Both places are tri plexes.The catch is one house is 2.9 times larger in square foot than the other but it's only about 15% more expensive.

Any advice from commercial real estate folks and how I can get my foot in the door? 

You guys are starting on the right foot.  

., which leads to questions, delays, foot-dragging...I have a few applications submitted, but have not received any follow-up from the state on processing or approval.

I just did a quick check and theres a number of homes for sale under 225k, BUT I do not know what the town is like in the "off season", if I were in the STR business, and the spring/summer foot traffic is decent, Maggie Valley would seem like a no brainer for me.

I honestly don't pay much attention to the cost per square foot of the floor since it's generally such a small area.

Example a 50 foot enclosed bay for a Class A Mobile unit will require at least a 65 foot drive way, parking at a 90 degree. 

I stuck my foot in it LOL! 

Has anyone built any new homes recently and have an idea of cost per square foot these days? 

Well, since the meter is running, I wouldn't look at it as a general education or Q&A session.What do you want to do when the lawyer and CPA are done is the first question I'd ask myself before I set foot in front of them.