Looking at purchasing a STR in Big Bear, CA

[Joshua D.]

Hello Everyone,

I'm brand new to investing in real estate, or at least, buying a property strictly as an investment. Just last month I bought my first home, which I'll actually get to move in March here in LA.

I'm not brand new to running a business.. I own a small business here in Los Angeles, and we do pretty well.

I'm familiar with the process of buying (especially in high competition area's - like here in LA)..

Now, I'm eyeing another purchase in Big bear, and running it as a short term rental. But I have my doubts..

I wanted to hear from perhaps some folks/investors/brokers/prop managers whom may have a STR in Big bear, and have an idea of what it's like during the summer/spring months.. and can give me some pointers or list of things I may run into..

Have been looking at a few properties on the market single family cabins, 1000-1400sqft ($400-$600K) Probably will put 20-25% depending on what the lender will require.. (Properties I genuinely really like and are ready to go - less of fixer opportunity, etc.)

I personally would be happy with breaking even, as I need the depreciation to offset tax burdens from other business.. I guess where my concern lies, is that I'm going to buy one of these places and sit dead in the water for the next 4-6 months.. Or spend, every weekend in big bear trying to fix an issue..

Does anyone have any thoughts/comments/, or links to more information.. Also, if someone has a realtor who's familiar with the area that would be helpful as well..

Thanks,

Josh

[Account Closed]

@Joshua D., I own two STR's in another state. I don't personally own an STR in Big Bear, but I've started to research a bit. There are definitely a good number of rentals up there, and from what I gather, occupancy rates are pretty high. It looks like you're new to BiggerPockets, so I would recommend viewing some of the threads under the Short Term rental forum with the key word "Big Bear."

I was able to connect with a few people up there, including @JJ Truman who has been nice enough to answer some questions about market specifics. He runs an STR company up there if you decided to go the route of having it professionally managed.