New to STR, seeking some advise to kick start

[Akram Yadullahi]

Hi, I am looking to start my REI journey with a good SRT around western Washington. Some of the areas in consideration are forks, ocean shore, or any other beach town. Ideally looking for something accessible around Olympic national park. I would really appreciate on guidance around how and where to start narrowing my search and advise on prospects of western Washington (especially the SRT laws)

[Michael Baum]

Good golly @Akram Yadullahi. I live here and I wouldn't invest here myself. There isn't much in Forks unless you get some crazy Twilight people which are much less than they used to be. Ocean Shores is OK but there are a ton of restrictions where you can do STRs.

Longbeach could be OK if you find the right place in the right area.

The Olympia National Park isn't really near either OS or LB.

The park got 2.5m visitors in 2021 (latest numbers). What town/area to buy in will depend on where you think people will want to go. Hurricane Ridge is closes to Port Angeles, but I wouldn't buy in PA. Too much crime. Maybe Sequim?

The Hoh rainforest is closest to Forks. Hoodsport is closest to Staircase.

There isn't a good central area to buy that can access all the park has to offer so you are going to have to choose. Luckily the list is short so you can narrow down your search and make calls about the legality of STRs there.

The main reason I don't invest in Western WA is due to the ever present dislike of owners who rent. Whether it be LTR or STR, everyone thinks we should just give the places away for next to nothing and they should be able to stay even if they don't pay. I don't want to be under our current governments idea of rental rules.

Just my 2 cents. Others invest here and do well.