I agree with the other two New Mexicans.

I'm sure there are some food service industry jobs In which you could earn $40k+ a year if you are putting in the hours while looking for a physics job.

After speaking with a broker in Virgin, UT, I learned that capitalizing on that  Zion national park tourist vacation rental market can be (relatively) pricey and challenging.My investor and I are looking for something close to nature or smack-dab in nature; but, still close enough to modern amenities to resolve any issues should they arise (emergencies/food etc).I learned that if you are in the mountains, you will more than likely not have year round access, no water/rights, 2 hours away from amenities and no management willing to make the drive to check on 1 cabin, needless to say it was a little discouraging to hear. 

We are particularly interested in areas allowing a great lifestyle (good food, spending heaps of time outside, close to the beach, quick and easy access to great cities, etc) such as California, South West of France, Barcelona, etc...We currently own a 2 bedroom apartment (paid cash) close to the beach and the main English schools in Malta.

Food and traveling are the two most important parts of my life!  

Patrick,Food for thought:http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article10059008.html - outdated, but still relevant.

Although I do wish they would not have left the mess and food sitting out in the open when they left (especially in the bedroom).

Just some food for thought. 

I have a tenant on food stamps who was at the social security office and saw me at the property when she got back.

We would give them to Mexican brokers who would take them to Mexico and replace them with card board shanties.