Issue No. 63 · The Deal Drop
4
Properties this drop
$2M
Top Revenue
22%
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 — Douglas Lake, TN: $9.45M waterfront resort investment generating projected ~$2M/year (~21% ROI) with 41 bedrooms, nearly 30 acres, and one of the most significant hospitality opportunities in the Smoky Mountains.
Property 2 — Palm Coast, FL: $600K waterfront Airbnb generating projected ~$150K/year (~25% ROI) with a proven 4.99-star guest rating, private canal frontage, and true turnkey operation from day one.
Property 3 — Jacksonville Beach, FL: $2.3M beachside STR compound generating projected ~$502K/year (~22% ROI) with three income-producing residences, accommodations for up to 25 guests, and a location just two blocks from the ocean.
Property 4 — Black Mountain, NC: $685K STR opportunity generating projected ~$130K/year (~19% ROI) with a rare flat yard, flexible bonus space, and walkable access to one of Western North Carolina's most desirable mountain towns.
🏠 The Properties
We pressure-tested hundreds of listings this week. Here’s the shortlist — ranked by projected ROI after expenses.
📋 41 Beds • 35 Baths • 22,003 sqft
🏷️ Price: $9,450,000
💵 Projected Annual: $2M
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 21%
Why it made the cut:
Projected ~$2M in annual revenue from a fully operational waterfront resort
Nearly 30 acres with approximately 2,000 feet of Douglas Lake shoreline—an increasingly scarce asset in East Tennessee
Six fully furnished luxury properties totaling 41 bedrooms and accommodations for well over 100 guests
Commercial zoning, city sewer, internal roads, utilities, and development-ready infrastructure already in place
Resort amenities include an infinity pool, hot tub, marina, playground, picnic areas, and expansive waterfront gathering spaces
Approved 16-slip dock permit and additional lakefront infrastructure create meaningful expansion opportunities
Multiple avenues for future growth, including additional accommodations, event venues, marina services, or waterfront food and beverage concepts
Strategically positioned near Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attracting year-round tourism
Institutional-quality opportunity combining immediate cash flow, irreplaceable waterfront real estate, and long-term development upside in one of Tennessee's strongest tourism markets
📋 3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1,816 sqft
🏷️ Price: $599,999
💵 Projected Annual: $150K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 25%
Why it made the cut:
Established Airbnb with a 4.99-star rating across 77 guest reviews, providing immediate credibility and booking momentum
Fully furnished and professionally equipped, allowing the next owner to begin operating immediately
Private saltwater canal with a dock where guests can kayak, fish, watch dolphins and manatees, and enjoy Florida rocket launches
Outdoor amenities including a waterfront hot tub, fire pit, grill, and canal-front patio create a memorable guest experience
Sleeps up to 8 with a spacious primary suite and dedicated workspace to attract both vacationers and longer-stay guests
Just 10 minutes from Flagler Beach, with easy access to Marineland, golf courses, and historic St. Augustine
Waterfront properties with an established rental history, exceptional guest reviews, and true turnkey operations are rarely available at this price point
📋 11 Beds • 5 Baths • 4,327 sqft
🏷️ Price: $2,300,000
💵 Projected Annual: $502K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 22%
Why it made the cut:
Rare three-building compound featuring a modern 2022-built home plus a charming duplex on one property
Accommodates up to 25 guests, positioning it to capture high-value family reunions, corporate retreats, weddings, and group vacations
Flexible rental strategy allows owners to book the entire compound for premium group stays or operate three separate income-producing units
Private pool creates a shared resort-style gathering space that enhances guest satisfaction and increases booking appeal
Just two short blocks from public beach access in one of Northeast Florida's strongest year-round vacation markets
Turnkey investment with immediate operational potential and no major setup required
📋 4 Beds • 3 Baths • 2,203 sqft
🏷️ Price: $685,000
💵 Projected Annual: $130K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 19%
Why it made the cut:
Brand-new construction offers modern finishes with minimal near-term maintenance
Rare level backyard creates opportunities for outdoor games, events, and family-friendly stays
Electrified storage container provides unique potential for a game room, fitness studio, remote workspace, or creative guest amenity
Four-bedroom layout comfortably accommodates families and group travelers
Minutes from downtown Black Mountain's restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and local attractions
Convenient access to Asheville, hiking trails, and the Blue Ridge Mountains supports year-round tourism
Unique combination of modern construction, flexible value-add potential, and an outdoor setting that's increasingly difficult to find in the mountains
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: Douglas Lake, TN
Why Douglas Lake continues to attract STR investors: premium waterfront inventory, exceptional investability, and direct access to the Smoky Mountains tourism corridor create a unique niche within the East Tennessee vacation rental market.
The three levers driving performance right now:
Premium lakefront pricing — With an average ADR of approximately $335 per night, Douglas Lake commands premium rates driven by waterfront homes, mountain views, and large group accommodations.
Strong investment fundamentals — A 92 Investability Score reflects the area's long-term appeal, supported by its proximity to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg while offering a quieter lakefront experience.
Demand remains resilient as inventory grows — Active listings have increased (+3.7%) while occupancy has remained stable at around 50%, indicating the market is continuing to absorb new supply despite modest pressure on ADR and annual revenue.
Douglas Lake is a premium waterfront STR market where lakefront experiences and Smoky Mountain accessibility support strong long-term investment appeal, with property quality remaining the key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.
🎯 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.
💡Upcoming Webinar: The STR Tax Playbook
The STR Tax Playbook: Cost Segregation & 1031 Exchanges | July 8 @ 2p ET
Learn from one of the leading tax experts in the short-term rental industry as we break down proven strategies to help you keep more of what you earn. From cost segregation to 1031 exchanges, this session will give you practical insights to reduce your tax burden, maximize your returns, and grow your portfolio with confidence.
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 💧