Investment properties in Utah are still expensive ($500k-$2.5 million) compared to other markets in the country, especially if the rentals are located near ski resorts, national parks, etc.

All the housing that’s around the Palisades and Northstar ski resorts is also unincorporated Placer County.

I'm in Dickinson county (Iron Mountain)  I'm a Resort owner and multifamily investor.

On Oahu, for example, we have "resort zoned" areas that are mostly hotels and condotels, and there is a permitting process, different property taxes, etc. for real estate bought in those zones.

Secondly, technically, to qualify for a second home loan, it must be located a specific distance from your primary residence or in a vacation or resort area such as near the ocean or by mountains.

There are diverse activities year round from lake beaches, hiking, sightseeing, leaf changing tours, skiing, indoor waterpark resorts, outdoor parks, farms, zoos and historic areas. 

Along with my 2 business partners I buy & build small micro-resorts and unique vacation rentals across the Appalachian region.

I've been turned down elsewhere prior so I took a chance with them as a last resort.

STR in those areas do well year round because of fall colors and ski resorts and snow mobiling if they are on a lake, but on the flip side you are paying significant more because they serve dual purpose.  

Hey @Atlas Blake, so the catamaran idea seems kinda separate deal to owning a STR.Is the plan to maybe buy or build up a small resort type place and do the catamaran thing as part of the stay?