Big Bear vs Arrowhead Cabin Rentability

[Imke Daniel]

I am looking to buy a cabin in Big Bear, CA. I live in Orange County, CA so about 2-1/2 hours away. 

I am planning on using the cabin personally, but am hoping to rent it the remaining time of the year. 

There seem to be a few experts in the forum and my big questions are what area to buy in. Do the secured cabins in Fawnskin rent as well as the ones in Moonridge or Sugarloaf? What about the crime map (https://spotcrime.com/ca/big+bear)? Are there areas to stay away from? 2 bedroom vs 3 bedroom and is it worth spending a little more on a 3 bedroom giving you a higher ROI? What are the things to know about buying in the mountains? Pipe bursts come to mind! Is it necessary to hire a management company or is an Airbnb listing good enough? Does the cabin have to be on a maintained road otherwise it will be unaccessible unless me or someone I hire clears the road in the winter?

And is Big Bear a better investment then Lake Arrowhead? Big Bear seems to offer more activities. Lake Arrowhead seems to be more upscale?

Anything I should be looking out for when picking a real estate agent up there?

Any help and education is very much appreciated as I am doing this on my own for the first time!