I received the following recommendations:Franklin Park, Mt Prospect, Westchester, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, La Grange, Brookfield, Woodridge, Lisle, Wheaton South Suburbs: Palos Park, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Midway Area (60638 zip code – Clearing/Garfield Ridge)Best, F

We're planning on using the equity we've built to purchase a vacation rental investment property in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Hi, I am new to STR, currently exploring Blue Ridge GA because my in-laws live in Georgia.

The area around Ijams has been hot, Oak Ridge and Maryville can be good, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for short term rentals, and lots of other options.As far as neighborhood stats on crime and appreciation, etc I have found Neighborhood Scout gives a good overview:https://www.neighborhoodscout....Also, @Derek Tellier hosts a local meet up where you will find a lot of good people sharing inforamtion.Hope that helpsKen

I live and Basking Ridge  New Jersey.

I've read quite a bit about how dangerous the southern area of Montclair is, specifically near Bloomfield Ave and Glenfield Park, by the Glen Ridge border, and that it should be avoided.

Is blue ridge strong enough or should I simply pay more to go where the tourists are and keep looking primarily at the smokies?

My properties are in Park Ridge Illinois.

Especially area near tech ridge.

I would assume that the old system uses R-22 refrigerant, and the new will be R-410 which will be much more energy efficient.I would recommend getting a price from both Blue Ridge Heating & Air, and McGrady Perdue.