Issue No. 81 · The Deal Drop
4
Properties
$246K
Top Revenue
30%
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 — Houston, TX: $600K STR generating projected ~$179K/year (~30% ROI) with proven $135K annual revenue, a private pool, and clear value-add upside.
Property 2 — Gatlinburg, TN: $1.27M STR opportunity generating projected ~$246K/year (~19% ROI) with 18-guest capacity, exceptional mountain views, and significant renovation upside.
Property 3 — Port Orange, FL: $375K STR opportunity generating projected ~$100K/year (~27% ROI) with 2,268 sqft, a 0.59-acre lot, and major potential to create a destination-style guest experience.
Property 4 —St. Louis, MO: $525K STR opportunity generating projected ~$98K/year (~19% ROI) with 5 bedrooms, 2,885 sqft, and a prime Central West End location.
🏠 The Properties
We pressure-tested hundreds of listings this week. Here’s the shortlist — ranked by projected ROI after expenses.
📋 5 Beds • 3 Baths • 2,180 sqft
🏷️ Price: $600,000
💵 Projected Annual: $179K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 30%
Why it made the cut:
Existing STR already generating ~$135K/year—the demand is proven
5BR/3BA with a private pool and strong group appeal
Multiple ways to increase revenue without a major renovation
Add a game room, putting green, upgraded fire pit, and stronger interior design
Professional photography and strategic amenities could help drive higher ADR and bookings
Strong opportunity to buy an established STR and optimize it, rather than starting from scratch
📋 5 Beds • 5 Baths • 3,622 sqft
🏷️ Price: $1,274,000
💵 Projected Annual: $246K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 19%
Why it made the cut:
Active STR permit for up to 18 guests with 5BR/5BA and strong group appeal
Proven $138K revenue in 2025 with ~$90K already booked for 2026
4.91 Airbnb rating with 96 reviews and Guest Favorite status
Exceptional mountain views with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks
Movie room, game room, pool table, shuffleboard, and hot tub create a strong guest experience
Just 2 minutes from Ober Mountain and 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg
Clear value-add opportunity through design and amenity upgrades with potential to push returns above 20%
📋 4 Beds • 2 Baths • 2,268 sqft
🏷️ Price: $375,000
💵 Projected Annual: $100K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 27%
Why it made the cut:
Exceptional entry price for 2,268 sqft on a 0.59-acre fully fenced lot
Wraparound deck + two-level layout create a strong foundation for group stays
Large backyard has room for a pool, cabanas, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, games, and more
Lower level offers potential for a dedicated entertainment or game lounge
No local STR regulations provide added operating flexibility
2022 roof + two newer HVAC systems help reduce near-term capital needs
Clear path to build a highly differentiated, experience-driven STR rather than another standard beach rental
📋 5 Beds • 4 Baths • 2,885 sqft
🏷️ Price: $524,900
💵 Projected Annual: $98K
📈 Est. Gross ROI: 19%
Why it made the cut:
Fully renovated historic home with original character and modern upgrades
5BR/4BA offers plenty of space for larger groups and extended stays
Prime Central West End location near hospitals, Forest Park, restaurants, and the business district
Finished upper-level flex space adds room for an office, studio, or additional guest use
Detached 2-car garage is a valuable amenity in this walkable urban neighborhood
Strong blend of location, size, and design at a sub-$525K entry point
Want the full deal packet? Reply “DEAL + Property #” and we’ll send the numbers, photos & comps.
Prefer to skip the reply and get matched to deals like these on autopilot?
📍 Market of the Week: Port Orange, FL
Why Port Orange continues to attract STR investors: strong revenue growth, accelerating ADRs, and a limited competitive set make this a market worth watching for investors seeking a quieter alternative near Daytona Beach.
The three levers driving performance right now:
ADR growth is leading the market — Average daily rate has climbed to approximately $109 (+15.2% YoY), helping drive annual revenue growth of 7.6% despite softer occupancy.
Revenue is moving in the right direction — Annual revenue has increased to approximately $18.2K per listing (+7.6% YoY), showing improving earning potential even as occupancy has dipped slightly.
Small, manageable competitive set — With just 37 active listings, Port Orange remains a relatively limited STR submarket, giving well-positioned properties more room to differentiate..
Port Orange is a small coastal STR submarket where rapid ADR growth and rising revenue are creating momentum, despite moderate occupancy and a limited inventory base.
🎯 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.
💡Today’s Spotlight
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 💧