Want A Vacation Condo...Not Sure What To Look Out For

[Robert Smith]

I really enjoy visiting Destin, FL and staying in a beach front Condo occasionally, and I have always wanted to own one and rent it out while I'm not present so the unit pays for itself. I feel like this is easier said than done, considering I do not have a ton of money to pour into a condo unit and will have to save up.

I'm a complete rookie when it comes to beach front condos, and know there are some monthly maintenance/HOA/etc. expenses that go along with it, but that's about as far as my knowledge goes.

Does anyone here currently own or has owned any beach front condos, and used them as short-term rentals (through AirBNB, VRBO, etc.), and if so, what have you learned, and what tips would you give someone starting out with this type of rental?

[Matt "Roar" Gardner]

@Robert Smith - I own a condo on Okaloosa Island as well as a 5-bed SFR in Destin. I'm a realtor and investor, and one of the first books I recommend my client who ask that question is Get Paid For Your Pad ~ It's a great, checklist-style book that will answer a lot of your questions. Best of luck!