Issue No. 60 · The Deal Drop
4
Properties this drop
$210K
Top Revenue
32%
Top ROI
📋 What’s Inside This Drop
Four different angles, four different markets — here’s the quick read on what’s worth a deeper look this drop.
Property 1 — Tobyhanna, PA: $400K value-add STR opportunity generating projected ~$130K/year (~32% ROI) with a fully renovated interior, 5-bedroom layout, and one of the strongest ROI profiles we've seen in the Poconos.
Property 2 — Indianapolis, IN: $440K STR opportunity generating projected ~$100K/year (~21% ROI) with a detached flex space, 5-bedroom potential, and multiple revenue strategies.
Property 3 — Sevierville, TN: $650K creekfront STR opportunity generating projected ~$118K/year (~18% ROI) with private trout fishing, a spacious outdoor setting, and room to increase revenue through additional amenities.
Property 4 — Swannanoa, NC: $1.08M mountain STR opportunity generating projected ~$210K/year (~20% ROI) with 7+ bedroom potential, over 5,000 square feet, and exceptional flexibility for large-group rentals.
🏠 The Properties
We pressure-tested hundreds of listings this week. Here’s the shortlist — ranked by projected ROI after expenses.
📋 5 Beds • 3 Baths • 1,968 sqft
🏷️ Price: $399,900
💵 Projected Annual: $130K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 32%
Why it made the cut:
Exceptional projected ~$130K annual revenue on a sub-$400K purchase price
Fully renovated in 2025 with major capital improvements already completed
Five-bedroom layout and multiple living areas cater to larger groups and family travel
Brand-new wraparound decks create an ideal foundation for an upgraded outdoor experience
All new furnishings and a redesigned interior provide a turnkey starting point
Clear value-add potential through a hot tub, sauna, fire pit, and additional outdoor amenities
Positioned to become an experience-driven STR with relatively modest additional investment
Attractive entry price leaves room for strategic upgrades while maintaining strong returns
Rare combination of affordability, recent renovations, and significant upside in the Pocono Mountains market
📋 4 Beds • 3 Baths • 2,937 sqft
🏷️ Price: $439,900
💵 Projected Annual: $100K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 21%
Why it made the cut:
Detached garage includes a full bath and kitchenette, creating exceptional flexibility
Ideal opportunity to convert the detached space into a premium game room with additional sleeping capacity
Potential to accommodate larger groups while offering an experience guests can't find in a typical home
Fully remodeled interior with modern finishes reduces near-term capital expenditures
Main-level bedroom and full bath appeal to multigenerational groups and extended stays
Large deck expands outdoor entertaining space for guests
Separate utilities in the detached building create additional operational flexibility
📋 3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1,580 sqft
🏷️ Price: $649,900
💵 Projected Annual: $118K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 18%
Why it made the cut:
Rare private frontage on Dunn Creek with native Rainbow trout fishing
Peaceful dead-end location offers the privacy many Smoky Mountain guests seek
Sleeps up to 12, making it ideal for families and group getaways
Large creekside yard, screened deck, and custom fire pit create memorable outdoor gathering spaces
Recently updated décor and amenities reduce near-term capital expenditures
Ample space to add premium amenities such as a hot tub, sauna, or outdoor games to increase revenue
Unique fishing experience differentiates the property from traditional mountain cabins
📋 4 Beds • 5 Baths • 5,134 sqft
🏷️ Price: $1,075,000
💵 Projected Annual: $210K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 20%
Why it made the cut:
Over 5,000 square feet provides ample space for large groups and extended stays
Potential to configure 7+ sleeping areas, maximizing occupancy and revenue
Three ensuite bedrooms appeal to multi-family and group bookings
Expansive lower level offers ideal space for a game room, fitness studio, theater, or additional guest accommodations
Full-length decks on both levels create inviting indoor-outdoor gathering spaces
Private half-acre setting offers a peaceful mountain atmosphere while remaining close to Asheville
Convenient access to downtown Asheville, Black Mountain, breweries, hiking, and outdoor attractions broadens year-round guest demand
Want the full deal packet on any of these? Reply “DEAL #” to this email and we’ll send the full numbers, photos, and market comps.
Prefer to skip the reply and get matched to deals like these on autopilot?
📍 Market of the Week: Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
Why Tobyhanna continues to stand out in the Poconos: exceptional investability, strong ADR growth, and a contracting supply base are creating favorable conditions for well-positioned STR properties.
The three levers driving performance right now:
Top-tier investability fundamentals — With a 100 Investability Score, Tobyhanna ranks among the strongest acquisition markets, supported by attractive pricing dynamics and established vacation rental demand.
Premium pricing is driving revenue growth — ADR has climbed to approximately $371 per night (+5.3% YoY), helping annual revenue increase to nearly $49K per listing (+7.3%) despite occupancy remaining around 40%.
Inventory is shrinking — Active listings have declined (-3.1%), reducing competitive pressure and potentially strengthening pricing power for well-positioned cabins and vacation homes.
Tobyhanna is a high-ADR Pocono STR market where premium pricing and declining inventory are supporting strong revenue growth, even as occupancy remains moderate.
🎯 Your Shortcut: The Market Match Call
Skip the guesswork. Tell us your budget, risk tolerance, and the kind of returns you’re chasing — we’ll match you with markets and deals that actually fit, before they hit the wider market.
💡Vendor Spotlight
Your STR. Your Income. Your Loan - STR Home Loans
Financing your next STR doesn't have to mean stacks of tax returns and W-2s. STR Home Loans specializes in DSCR loans built for short-term rental investors — you qualify on the property's income, not yours. They close in as few as 21 days, lend up to $2M, and their team actually invests in STRs themselves. Whether you're buying your first Airbnb or pulling equity out of your existing portfolio, they've got a loan program for it.
That’s the pulse for today. Hit reply and tell us which headline surprised you most — real humans read every response.
— The Deal Drop Team 💧