This is a good way to compare across submarkets (ex: Pensacola vs Destin vs PCB). 

Destin to Panama City beach for short term rentals: Strong tourism and beautiful beaches, feeder market that makes it easy for people to travel down to emerald coast (airports), tons of gentrification and construction, high affluence, limited land, you can only short term on the south side of highway 98, family oriented and safe. 

However I still think the US as a real estate destination may be worth all this hassle!

It truly is all about the journey, not the destination.

I am currently living in NW Florida near Destin, FL  (Actually Freeport, FL).

I have started out building a 12-Year real estate investment plan and one of the Investment types that I do not know much about (Except for how to book one) is Short Term Rentals (AirBnB's, Vrbo's Etc)My modest plan includes buying 5-6 STRs in destination cities! 

There are a lot so it must be a good destination.

It seems to me that with Covid and lack of travel/shift in what people are looking for it seems (a place where all the amenities are there and not having to go out for entertainment for example) looks to be popular - a destination location.Any info/opinion etc would be great from other members of the community here.

But you’ve discovered the impact they have on cash flow.You can do well with fee simple properties .Just be patient snd ready to pounce when you see the right place.There is a reason why our island is always on the list of top vacation destinations!

I understand that its turning into a mini Palm Springs and i see it is becoming a destination spot for out of state and even people from France, Germany and other spots...I got into the JT market by accident.