I'm considering buying some recreational property in nearby areas with lots of tourism.

Maybe some of you don´t mean this  per se but in general your mindset is embracing clear and precise dog whistles that are utilized to marginalize groups, targeting them for discrimination.

"Subtle Art of Not giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson taught me to embrace the fear of failing and use it as a learning tool.

Las Vegas unemployment is still above 10% and the tourism industry is just starting to recover.

Shorter terms certainly won't hurt you - lower interest rate, higher ROI on that specific property :-)If you haven't already absorbed it - I recommend you fully embrace the 50% rule - plan like operating costs (excluding financing) are going to consume 50% of your rents. ie don't spend 100% of your cashflow on living and get caught by vacancy, economic downturn, rising interest rates, new roof etc :-)My advice is to just keep talking specifics with your Dad about his investment objectives so you and he will understand each other and enjoy your great relationship.

Is it a place that you grew up vacationing, that you used to live near, some niche hobby that has a travel/tourism element (ice fishing, hiking National Parks that aren't the 6 that everyone knows, motorcycle rallies, etc.), or some other specific knowledge that would give you an unfair advantage over other investors?

To make the numbers work.Thankfully, in the last year I have either overcome the issue or accepted/embraced the reality.

Our market is Carolina Beach in NC, so we have high tourism

There's no economy except tourism.

Tourism is a huge part of the economy here.