Jonathan is right about making sure you have a strategy, and Syracuse is not considered a vacation destination for sure. 

If you're thinking about renting out when you're not around, I'd advise using a short-term rental strategy, the numbers are strong and it's a lucrative market.The attractions there range from zip-lining, white-water rafting, and wineries, there's even more to discover, which is what's driving more traffic to the area and it has truly become a great destination spot. 

It's not in a destination area, but in a fairly large city in a nice neighborhood.  

Quote from @Daniel Rabinov: Would love to hear the opinion of anyone on how exactly he would take $1,000,000 cash and utilize it to meet the targets below.Please, if any agents/brokers are replying, don't talk about the market you work in as it's a bias opinion due to the nature of your work.I currently live in Spain, but can oversee projects and physically arrive at a destination if needed but not relocate.Goals:1.

There needs to be a major destination hospital nearby or large teaching hospital.

@David Friedman I love this.You have huge parking options.You have two arts and cultural destinations there.I think your idea of attracting a restaurant is a great idea to help with the place making of that corner. 

It's a destination and adventure.

Final decisions are influenced by local demand, seasonality, popularity of tourist destinations and other factors.

I was also wondering, would you take 2 paths and end up at the same destination, ie 1) Pay off houses save up cash buy rentals, 2) Use leverage now buy rentals with 20% down , do you just end up in the same place ?

For furniture I went to a local store with a location in this area (I am in Carmel, IN and the properties referenced are both in Destin, FL - Havertys is in both).