The Smoky Mountain Investment Authority
Own the Experience. Own the Investment.
The Smoky Mountains are one of America's most visited destinations — and one of its most overlooked investment opportunities. We're changing that.
Turn the Smokies Into Your Most Profitable Asset
The Great Smoky Mountains aren't just a vacation destination — they're one of the most recession-resilient, high-demand short-term rental markets in the country. We'll show you exactly how to get in.
12M+
Annual Visitors
to the Smokies
$75K–$180K
Avg Annual Revenue
top-performing STRs
70%+
Avg Occupancy
in peak markets
The Bottom Line
"The Smokies draw over 12 million visitors a year. The right cabin in the right spot earns while you sleep."
— Vernon Corum, Owning The Smokies
How It Works
Your Path to STR Ownership
Three simple steps from curious to cash-flowing.
Get the Free Guide
Download our Smoky Mountain STR investor guide — market data, revenue benchmarks, and the insider info you need before you buy.
Book a Strategy Call
30 minutes. Real talk. We'll map your goals, budget, and timeline to find your best path into the Smokies market.
Schedule a CallOwn a Performing Property
From site selection to launch-ready setup — we help you go from interested to income-generating.
See the Invest Page
Free Investor Guide
Start Your Smoky Mountain
Investment Journey
Download the free guide and learn what matters most when evaluating short-term rental opportunities in the Smokies. Real data. Real perspective. No fluff.
- Top-performing areas & why they win
- Amenities that actually move the needle
- Biggest mistakes investors make
- What creates real, lasting ROI
Owning The Smokies™
Investor Guide · 2025 Edition
Market insights, amenity strategy, area comparisons & the biggest mistakes to avoid. No signup required — direct download.
No email required · Instant PDF download
From the Desk of Vernon Corum
The Book Collection
Real strategies, no fluff — straight from the Smoky Mountain STR trenches.
From the Author
"Owning the Smokies is your superpower."
Vernon Corum, Jr. wrote Owning The Smokies to help investors build a short-term rental empire with backed financials — not hype, but a real framework for wealth in the Smokies market.
6×9 Edition · 2026
Owning The Smokies
Build a Short-Term Rental Business That Buys Back Your Life
Kindle & Paperback
Buy on Amazon
Original 8.5×11 Edition
Owning The Smokies
Build a Short-Term Rental Business That Buys Back Your Life
Kindle & Paperback
Buy on Amazon
by Vernon Corum & Drew Finchum
The Rule of 5
Essential Principles for Building Wealth Through Real Estate
Kindle & Paperback
Buy on Amazon
Companion Playbook
The Rule of 5: Hospitality Companion Playbook
The Step-by-Step Guide Through the Rule of 5
Kindle & Paperback
Buy on AmazonComing Soon: The Owning The Smokies Playbook — the step-by-step companion guide.
AI-Powered Investing
Meet Your Smoky Mountain Investment Advisor
Our AI advisor helps you answer one question — is this investment right for me? Analyze properties, project STR income, compare deals, and get financing guidance, all grounded in Vernon's frameworks.
Property Analysis
Paste a listing and get an Investment Score, revenue estimate, expenses, cap rate, and risk factors in seconds.
Revenue Projections
Estimate ADR, occupancy, and net income for any cabin based on bedrooms, amenities, and location.
Smoky Market Expert
Compare Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Wears Valley — demand, restrictions, and which area fits your goals.
Community
You're Not Doing This Alone
Join a network of investors, operators, and Smokies insiders learning together at live events and inside the GRID Smokies community.
Real events. Real people.
From panel discussions to deck-side conversations, the GRID Smokies group brings together investors at every stage — sharing what's working, what's not, and what's next in the Smokies market.
