Looking for some feedback on STR opportunities in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN area

[Ernest Fox]

I am exploring the possibility of buying a STR - this would be my first time owning any rental property, so I have a bunch of newbie questions. One area that has caught my attention is the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN area - seems like there is a good rental income to acquisition cost ratio.

So here are the questions.

- I am in the DC Metro area, about 8 hours away....how do folks using VRBO/Airbnb handle check-ins for properties when done remotely?  I will need to self manage through VRBO/Airbnb in order to help classify the income as active income so that I might be able to right off the accelerated depreciation against W-2 income.

- I have about 150K available for a down payment, any suggestions on the type of property to target (cabin, condo) if the goal is to be around cash flow even?

- Any recommendations for a real estate agent in the Pigeon Forge area?

- Any recommendations for which condos to target/stay away from?

- Recommendations for maintenance/cleaning services?

- What dates are considered in season/out of season for Pigeon Forge?

Any and all info is appreciated.

TIA