Regina, my sister is  currently stationed in Cleveland (coast guard), what are some good areas for her to scout for potential investment?

I'm glad to help with info, or potential rental estimates for properties you're thinking about on the STR side.

I do look at the relationship to the potential renter. 

We saw immediate potential in this quick flip opportunity.

(cash flow, tax benefits, potential for appreciation) Whats the timeline?  

One of the potential advantages of property managers is access to the vendors they use. 

Actually most potential guests ask how far to Dollywood and how far to hiking (arguably Gatlinburg could win the hiking).

The advantage if needed by calling it an investment home is that you can use the potential income from the property to help your debt to income ratio where you cannot do this on a second home. 

Outer Banks is a beautiful area, but both my wife and I are concerned about the potential hurricanes in the area.

There is much to learn: pricing, marketing, screening, contract law, lease enforcement, late/unpaid rent, property abandonment, squatters, maintenance, tenant neglect or abuse, communication, and 417 other things.Buying a decent property but not managing it well can impact your finances, marriage, sanity, physical health, and desire to invest.