Family has a house in Destin so that is ideal for us personally but it looks like we can afford something a bit nicer in Panama City. 

The city and surrounding areas' robust job market, relatively low cost of living, and pro-business climate make it an attractive destination for in-state an out of state investors.

Over the last two years, I've sold off most of my investment residences, and am "living on the beach" near Destin, FL. 

So non OC rentals can still take traffic with guests destined for theme parks it's just not their primary focus. 

Go on VRBO and see what your competition is really getting as far as occupancy and rates.....I don’t agree that airdna is flawed, it may be a market by market thing but here in the Destin/PCB area they are fairly accurate.  

It’s been a tourist destination for a while, but I think it will continue to garner more and more attention from out of towners. 

As I explore the possibility of purchasing my first multifamily property, I am eager to establish meaningful contacts and gain a deeper understanding of the investment market trends and differences in the region.While I have conducted preliminary research on potential investment destinations, I find firsthand experiences to be invaluable.

I would say the Midwest area has a lower investment costs than a vacation destination like Gatlinburg or Smokies, beaches, etc. 

Keep in mind, this is a Global destination that everyone, everywhere has heard of and wants to experience.

Understanding that Florida is a tourist destination, and also a retirement destination for most of the United States and Canada, when the crash hit, it hit Florida much harder than other states.