Charming SFR What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

The proximity to the wedding venue and charm/uniqueness of the house made it an easy decision to buy.

I think an STR would need to offer something to people to tempt them from staying with their own relatives, and to me that means a pool, charm, entertaining, romantic, etc..

Hard to find 4br's in the Smokies at that price point now, much less one in a good location and with exterior charm that will drive clicks on Airbnb/VRBO.I think this entirely comes down to your view on the broader market going forward. 

We had a two bidding wars that wound up leading to the potential buyers asking for ridiculous contingencies, and the third time was charm.

We brought back the charm of the home and essentially made everything new.

Storm ponds, storm sewers, fire suppression systems, parking, ADA, fire hydrants, roads and access, fencing, utility acces and sizing,  D.  

Not sure how CA is, but I have used Jay's technique, even with banks in doing a shortsale or deals such as what you are pursuing, and it will work like a charm from time to time.

I have lived here since 1998 and love the island, including all of the charm you mentioned. 

I was in Thailand for the first time last month. charming place  if it was not a 20 hour flight I would go there a few times a year