I sometimes listen to Dave Ramsey when I am on the road as a last resort. 

I know that areas close to the resorts are the best, Sugar Loaf as an example.

I have a short term rental in a resort community (Wild Dunes) in Isle of Palms, SC (20 minutes from Charleston, SC) that IS a cash cow.

Hard money should be your last resort. 

As a landlord I want the following out of my management companyTo rent my unit quickly Advertise my unit effectively show to as many people as possible Insure I get market rent Manage repairs (I do not want to ever have to deal with issues other than yes that quote is approved)Insure repairs are as low cost as possible Insure I get my rent when duedisburse rent quickly once receivedlower turnover Most of all I want you to manage the property, reach out to me as last resort but you should handle all issues.

That is a last resort for a developer. 

I've been having a bit of trouble identifying a lender for these types of condos and have had to resort to paying cash.  

Our portfolio know includes our own home, a duplex, that same triplex, and a condo - all in New Orleans, 3 beach front condos in Gulf Shores, AL, a condo in Dallas, and a lake home in a resort community in North AL.  

We own in a resort and we have a group of close knit owners and we know that’s in everyone’s best interest.

I'd have to know more about the property to provide more guidance, but should have options well before resorting to hard money/private financing.