Need STR Clarification

[Courtney Smith]

Hi all!

I'm a complete newbie to REI, and I'm seeking my first property to purchase. Ideally, I'd like to have an AirBnB/VRBO so that our family could also use the home on occasion. I was discouraged from buying in Ashe and Chatt because of their regulations surrounding STRs and thought, until I read a post here, that Knox would be a valid option. How are their whole-house rentals posted on rental sites when there obviously isn't anyone staying in the home when the renters aren't there? Are folks grandfathered-in or just finding loopholes? Super discouraged.

Also—we’re GA residents and obviously can’t be owner-occupants in both states.