The "no spin" source for investing in the Smoky Mountains

I decided to start this blog after 16 years of investing in the Smoky Mountains. I hope to add an entry once or twice a week as I have time.  I have self managed and used management companies.  I started my own management company in 2011.  

I am a firm believer in self managing your vacation rental if the situation is right.  Just like I am a firm believer in changing your own car oil if you have the time, tools, and interest in doing so. 

I want this blog to be candid and honest, with no b.s. or agenda.  I hope that it will help current and future investors make their way through the weeds and achieve profitability.

As this is my first post and it really needs something for your to takeaway, my first words of advice are: Know what the heck you are buying.  We took on a client last week who just bought a house literally over the phone.  It appeared to be a good deal.  The realtor told them it was a good deal.  They spent $312,000 on the property.  

Well, our manager drove to the cabin to meet the new owners, who were from out-of-state.  It turns out, the cabin is in a trailer house area that is known for cock fighting and drug activity.  The road to get to the cabin is treacherous.  And the cabin needs about $50,000 of repairs, which will take over 6 months, just to get ready to rent.

The new owners are absolutely sick.  But never did they step a foot inside the state of Tennessee to actually look at what they were buying.  Note to self...