Great restaurants, progressive-minded, large university. 

Keep the beautiful images of your STR up and looking charming, set up your own free website with videos, photos of activities in the area, lists of restaurants, hiking, historic whatever.

I've been in the restaurant business way to long these 8o our work weeks are catching up to me lol

Andrew, is there much of a STR market in Florida beach cities in the downtown areas where restaurants, bars, and shopping are?

We chose Oak Island because of the entry cost and ability to acquire a property in very close distance to the ocean, and also restaurants, for a lower price point.

Think of looking at a bunch of restaurants at once to see what one sounds good.

I typically call those with Mexican last names first.  

This is almost like saying you open a restaurant and need to make separate bank accounts for payroll, utilities, customers, taxes, insurance, repairs, supplies, food, etc....Learn to do some bookkeeping and it will make your life, and your accountant's/cpa's life much easier. 

Its more like going to different restaurants and trying to order that perfect meal.

I think it will be a good solid long term property and it is a great location for me personally (5 minutes from my house, 15 minutes from where my kids attend school, and walking distance to my favorite Mexican restaurant).I have been able to trim operating expenses over $250 per month so far and think I'll potentially be able to trim them another $200 or so per month within the next month or so.