Step-by-step Instructions requested for first STVR

[Eugene Cyckowski, Jr]

This may sound silly, but I'm looking for step-by-instructions for buying and renting out a short term rental.  I'm would like to buy a 2-5 room cabin in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, but feel like it's a waste of time to look for properties until I have all of my other ducks in order.

I'm not sure what to do first. For example, I'm not sure how to begin calculating a ROI if I don't have an idea of what it will cost for cleaning, maintenance, etc. I haven't tried asking for any estimates because I don't know where the property will be exactly or how many rooms.

And what about financing?  Should I be going to the bank first to get a pre-approval?  

From what I've read, Avery Carl is the go-to person in the area I'm interested in.  I'd also like to avoid using an expensive property manager and would be happy to use vrbo.com.  I currently live in NJ so it's difficult to try to sit down with anyone face-to-face at this point.

I'm so happy to see so many people taking the time to go on this site to help others.  I appreciate any advice or comments you may have.