I am exploring the possibility of buying a STR - this would be my first time owning any rental property, so I have a bunch of newbie questions.  One area that has caught my attention is the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN ...

I'm in Austin TX:Higher downpayment and cash flow negative balanced by appreciation opportunities is a strategy that a lot of investors I work with use.

The city's population has been steadily growing, driven by its economic opportunities and relatively low cost of living.

The key is to create more well-paying jobs in Worcester, close to where people live.

Maybe some opportunities that are early on and could see some substantial growth over time.

@Francie Bea good job..

I have experience with delayed purchases and would the opportunity to tell you more 

When looking for a PM, consider these criteria:1) the experience and credentials of the broker who supervises the company as well as the lead property manager2) the services they offer and how they line up with your needs and expectations3) the use of technology to make their job and yours easier 4) if they have a landlord-tenant attorney on retainer to help guide them on legal issues (not to mention the creation of lease agreement, landlord forms and notices, etc.)5) their process and policy for a) listing, b) application, c) tenant selection, d) routine inspections, e) maintenance services, f) property and tenancy update reports to you, g) lease enforcement policy, and f) move-out process.6) property owner reviews (caution: you can't always rely on Google reviews, because they may not reflect actual quality of the company, but still) 7) beneficial programs for both owner and tenant 8) a property management agreement that would indicate they know what they're doing and have the experience to know what matters in a PMA.

Seeking partners who possess a keen understanding of local real estate dynamics and can offer valuable insights into promising investment opportunities.

With quicker transactions and less market saturation than traditional real estate, this niche offers unique growth opportunities.