I.e. the value-add player that has moved to more core deals, or heavier performance alignments shifting overtime to more fee heavy structures.

Keep this in mind when calculating potential profitability.Research active and potential competitive rentals in your intended market near Gatlinburg, not just through AirDNA, but searching booking platforms.

If that were true the various real estate niches would have almost unlimited competition and profits would head toward 0.  

So competition is high.

I am not looking to waive the inspection but what other options can I present that people have used which makes the offer competitive.

Luckily the personal referral had the most competitive bid and ended up going that direction.

I use Pricelabs but have had to recalibrate based on extra fees, competition, experience, etc.

When I started out it was swinging hammers, DIY projects, and managing local contractors for heavy lifting.

What about the competition? 

There is always room to add another property and make a decent return, but it requires enough knowledge/experience to create a rental that is unique enough to attract renters away from the competition.