HI Jared,Some random thoughts on this.Houghton Lake in Michigan is it's largest inland lake at 20,000+ acres.It is a beach lake and a sport boat lake as well as a fishing lake.It is a vacation destination.It sisters up to Higgins Lake which is considered by many as a good fishing lake at about 10,000 acres.To me 50 acres seem like a pond.What do the vacationers think of the two lakes, are they equal in desire for the same reasons?

More business in Charlotte and the Triangle means more NC residents, which naturally means more vacationers along the coastline and in the mountains. 

IE, if you focus on STRs and vacationers, you will not be able to take advantage of someone who needs it for 3 months.

SPI is a vacationers place to relax and have fun.

When designing your STR, do you attempt to attract as many vacationers as possible or do you design with a specific population in mind and try to cater to them in return for slightly higher ADR?

Generally 1 week to 1 month rentals have a negative impact on value as many retail buyers don't want to be bothered by an influx of vacationers or short term renters.

Predominant reason being we love the Smokey Mountains ourselves, we enjoy going there and specifically picked the TN side for the shear amount of vacationers that pass through and it’s mostly consistent rental volume throughout the year. 

I would start there.Two sides: On the one hand I don't see the area growth or the vacationers slowing down anytime soon.

Most vacationers go to HomeAway/VRBO, FlipKey and the other rental listing websites to find vacation homes to rent.

When vacationers show up and their accomodations don't meet their expecations, it could ruin their vacation.