Buy & Hold STR in Columbus, GA

[Jeremy Absher]

I'm fairly new to real estate investing. I've been renting out my primary home for 3 years via Airbnb/VRBO and this past September decided to rent across the street and rent my primary home out full time via Airbnb/VRBO (it has been going great!).

I've been saving the money and I'm looking to invest this summer in the Columbus, GA market. From my research it looks like a very good market for STR demand, cash on cash returns, and STR regulation. I also like that it is a good entry point for a teacher like myself who is just starting out and doesn't have a ton of capital to invest.

My plan is to either buy/renovate with cash (either private or hard money), furnish it and rent it out via Airbnb/VRBO and fall back to LTR if the STR market doesn't pan out.

Does anyone have experience in the Columbus, GA market? Is there any advice in regards to my plan or things to look out for in Columbus?

Thanks in advance for your help!