@Aaron MoayedHi Aaron,I can only speak to my personal experience— which I Broker between Atlanta and Los Angeles for the entertainment industry.Los Angeles historically has been an appreciation play whereas Atlanta due to its significant filming and production and the migration of so many blue chip companies has been a great area for cash flow for my client, as they acquire properties at a lesser cost than in Los Angeles yet the rents can be arguably comparable.All that being said, it really depends on your financing structure for the acquisition.

As a bonus it's also only 15-20 minutes from the entertainment district in Arlington.

We entertained renting, but bought a 1400 SF split that was nice but needs updates.

I think the main difference is Gatlinburg has the Smokey Mountain National Park as a main interest for outdoor enthusiasts, where Branson has several big lakes that attracts fishing and boating enthusiasts. 

The towns around the park are pretty small and entertainment/food selection is limited.

In order for it to make sense for us to bring another partner in, we'd need a minimum of $100k and would entertain any amounts above that for more equity. 

Check out what VRBO says about scams https://help.vrbo.com/articles/How-to-Spot-a-Vacation-Rental...If a traveler asks to book off of the platform directly in the messaging, i don't entertain it.

I love the idea of getting a small single family in an outdoor recreational area i love to spend time in where i can rent it out when im not there. but it doesnt sound like a smart business decision. what are your thoughts?

I live near Richmond, but I am happy to travel over the mountains to go into Staunton or down to Lexington where there are as many good entertainment options as C-Ville and they don't cost as much.  

Because the property has 3 detached houses on one lot (a 2 bed/1 bath, a 1 bed/2 bath and a 1/1), I thought it would make a charming short term rental because guests can have an entire home at an affordable rate with nice shared grounds/outdoor space.