I see alot of promotion of STR and MTR; but, when I ran numbers using the sites as I mentioned in #1 it seems many are vacant 40-60% of time in key touristy destinations in Florida and Texas.

Do I have any options or am I destined to be on the losing position?

My first recommendation would be to research the rules and regulations on vacation rental usages of less than 30 nights in your personal favorite destinations.

I've spent a lot of time in the Pensacola/Destin area and the winters are too cold. 

But it got me in the game and they’re in great areas🙏That being said, this year I really would like to purchase a vacation home / STR in a touristic place like a Pigeon Forge, Broken Bow, Destin, etc. 

We aren’t really a honeymoon destination so we don’t have many 1 beds or A-frames. 3 bed can be the best bang for your buck in terms of cost sq/Ft, but it’s also the most competitive.

Hard to beat the beaches, and of course, who doesn't love The Back Porch in Destin and the Wharf in Orange Beach? 

David J Dachtera"Success is not a destination.

It is going to be a destination, not just a place to shop.

I'd worry about Chelan's lack of winter activities as a destination location.