Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$39.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

7
Posts
4
Votes
Guy Mulanax
4
Votes |
7
Posts

Analyzing properties in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge.

Guy Mulanax
Posted

I am currently working on a cash out refi on one of my rental properties, and I'm looking to use the money to get in to short term rentals. Everyone seems to have nothing but good things to say about Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge market. But I have been using Luke Carl's enemy method researching properties on Airbnb and Vrbo and having a hard time finding deals that make sense. I don't know if I'm making a rookie mistake analyzing these properties or maybe there's just not any that will cash flow to be found on the MLS. Is anyone else running into this problem?

User Stats

4,508
Posts
4,190
Votes
Paul Sandhu#4 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
  • Investor
  • The worst town to live in, KS
4,190
Votes |
4,508
Posts
Paul Sandhu#4 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
  • Investor
  • The worst town to live in, KS
Replied
Originally posted by @Thomas Ackley:



 Paul said and that you can buy single family houses for under $100k there. 


I never said that.  I said under $10k here.

User Stats

104
Posts
54
Votes
Replied

Any Hope for a deal with $250,000 cash.I might as well jump on the Bandwagon.   What turned me me?   When the Big Dog is buying,  thats Big.....ruff ruff.

Hospitable logo
Hospitable
|
Sponsored
Host and Toast STR Networking Events Meet and learn from other STR investors at events in Orlando, Atlanta, Austin, and LA this October.

User Stats

32
Posts
10
Votes
Brandon Bonfiglio
  • Franklin Square, NY
10
Votes |
32
Posts
Brandon Bonfiglio
  • Franklin Square, NY
Replied

@Guy Mulanax

I have 2 Cabins In Gatlinburg and have been in the hunt for another but these past few months the prices have sky rocketed and good properties are getting sold as soon as they go up. You can still find some cash flowing deals but it may not be turnkey anymore. The turnkey ones are usually over priced as of right now with the inflation .

User Stats

21
Posts
12
Votes
Thomas Ackley
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Milwaukee, WI
12
Votes |
21
Posts
Thomas Ackley
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Milwaukee, WI
Replied

Originally posted by @Paul Sandhu:
Originally posted by @Thomas Ackley:



 Paul said and that you can buy single family houses for under $100k there. 


I never said that.  I said under $10k here.

 That was definitely a typo / editing error, Paul, and I apologize. What I meant to say was I know you can buy single family houses for under $100k.

User Stats

2
Posts
3
Votes
Mike Majors
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pace, FL
3
Votes |
2
Posts
Mike Majors
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pace, FL
Replied

@Guy Mulanax I currently have one cabin in Gatlinburg and close on a second next week. I compared like cabins to the one I am purchasing on AirBNB and VRBO. I look at nightly rates, occupancy and how property is managed. I also use AirDNA to compare my research. I have found that if the cabin is in great location, well maintained and managed properly I have out performed my projections. This has worked in both Gatlinburg market as well as coastal beach markets where I have owned vacation rentals. I have found that even with prices being inflated in the market I can still cash flow very well with the right property. Feel free to private message me and I can share some numbers.

User Stats

48
Posts
25
Votes
Abe DeHart
Pro Member
  • Lawton, OK
25
Votes |
48
Posts
Abe DeHart
Pro Member
  • Lawton, OK
Replied
Originally posted by @Guy Mulanax:

I am currently working on a cash out refi on one of my rental properties, and I'm looking to use the money to get in to short term rentals. Everyone seems to have nothing but good things to say about Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge market. But I have been using Luke Carl's enemy method researching properties on Airbnb and Vrbo and having a hard time finding deals that make sense. I don't know if I'm making a rookie mistake analyzing these properties or maybe there's just not any that will cash flow to be found on the MLS. Is anyone else running into this problem?

One of the issues that you might run into with the enemy method is incorporating seasonality. You are looking right now at the “low season” in the Smokies. Jan 1 - end of Feb have lower visitor volume than the rest of the year. Many owners try to lure guests with lower cost/night during this time. Try incorporating rates in April-September and you will likely see a pretty significant uptick.