First STR ... Outer Banks vs Wilmington/Southport

[Sarah Hylander]

After a few years of dreaming, we are ready to purchase our first STR.

Strongly considering these two areas .... 

Outer Banks (Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk) 

or 

Wilmington/Southport (Carolina Beach, Oak Island, Surf City)  

Would love to hear your thoughts on the areas, experience as an owner, pitfalls, potential, etc ... Lay it on me! 

Goal: 

Family beach house, but would love positive (or near positive) cash flow. Hoping for good appreciation too :) 

Budget 500K, 3 Bedrooms ... 20% Down / Finance 80% 

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4328-W-Barracuda-Dr_Nags-Head_NC_27959_M62648-39263

https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

https://www.zillow.com/homedet...