Garrett you seem to be confusing an economic discussion with a political one.

I did take a brief look into vacation rentals and just never thought they cash flowed enough after management fees to make sense economically. 

Decline of DetroitFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAn abandoned house in Delray, Detroit.The city of Detroit has gone through a major economic and demographic decline in recent decades.

That clues you into their level of education, their social status (I know that isn't politically correct, but face it) their economic/financial position.

My mantra is to assist in economically revitalizing San Antonio's original inner communities.  

Remember that market doesn't mean just your location, but the economic climate at that point in time in that location. 

This is where the bulk of RE knowledge is, deeds, title, ownership rights, encumbrances, encroachments, liens, economic aspects, what RE is and what makes it valuable, valuation methods, legal contracts, disclosures, surveying, laws of agency, this stuff hasn't changed and is the basic foundation of all strategies used by operators and investors.Learn real estate first, then how to deal in real estate. :)Brian, I'll have a surprise for you soon enough, LOL.As will happen starting out, new investors have set backs, friends don't pony up as thought, a seller gets wishy washy and backs out, even with some seed money help to kick off with, finding the right deal can take time.  

Here are some things that I found out too that might help you with the decision:- unless self-managed, management companies aren't cheap- not sure about oregon, but some vacation rentals need to pay transient occupancy tax (there is probably a certain threshold of days rented)That being said, I have also spoken to other investors who are quite bullish on the economics of vacation rentals. 

I would like to know how the more experienced members feel about cities which have chained very little in the past 20 years. If you would like a specific context, The Dalles Oregon.That’s the town I grew up in and am ...

Down payment amountFuture economic factorsMaintenance costsAnd that concept call Opportunity CostI ran across this Post in the New York Times today and I’ve spent two hours analyzing it.