I experience a huge swing in rates between high and low seasons in my market, and even though you're using Beyond Pricing, do you own research by identifying a handful of "like" properties and see what their base rates and nightly rates look like. 

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.I hope this basic guide helps.

In addition, I am taking an investing class of how to properly analyze a real estate investment.

My guess is the work needed to get it up and running properly, will be significantly more than the purchase price.

Unfortunately they haven't really been able to get proportional price per night above other cabins with the same occupancy to justify the amount of capex spent.

But while having grown up in similar areas,.I did not have the proper knowledge or protocols to deal with the tenant base...and so I lost money on a number of those investments.

If you will sleep better at night by executing your plan, them by all means do it. 

I saw this article last night and I was wondering how many of you feel the same?

EDIT: To clarify, have your agent schedule a showing and go through the proper steps to go in vacant houses, don't just "go into vacant houses"

Collin -Go on HomeAway, VRBO and/or Airbnb and look at the calendars of comparable short term rental vacation home properties in the area of the home you are considering purchasing.Here in the Orlando area, the nightly rates and occupancy %s for homes that are new or newly renovated with fun amenities are significantly higher compared to those that need renovating and offer limited fun amenities.