Just go to the casino at that point bro.

The home buying process typically follows these key steps:Assess Your Finances: Review your credit score, savings, and determine how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Work with a lender to get pre-approved, which gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.Find a Real Estate Agent: Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market and can guide you through the process.Search for Homes: Browse listings and visit properties that fit your criteria (location, size, price, etc.).Make an Offer: When you find a home you like, submit an offer through your agent, including contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.).Home Inspection & Appraisal: Once the offer is accepted, hire an inspector to ensure the home’s condition and the lender will order an appraisal to verify the property’s value.Secure Financing: Finalize your mortgage by submitting required documents and ensuring the lender clears you for closing.Closing: Sign the final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!

And I know that the tourism infrastructure (restaurants , activities) has some catching up to do aside from the new casino that is opening up.

you can browse the forums and view other threads, i found these for example:Newbie New Build for STR Questionsbuild from scratch STR in my home vacation market?

I'm located in central CT and have been browsing and taking in whatever information I can from different areas to get started on my journey.

If  you are in the 20% range, you are better off going to the casino and putting all of your money on black and seeing what happnes.Since you are out of the area properly calculating cash on cash returns can be difficult because you have variable expenses to calculate. 

In addition to using AirDNA, research active and potential competitor rentals in your target market near Gatlinburg by browsing booking platforms.

Oh Boy, I went browsing today......and I found an old building with reatil space (leased) on first floor and 2 separate attached Studios, and a 1 bedroom apartment. 

Tropicana Imploded Early This Morning: The historic Tropicana hotel and casino was demolished in a dramatic implosion, marking the end of an era.

Funny, IIRC, I believe seeing this exact property as I've been browsing their site for quite some time now.