But I thought this was turnkey - what's with all the delay?

We took on a homeowner client in January who bought a cabin that was represented as "turnkey, ready to rent!"  Well, it was, after about $10,000 of work.  We found a lot of risk management issues, old furniture, electrical problems, and a \significant drainage issue that needed attention.  45 days later, it is finally renting.  The homeowner is somewhat frustrated by it all.  Of course, he doesn't realize that we scrambled like crazy to get it ready to go in that time - bargain hunting for nice furniture (saving 75% in the process), coordinating deliveries, meeting contractors for this or that, and many long days at the cabin working until late at night to get things wrapped up.  That's ok; that is our job.

But...if you are looking to buy a short-term rental, in the Smokies or anywhere else, be realistic and assume that it will take two months before it is renting.  Nine out of ten homes on the market have been neglected and need some attention before they can be rented.  

Turnkey usually does not really mean turnkey.