Lenders sometimes have rules with owner occupancy so I would check with each individual lender and see if that is a specific route you could take!

If I go down that route and proceed with buying a home, then I would rent it out while I am away.

In this approach the money needed up front is half of what it would be going conventional route, because banks charge closing fees that can be up to 4% of sales price

I think I'll see what I can do in regards to the non-occupied route.

By offering smaller, more affordable options for solo travelers or couples, you could potentially attract more bookings year-round.I think it's worth considering the property management route.

It's showing negative cash flow now and the hope would be to get the rents to where we can break even at the least.https://www.biggerpockets.com/...Ive also been looking into the Florida market condos (Naples and Miami) as another avenue....is that a better route to go?

Recommendation from my CPA is that we file the whole duplex as a LTR, but then we obviously couldn't offset my W2 income if we went that route.

Also, I need to do more homework on the creative finance route.

The property is located in the Smokey Mountains area/ Gatlinburg, 4/2, +2k square feet and I plan on using it for a STR.What types of measure can I go through if I go the lease option agreement route instead of the purchase agreement route? 

One of you might choose to go a different route.