The markets I am interested in are Northern Virginia (Blue Ridge Mountain area) and the Upstate NY/Catskill area.

The inventory here and in the Catskills is pretty low, which is the main struggle right now, but there are definitely deals and flips to be had, especially if you have connections here, or your own team to do the work. 

Does your realtor work in Catskill area /Lake George ?

Hi BP,I'm looking at an AirBnb rental in the Catskills.

A few years back I was visiting friends in the Catskills and when I got there he apologized for breakfast taking so long because there was virtually no water in the faucet.

here’s a good thread on the challenges you’ll face in the Poconos:https://www.biggerpockets.com/...I prefer investing in the Southern US (way higher year-round occupancy rates & way more money to be made) but if you’re really intent on buying a property in the northeast, remember that the 30 million people in the nyc area tend to vacation more in the catskills, hudson valley, berkshires, adirondacks & green mtns (vermont) more than the poconos.

@Robyn J.Hi, I used CBL Home inspections in Catskill twice in the past 6 months and found him to be very thorough.

Stamford is dubbed the "Queen of the Catskills" based on this history and this was one of those premiere cottage properties attached to historic lodge across the street.

We've nowhere near completely narrowed down different towns (there are SO MANY), but are currently very interested in Hunter and Catskill bc of the apparent STR prospects. 

I know the Catskill area very well as we have been going up there for almost 30 years to that area.