I live in Orange County, CA but I have extended family there and like the opportunities that exist in that area.

I currently serve some great STR markets like Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach and I'm in the process of getting my Alabama license so that I can work in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores as well. 

I am just up the street from you in Orange County. 

You're comparing apples with oranges. 

We have been investing in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area since 2009. 

https://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/leg/upload/Winter-10-ACL-Proposal-Real-Property-Section-Utility-Liens.pdf

If you are handy and you live locally, it may work out  But if you need a contractor to come from a larger city, they will charge an arm and a leg, if they come at all. 

The horse property gives me a leg up.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I am in Orange County CA and do a lot of furnished rentals for myself and clients.Initially I was focusing on nurses [housing4nurses.com - not active] then realized a few things and switched primarily from just nurses [we would advertise on Furnishedfinders.com and CHBO.com etc., FFB too, to all sorts of guests.

I feel like I can't because those are apples and oranges but just thought I'd ask.