Issue No. 58 · The Deal Drop
4
Properties this drop
$350K
Top Revenue
21%
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 — St. Augustine Beach, FL: $2.23M luxury wellness retreat generating projected ~$350K/year (~16% ROI) with a private spa experience, retreat-ready design, and rare nightly rental flexibility just one block from the ocean.
Property 2 — Stanley, VA: $575K turnkey hospitality opportunity generating projected ~$120K/year (~17% ROI) with five rentable suites, a historic inn concept, and a proven track record near Shenandoah National Park.
Property 3 — Palm Coast, FL: $325K pool home opportunity generating projected ~$90K/year (~21% ROI) with golf course frontage, exceptional privacy, and one of the lowest acquisition costs we've seen for a Florida STR.
Property 4 — Fletcher, NC: $875K mountain-view STR opportunity generating projected ~$175K/year (~20% ROI) with panoramic Blue Ridge views, multiple outdoor living spaces, and strong appeal for premium mountain travelers.
🏠 The Properties
We pressure-tested hundreds of listings this week. Here’s the shortlist — ranked by projected ROI after expenses.
📋 4 Beds • 5 Baths • 2,501 sqft
🏷️ Price: $2,225,000
💵 Projected Annual: $350K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 16%
Why it made the cut:
One of the most unique STR concepts currently on the market, purpose-built around wellness, recovery, and elevated coastal living
Dedicated wellness studio creates opportunities for retreats, corporate offsites, fitness events, and premium group bookings
Private cold plunge, infrared sauna, steam shower, hot tub, and saltwater pool deliver a resort-style experience that few rentals can replicate
Commercial zoning with no HOA allows for maximum operational flexibility
Just one block from the beach, combining walkability with privacy
Saltwater pool features both heating and cooling capabilities for year-round guest enjoyment
Separate wellness studio offers flexibility as a guest suite, fifth bedroom, or additional revenue-generating space
Designer interiors and boutique-hotel finishes support premium nightly rates
Custom bunk room and flexible sleeping arrangements accommodate families, retreats, and group travel
Built with premium materials, advanced air filtration, dehumidification, and storm-resistant construction
📋 6 Beds • 6 Baths • 3,173 sqft
🏷️ Price: $575,000
💵 Projected Annual: $120K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 17%
Why it made the cut:
Operating as a successful short-term rental with an established income history
Rare inn-style layout featuring multiple private guest suites under one ownership structure
Detached cottage adds separate accommodations and diversified revenue streams
Five rentable suites create flexibility for individual bookings, group rentals, or event-based stays
Fully furnished and turnkey, allowing for immediate operational continuity
Hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor gathering spaces enhance the guest experience
Walkable downtown location directly across from a coffee shop and near restaurants and local amenities
Strong appeal for Shenandoah National Park visitors, river recreation, and mountain tourism
Positioned to operate more like a boutique inn than a traditional vacation rental
📋 3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1,490 sqft
🏷️ Price: $325,000
💵 Projected Annual: $90K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 21%
Why it made the cut:
Pool homes at this price point are increasingly rare in Florida
Positioned on the 17th tee of Pine Lakes Golf Club with golf course views
Wooded buffer creates an uncommon level of backyard privacy
Screened pool area enhances year-round guest appeal
No HOA provides flexibility for STR operations
Minutes from Flagler Beach, dining, shopping, and local attractions
Appeals to golfers, snowbirds, weekend travelers, and beach visitors
Major improvements already completed, reducing near-term capital expenses
Clear opportunity to increase value through cosmetic updates
Rare combination of affordability, pool, privacy, and golf course frontage
📋 3 Beds • 4 Baths • 2,951 sqft
🏷️ Price: $875,000
💵 Projected Annual: $175K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 20%
Why it made the cut:
Panoramic long-range mountain views from nearly every room
Multiple decks and a screened porch maximize the outdoor experience
Flexible layout lives larger than its official bedroom count
Primary suite features a private deck overlooking the mountains
Open-concept design and expansive windows showcase the surrounding landscape
Convenient location just 15 minutes from Asheville
New HVAC and recent upgrades reduce near-term capital expenses
Appeals to guests seeking a luxury mountain retreat rather than a traditional cabin
A view-driven property where the scenery becomes the experience
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: Palm Coast, Florida
Why Palm Coast continues to attract STR investors: a quieter coastal profile, healthy rental demand, and steady ADR growth are helping support performance in a market that remains less saturated than many of Florida’s larger beach destinations.
The three levers driving performance right now:
Strong demand in a smaller inventory market — With a Rental Demand Score of 80 and fewer than 600 active listings, Palm Coast benefits from a more manageable competitive landscape than many larger Florida coastal markets.
ADR growth is driving revenue gains — Average daily rates have increased to approximately $218 per night (+3.2% YoY), helping push annual revenue higher (+2.5%) despite a slight decline in occupancy.
Appeal beyond traditional tourism hubs — Beach access, family-friendly neighborhoods, golf, parks, and attractions like European Village create demand from travelers seeking a quieter alternative to Florida's more crowded vacation markets.
Palm Coast is a steady, demand-supported coastal STR market where pricing growth and limited inventory help support consistent performance in a less crowded Florida beach destination.
🎯 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
Short-Term Rental Insurance Policies Made Simple
If you're still running your STR under a standard homeowners policy, you're likely underinsured — and you won't find out until you file a claim. InsureSTR specializes exclusively in short-term rental coverage, matching hosts with carriers that actually understand the risks: guest liability, income loss, high-turnover wear, and more. They offer fast, custom quotes tailored to how you actually operate (not a generic homeowner template). Book a free discovery call to find out if your current coverage has gaps.
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 💧