STR Markets based around college sports?

[Garrett Brown]

Does anyone have any successful STRs in college football/sports towns? I've always been curious about a few markets, but I figured the vacancy might cause some issues. I would assume an STR mixed with an MTR strategy is the best move for something like this. Thoughts?

[Jon Martin]

I'm a big fan of college towns and mid-size cities. They tend to attract big companies, hospitable systems, cool downtowns with good restaurants, lots of events, and are usually a 1-2 hour drive from a major metro and airport. Many are also underserved by hotels. While I wouldn't center a STR around 5 home games in the fall and a graduation, there is usually a lot more going on in these types of towns to keep it busy. I grew up in a major football town, and a close family friend rents his personal home out for $3K a weekend.

While many were clawing over the Smokies, Joshua Tree etc and saying that you should only invest in vacation destinations I was quietly investing in a midsize city and enjoy great occupancy 10.5-11 months of the year. The high season highs aren't nearly as high, but the income is steady and reliable, and you also have more exit/pivot options.