Issue No. 48 · The Deal Drop
4
Properties this drop
$130K
Top Revenue
18%
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 — Charlotte, NC: $475K new-construction STR opportunity generating projected ~$80K/year (~16% ROI) with a spacious 5-bedroom layout, upscale modern finishes, and convenient access to Uptown Charlotte and CLT Airport.
Property 2 — Gatlinburg, TN: $810K value-add STR opportunity generating projected ~$130K/year (~16% ROI) with a prime Ski Mountain location, less than 3 minutes to downtown Gatlinburg, and significant upside through strategic design and amenity upgrades.
Property 3 — St. Louis, MO: $350K urban STR opportunity generating projected ~$65K/year (~18% ROI) with a walkable Tower Grove East location, historic architectural charm, and strong demand driven by nearby parks, dining, and entertainment.
Property 4 — Maggie Valley, NC: $599K mountain-view STR opportunity generating projected ~$95K/year (~16% ROI) with panoramic long-range views, multiple outdoor entertainment spaces, and prime access to skiing, national park attractions, and year-round Smoky Mountain tourism.
🏠 The Properties
We pressure-tested hundreds of listings this week. Here’s the shortlist — ranked by projected ROI after expenses.
📋 5 Beds • 4 Baths • 2,617 sqft
🏷️ Price: $475,000
💵 Projected Annual: $80K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 16%
Why it made the cut:
Brand-new construction significantly reduces near-term maintenance and renovation risk
Flexible 5-bedroom layout ideal for larger groups, family gatherings, and extended stays
Open-concept living and dining areas designed for entertaining and maximizing guest experience
Main-level guest bedroom adds versatility for multigenerational travelers
Chef-inspired kitchen featuring quartz countertops, shaker-style soft-close cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, and a large center island
Expansive primary suite with generous closet space and a spa-style bathroom
Three additional upstairs bedrooms support higher occupancy potential
Dedicated laundry room enhances convenience for longer guest stays
Rare new-construction opportunity in an area with limited new housing inventory
Strong blend of turnkey ownership, high guest capacity, and Charlotte tourism demand supporting consistent STR performance
📋 3 Beds • 3 Baths • 2,250 sqft
🏷️ Price: $810,000
💵 Projected Annual: $130K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 16%
Why it made the cut:
Priced below a recent $845K appraisal, creating immediate equity potential at acquisition
Prime Ski Mountain Road location just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg attractions, dining, and entertainment
Opportunity to increase ADR and occupancy through modern furnishing, branding, and guest-focused amenities
Highly desirable Smoky Mountain destination with year-round tourism demand
Convenient access to national park attractions, hiking trails, mountain activities, and downtown experiences
Off-market opportunity with limited competition from other buyers
Ideal candidate for a premium cabin repositioning strategy targeting higher-income guests
Rare combination of built-in equity, proven location, and value-add upside supporting strong long-term STR returns
📋 3 Beds • 3 Baths • 1,700 sqft
🏷️ Price: $349,900
💵 Projected Annual: $65K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 18%
Why it made the cut:
Prime Tower Grove East location just minutes from Tower Grove Park, South Grand restaurants, coffee shops, and local attractions
Historic brick home featuring soaring ceilings, oversized windows, original millwork, decorative fireplaces, and pine flooring throughout
Spacious 3-bedroom layout ideal for families, friend groups, and extended-stay guests
Bright, open living spaces designed for entertaining and comfortable guest experiences
Updated kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, solid-surface countertops, and subway tile backsplash
Rare first-floor laundry and mudroom add convenience for both owners and guests
Fully fenced backyard creates additional value for pet-friendly bookings and outdoor enjoyment
Off-street parking for two vehicles, a highly desirable amenity in urban neighborhoods
Large primary suite with walk-in closet enhances guest comfort for longer stays
📋 3 Beds • 3 Baths • 2,112 sqft
🏷️ Price: $599,000
💵 Projected Annual: $95K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 16%
Why it made the cut:
Stunning mountain views from expansive multi-level decks designed to maximize the scenery
Minutes from Cataloochee Ski Area, Tube World, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and downtown Maggie Valley
Strong tourism draw from nearby Cherokee, Harrah’s Casino, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authentic mountain lodge feel with wood walls, wood ceilings, and rustic design throughout
Open-concept living and dining areas centered around a beautiful stone fireplace with wood stove insert
Multiple outdoor gathering spaces including a fire pit area, hammock retreat, and spacious viewing decks
Main-level primary suite provides convenience and privacy for owners and guests
Lower-level family room with a second stone fireplace creates additional entertainment space
Starlink high-speed internet supports remote workers and extended-stay guests
Strong combination of mountain charm, outdoor living, and proximity to major attractions supporting consistent STR demand and revenue potential
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: Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, TN
Why Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge remains one of the most watched STR markets in the country: exceptional investability and rental demand scores continue to attract capital, but growing competition is putting pressure on occupancy, rates, and overall revenue growth.
The three levers driving performance right now:
Elite demand fundamentals — With a 92 Rental Demand Score and year-round visitation driven by the Smokies, Dollywood, and family-focused tourism, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge remains one of the strongest leisure destinations in the U.S.
Premium ADRs at scale — Even after a slight year-over-year decline, the market is still generating approximately $348 ADR, demonstrating continued pricing power across a large inventory base.
Supply growth is reshaping competition — Active listings have grown (+5.4%) to more than 17,800 units, increasing competition for bookings and contributing to modest declines in occupancy, ADR, and annual revenue.
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is a high-demand, institutionally recognized STR market where long-term fundamentals remain strong, but future outperformance will increasingly depend on asset quality, amenities, and revenue management rather than market growth alone.
🎯 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
Easy Street Capital Supports Real Estate Investors
Easy Street Capital is a private real estate lender headquartered in Austin, Texas, serving real estate investors around the country. Defined by an experienced team and innovative loan programs, Easy Street Capital is the ideal financing partner for real estate investors of all experience levels and specialties. Whether an investor is fixing and flipping, financing a cash-flowing rental, or building ground-up, we have a solution to fit those needs.
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 💧