Getting a base 8-15% return instead of 2-3% before actual “profit” puts you way ahead of the cash buyer. 

I have gone through the entire course and I will tell you to go ahead and give it a shot. 

My question is this - does Johnson City receive enough visitation to justify a successful STR?

Work with agents, check out Google and take a visit.

You can rent a place to lay a head. 

because we have a strong demand for them and great str laws.The Triangle is visited year-round by travelling professionals in the research, medical, IT, and education space.

that OR consider buying a property you could short-term rent to people who literally just want to visit the casino if it's a large/decent one. 

Would it be wise to use a HELOC on our current residence to use for a down payment on a new propertyHi David, as someone who works with a lot of OOS investors, I would let you know that most of the clients I work with have never physically visited when buying their first investment property - the most important thing is working with a great investor agent and doing proper due diligence.

So I used to work for a basketball tournament that played in Washington IL every year and so I often visited that town plus Peoria.

You’re already ahead of the game—stick with Central Florida, and you’ll crush it!