After that, there’s a shoulder season with plenty of weekend bookings, but once winter hits, things slow down a lot.

My other option is to find a renter for 6 months to help cover the payments over the winter.

If I don't pay my bill they have no problem cutting off my heat in the winter or a/c in the middle of a 110-degree heat wave here in Texas!

Many of the lakes in North Georgia are controlled by the TVA and they drop the lake levels significantly in the winter.  

However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:Regulatory Variations: Regulations can vary widely between locations and are constantly evolving.Active Management: STRs require more hands-on management for guest turnover and communication.Additional Costs: Don’t forget about expenses for furnishings, cleaning, and possibly hiring a property manager.If you’re looking for STR-friendly areas, consider these locations, as others can be too expensive to consider, such as Snowmass Village or Aspen:Breckenridge: The most visited ski resort in North America, attracting around 3 million tourists each year.Steamboat Springs: A popular year-round destination for winter sports and summer activities.Keystone: Great for those wanting a less crowded resort experience.Divide & Florissant: Charming mountain towns close to Colorado Springs.Fairplay: Just 30 minutes south of Breckenridge, with an impressive 82% Airbnb occupancy rate.Cripple Creek: A former mining town now known for casinos and outdoor activities.Park County: Very Airbnb-friendly, though regulations may change.Here are some strategies to help you succeed in the STR market:Hybrid Model: Consider using some units for STRs and others for long-term rentals to balance income.Research Local Regulations: Always check the current rules in your target areas before investing.Year-Round Appeal: Focus on locations that attract visitors in all seasons.Quality Furnishings: Invest in quality to justify higher nightly rates and attract better guests.Dynamic Pricing: Use pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak seasons while maintaining occupancy in the off-season.Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the market and regulations change.While Colorado’s STR market offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it strategically.

Plus winter is coming...

With reduced supply this could have a positive affect on rental revenue this upcoming winter season for short-term rental owners of homes that were not negatively impacted by the storm.

Conde Nast Traveler recently announced their 'Top 10 Trips everyone in the US should add to their bucket list' and it features some impressive vacation regions and activities:- Hot Air Ballooning, New Mexico- Bluegrass Trail, Virginia- Visiting Point Dume Malibu, California- Horseback Riding, Wyoming- Airboat tour Everglades, Florida- Winter expedition cruise, Alaska- Spiral Jetty, Utah- Camping In Acadia National Park, Maine/Rhode Island/Massachusetts - Trekking the Bayou, Louisiana - Wine country, Willamette Valley & Napa Valley Oregon/California 

I'm looking for somewhere that at the very least, would make a great winter home when I retire in fifteen to twenty years....  

Info pulled off MLS directly.Main Message Here: Winter is coming!