And in part, it depends on the investors and capital that you have access to (this tends to play a factor in many decisions when raising outside capital).If you do want to go the fund route, you might want to consider using Avestor. 

This plays into the affordability issues for tenants by allowing them to live in nicer neighborhoods for less money, yet I get monthly revenue comparable to short-term rentals.

I am far from an expert in this field as I have been learning alot myself but cap rate does play a role in your type of business.

I see it as most people are so wore out from being at the parks all they that they pass out and get up early to do it again.I don't even turn on the TV when I'm there.Kids have tablets to watch their stuff and play games on.

I love the Smokies as a long-term play.

The rooms are unfurnished and the tenants are very low-maintenance (hardly know they are there). 2+Unit Buildings here and nearby currently sell for $1.5M on average.I bought the property 16 years ago, so my mortgage rate is very low (2.2%) Even though the property is cashflow positive, my bigger play is the average 5% yearly appreciation.I'm looking for others who are interested in house-hacking in this neighborhood. 

RE is a long term play.

That’s where details come into play.

The STR is a hospitality play.

Let’s be honest, I’ve watched folks who jump into this game as if playing roulette.. firing off offers on duplexes in Phoenix or leaning on some “sure-thing” house hack in Austin without ever sketching out their plan.