Short Term Rental in Texas...where to invest?

[Shannon Green]

I am looking to buy my first short term rental property. I'm considering South Padre Island, TX or Port Aransas, TX.  I have a realtor friend who owns in South Padre and does very well with her property.  She advises South Padre.  My friend network mainly goes to Port Aransas.  Where can I do the research to find out which area is better for short term rental investment?

[Reagen Natho]

@Shannon Green I’m from TX and ran the numbers on all the coastal towns as well as Fredericksburg and a couple lake rentals. Nothing compared to what I could make in the Smoky Mountains. I recently sold my first cabin I bought in 2019 for a six figure profit and am under contract on a new build in Gatlinburg that should be completed this spring. Even with higher current prices there, homes in TX are of similar cost, but don’t have the occupancy and average nightly rate. Just something to consider...