Instead of paying down someone else’s mortgage, you’re setting yourself up for bigger and better deals down the road.Your first deal is going to depend on a lot of factors—how important is location?

* What are some factors to consider when identifying these hot spots?

Cash flow is defined as the money left over after paying for all expenses, including setting aside a certain amount to cover projected expenses like maintenance, vacancies, or capital expenditures.EXAMPLE:Property Price: $250,000Down Payment (25%): $62,500Loan Amount: $187,500Interest Rate: 6.5%Loan Term: 30 yearsMonthly Mortgage Payment: $1,185Monthly ExpensesMortgage Payment: $1,185Property Taxes: $250Insurance: $100Maintenance (10% of rent): $250Vacancy and CapEx (20% of rent): $500Rental IncomeMonthly Rent: $2,500Total Expenses: $2,285Cash FlowNet Cash Flow: $215 per month 💰However, there are many other factors to consider.

Sapphire is much more of a vacation home community.The deciding factor for me was that Sapphire and Cashiers don't have a lot to do, except for golf and hiking.

There are more factors than just the community (#beds, level of theming, location to the amenities, style of home (single family, townhome, condo) and others) But I would strongly advise to stay within some of the same communities you mentioned like Storey Lake, Windsor Hills, Championsgate and a few others if cash flow is your goal.

The major factor to standing out in any market is design.

The factors you mentioned are very important to keep in mind for any investment, but I like investing in areas I know. 

@Jon LaBorde An estimate like that is going to be useless for you because it depends on so many factors.

@Alex Messner, your decision, amongst other factors, mainly depends on you and your wife's financial profile. 

I mean by safest is on the volatility, for example STRs have many different factors, seasons of the year, local government regs and much more.