As far as the demand, this area isn't just an "investor only" destination.

The list below shows all national park sites, which include national monuments, lakeshores, historic sites, and other more obscure destinations managed by the park service.While my initial message was probably too cynical, I am happy to help if you think that I can be a resource.

ATL will most likely be out  long term destination, which is why are are looking into that market. 

Area had appeal due to its obvious reputation as a strong STR market and its year round success as a destination.  

Gatlinburg is almost a year-round destination.

Off the top of my head...big destination areas (I moved in 1992 so these may be dated) aside from Big Bear,Lake ArrowheadAny proximity to Disneyland...and potentially Knott'sPalm SpringsSalton SeaAny beach area (Fiesta Island down in San Diego is often overlooked...and pretty much across from Sea World)Lake Isabella/Wofford Heights/KernvilleSolvang (go visit the Good Life and tell them I sent you - I graduated high school with one of the owners)Catalina Island?

I'd invest for income and use the income to fund my deals.Even in a joke savings account (or six or more to be FDIC insured) at 1% is still $10,000 a month in interest.David J Dachtera"Success is not a destination.

(My fiancé would prefer this route given her social media knowledge and talent – confident that we could create a destination location that generates bookings year round)Additionally, I have a solid W-2 income (>$175K) that I’m using as my foundation to fuel new investment opportunities.

We also have this in our house rules, our rental agreement, in our welcome email we send 5 days prior to their arrival, and their pre-night check-in message.This may limit us for people that are farther away and want to fly to these destinations, but there appears to be enough demand within a drive-able distance that we haven't seen any issues to date.Mike

I live in Destin and have a great contractor.