Mini splits are finicky and you could need multiple heads (equivalent to thermostats) to create separate cooling zones, plus many are not rated for very cold outside temps like you get in Ohio winters.

We’re hoping for year round bookings and thinking they’ll be peaks in parts of the summer, fall, and winter.

From time to time I come across off market deals (not many rightnow but hopefully things improve during winter time).I would be happy to share any knowledge I’ve acquired over the last 4yrs as a landlord feel free to PM me.Thanks,Nick

I would target year round vacation areas that attract both summer and winter getaways such as Lake Winnie, the White Mountains for NH, and Portland, ME area . 

But the Fall/ Winter months are incredible, and as long as you pay the $400-600 a year for Flood Insurance, much of the stress is alleviated.  

Narragansett- You have winter URI rentals and summer weekly rentals.

Short-term would be fine but just be prepared for lease-ends at a time that may be tough to find new tenants (winter).

., not evicting in winter, now the moratorium), the non-paying tenants are still in the unit 14 months later.

This current winter kind of proved that! 

Make sure to speak with the HOA to ensure that there are no restrictions on STR's (sometimes they will require that you use a certain management company), that there are no extra fees for self management (there are a few on Holiday Isle that require you to pay them a certain amount per booking if you aren't using their in-house management), and any other restrictions that may trip you up.A lot of people look at the price of an HOA fee and immediately decide against investing in a condo.