When we compared options a few years ago it was the best proven product for us at the time.

Much cheaper and a better finished product....

Much better end product for sure.

There are still pockets in those areas but if you screen and give a good product you can attract great tenants. 

If you're referring to Airbnb/VRBO insurance for damages then I would say the clear answer is "no" but you can purchase a variety of products to lower your risk.For bookkeeping, doing it yourself or hiring a bookkeeper would both make sense.STRs will have all of the expenses that an LTR would have plus a bunch more like toiletries for example. 

And, while I can't speak to Gulf Shores or the panhandle specifically, I know a number of friends that bought a property assuming Airbnb/STR would be the saving grace, to be out of the business within 18 months because they could never push rents because they had an ordinary product competing in a sea of ordinary product. 

I'm considering bulying a 22 acre property that has a productive avocado and lemon grove on it as well as a home for my family and a separate residence for my parents.

It seems like a dramatic failure to me. what I have seen is landlords in markets were houses actually sell for a lot to retail buyers they just sell them and take the rentals out of production..

Most new STR investors are purchasing the cheapest product they can find and filling it with average amenities as they think it is a "safe play".

I simply want to make it a little more explicit:For those investors who may be confused, 1031 Exchanges and DSTs are not competing products or strategies.