Best place to buy a BIG short term rental in Texas?

[Laura Henderson]

Hi, BPers!

I'm interested in purchasing an investment property in Texas that could be an "escape house" for our family of 10 and occasional vacation spot for us. This would be a 4 or 5 bedroom home that would be furnished high end and sleep at least 12. For those who live in Texas or have regional knowledge:

(1) Where would you recommend buying?

(2) What areas would be the best locations for families (or groups) with fun activities nearby?

(3) We have looked a fair amount in The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, but The Woodlands might not allow the property to be used as a ST rental (so that seems risk) and I don't see a lot of other STRs in Spring or Magnolia, so maybe those just aren't popular vacation spots?

(4) Is a STR just a bad idea right now?

Thank you for any and all help for this newb!