I think the shift in demand is primarily due to (i) locals (within 2-3 hour drive) being more open to travel to further destinations despite the pandemic and (ii) significantly increased STR supply in the market (the number of permits in operations today are apx. 2x what they were early 2020). 

Alaska, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona round out the top five, while Vermont ranks as the safest state.Travel Abroad from Vegas: Las Vegas' Reid International Airport now offers direct flights to 10 international destinations, including cities in Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama City, Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and South Korea.

None of the cities listed are destination tourism cities.

STRs usually do better when they are at destination locations such as beaches, lake homes, mountain cabins.... 

You can usually get the zoning destination with the property listing, then look that designation up in the town's zoning code to see which uses are allowed there.Basement habitation - There is a concern that limited egress, fire and CO are major risks to bedrooms and habitation in general of basements.

You're signing up for an absolute meat grinder of a job with the hope that you can someday stabilize it and build something that could be put on cruise control or sold.As for tactical advice, tap into your network and alumni network.

I was wondering if there is an alternate destination such as the out-ish skirts of Indianapolis?

STR (if more than 50/100 miles from your home, or at a destination like lake house or beach house), allows you to put 10% down vs 15/20% down for conventional financing. 

Oh that’s actually great to know you owned in Destin West.

For those who’ve purchased their first vacation rental in the Destin or Panama City Beach area (or surrounding areas, too), what’s one thing you wish you’d known beforehand?