There's a lot of research you could do on VRBO/AirBNB/AirDNA to compare similar properties in terms of rates and occupancy, but my experience is that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are more popular because of the nearby amenities, nightlight, recreation, and other things to do. 

What value do you intend to provide your customers that those two options don't?

Yup you would, It is nike.Now look at this graph.The reviews tap is in between the how it works and the our company tab.It is not the most popular tab.

The regional ones tend to have most or all of the same services but tend to provide much better customer service. 

Some popular ones often mentioned as the best renters insurance companies include Lemonade, State Farm, and Allstate.

Some of my tenants do an epayment, Venmo being my most popular one.

Short-term rentals would be the way to go but you won't get a license in the most popular areas.

I always get asked when I approve a customer for a mortgage - Do You Have a Good Agent"If you want send me your email and I can add you to my Realtor contacts.  

We are currently hunting in the KC market but are looking to increase deal flow by adding a second market, different from KC which is very popular with investors. 

These properties were not distressed quite the opposite.. but they had 100k to 3 to 5 million of standing Timber on them that if we could purchase our Timber deed we could turn those trees to cash within 90 days..PS I had created a hand made custom data base of properties  10 acres or more not corporately owned that Aerial Photogramy show Standing Timber of an Age we deemed Merchantable.