The 96%-occupied shopping center, one of the largest retail centers in Georgia, attracts over 8 million visitors a year.

After growing up on the lake and nearly a year of real estate research here is what I can tell you:There are pros and cons right now in Branson related to STR:Pros:  -Branson is popular and growing in popularity - approximately 8 million visitors annually for a city of 10k population is pretty massive-Peak season is definitely the summer months, but even September-December do relatively well from a tourist standpoint. 

With our rural site situated midway between the DFW Metroplex & Austin off I-35 with easy access from San Antonio & Houston as well as cross-country travelers and even international visitors from Europe, Canada, Australia & Israel, drawing guests was NOT a problem. 

There is increased drama, increased lease violations, parking problems in your community with up to seven different cars (plus visitors), increased wear-and-tear (particularly in a single-bath home), and a dozen other problems.Despite having SEVEN able-bodied adults living in this rental, they can't afford rent?

I have also debated turning this into an airbnb or hotel given the navy base and how many visitors it gets (think foreign military, family visits, etc...).

Up-and-coming areas: Consider areas like Heights, Fifth Ward, or Third Ward, which offer potential for growth and affordability while still attracting visitors.

It's even tougher when you have time and other constraints, too.However, that describes virtually everyone who gets started in real estate, or at last those who post, visit or even just lurk on these forums.Paying for education is pretty typical.

Also I am having more and more difficulty finding insurance companies service STRs.My agent recommended a visitor covering option to my regular insurance.

The driving factor is that there are 20-30 percent more rentals on the market than there were a couple of years ago - particularly in the outlying areas - while visitors to the GSMNP has only slightly increased in 2023 over 2022.  

Things such as; toilet paper, drinking water, pet supplies, linens and hot tub chemicals and cleanings that we didn't initially factor into our Pro Forma's..The costs of these are real, but even realer are the stocking, cleaning and preparing a space for visitors in a few hours between check ins.