new investors in this particular area encounter?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[Julie McCoy]

@Courtney Y. Congratulations on your purchase!  You'll love investing in the area.  To answer your questions:

- I self-managed 3 cabins in Pigeon Forge when I lived in LA, and now I live in Nashville so I'm closer but still definitely long-distance.  Not a problem and there's zero need for you to pay a PM

- My agent @Avery Carl hooked me up with my team - if you're working with her, she'll do the same for you!  Otherwise there's owner groups on Facebook that seem happy to share recommendations.

- Maintenance costs vary depending on any variety of things, but you should only have to re-stain the cabin at most every 5 years.  Cost depends on the size of the cabin, but will probably start around $3k and go up from there

- No experience with Evolve but you don't need them, you can do it yourself.  Learn what good pricing is on your own before trusting any dynamic pricing tool, so you can know if it's giving you good suggestions or not.

- Get familiar with some of the systems and features of the area that you may not encounter in a city.  How are the roads to your cabin?  Learn basics of septic systems and wells if you have them so if an issue arises you have at least a vague idea of how to handle it (or at least who to call).  Make sure you have a bear-safe cage for your trash can outside.  

You'll be up and running in no time!  Good luck!