Desert Island), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Shenandoah, Mammoth Cave (though not quite at the 1M visitors threshold). 

Rather than looking at "good" areas, I'd ask you what cities/metro areas you like to visit or where you already have family or friends that live there.

Is there a peak season, or does Gulf Shores have a consistent flow of visitors year-round?

Morganton’s growing population and its appeal to both residents and visitors made this a strategic investment.

It screamed sketchy.

I came across an online course professing that you don’t need to visit or live near the properties you manage.

**Integrate Lead Forms or Call-to-Actions**: Add forms or buttons that encourage visitors to book viewings or request more details.2.

To me this property screams flip for someone getting started.  

This is particularly beneficial in popular tourist areas where demand for short-term lodging is high.Flexibility: Owners can choose when to rent their property, allowing them to use it personally during off-peak times.Support for Local Tourism: STRs provide a unique lodging option for tourists, helping to boost the local economy by attracting visitors who may prefer a home-like stay over traditional hotels.Diversification for Investors: STRs provide real estate investors with an additional income stream, especially if they own properties in tourist-heavy areas.Cons:Strict Regulations and Higher Fees: San Antonio recently updated its STR regulations.

Sorry to be a little late to the party, but I am not clear on what exactly you want to do.Do you want to separate the first floor from the basement and then use the basement for a crash pad for when you visit?Or