WHEW, that by itself screams excellent news. 

We have zero STR experience.Long ago I heard that you should build a log style cabin in the Smokies because that's what visitors expect.

In fact, you won't last long if you are just trying to maximize your commission at the expense of your clients because you need new clients to grow your business and 90% of advisors find their next client from their last one.It is easy to yell and scream about how bad a financial product is - in this case life insurance - but maybe instead of listening to the shouters, you should listen to the people here who have posted that they are having success with a particular financial product. 

If the Ideal investor is a frequent visitor of wine and cheese events, than you are also a frequent visitor of wine and cheese events.

This is screaming remodel and repair.People are not willing to rent the property at a below market rate for some reason so tread carfully as this could be a money pit.

I am just concerned members and visitors of BP will see GC, watch his videos, believe in his pitch, lay down tens of thousands of dollars (which most don't have) and be left up sh--ts creek without a paddle. 

The current market is not just a little inflated, it is absolutely crazy (at least in the areas I know and hear about).If I were planning on buying Real Estate, I would wait.....unless of course there is an obviously screaming deal....

Just being honest man, REI isn't for you.  3 rental properties with 100k in reserves in the bank doesn't scream stress.  

More visitors take advantage of the area in the summer vs winter

On really good deals I can occasionally get 1.5% if I find a screaming deal.