I successfully setup one in a ski resort town.

Struggled to access traditional financing and therefore had to resort to creative measures as I was hungry to get my first deal on the board.

If you have a chance I highly recommend you attend at least once, and up to 3-5 times so you can figure out how it works (and who the key players are).

@Suzanne Player moved out in about 2000 and live in Central MD.

Scholars tend to honor signed agreements without needing to resort to a court of law. 

Masthope, The Hideout, and Eagle Rock Resort.  

As a last resort, there are hard money lenders out there who will do new construction though they are expensive.

I just spoke to the county's treasury department yesterday and got a feel that Poconos are going to stay more STR friendly than other localities because, well, Poconos is a resort area.some townships do implement additional fees, like the yearly $500 you've mentioned. biggest obstacle is high property and school taxes, especially in Shawnee >$5k. next year the county going to present tax reassessment; im not seeing it going down. if you can make the numbers work, Pocono STR is a great idea.  

Intended to be a passive investment, but things changed when the builder passed away and communication became a challenge with the new players.

Finance of America Commericial being one of the stronger players.