Invest in the Smokies with More Clarity

Understand the market, evaluate opportunities, and take the next step with better guidance and better information.

12M+Annual Visitors
#1Most Visited National Park
$2.1BSTR Market Size
62%Avg Occupancy Rate
$289Avg Nightly Rate
Top 5US STR Markets

How We Work

The Investor Journey

One page explaining exactly how we work — from first call to a growing portfolio.

01

Discovery Call

We start with a no-pressure call to understand your goals, budget, and timeline.

02

Investment Goals

We define what success looks like for you—cash flow, appreciation, or a legacy property.

03

Market Analysis

We review Smokies submarkets, demand drivers, and revenue trends.

04

Property Search

We source properties that match your strategy and criteria.

05

Financial Analysis

We model projected revenue, expenses, cash flow, and ROI for each opportunity.

06

Offer Strategy

We craft a competitive offer based on data, not emotion.

07

Closing

We coordinate inspection, financing, title, and a smooth path to closing.

08

Launch

We prepare the property for guests—design, amenities, and listing setup.

09

Management

We connect you with proven management to keep performance strong.

10

Scaling

We help you reinvest and grow your portfolio intentionally.

Vernon Corum speaking on stage

From the Stage

Cash Flow Today. Wealth Built for Tomorrow.

Vernon teaches investors to look past today's nightly rate and build the right kind of wealth for their mission — combining short-term rental cash flow with long-term, tax-advantaged strategy.

"It's not just 'Am I making money today?' — it's 'Am I building the right kind of wealth for my mission?'"

Common Pitfalls

What Holds Investors Back

Buying in the Wrong Area

Location drives everything in the Smokies. Wrong area means wrong returns.

Misjudging Revenue

Revenue assumptions without market data lead to costly surprises.

Weak Operations

Poor property management erodes profit faster than anything else.

Missed Guest Expectations

Today's travelers expect premium. Anything less gets punished in reviews.

The Opportunity

Why the Smokies Attract Smart Investors

The Great Smoky Mountains draw over 12 million visitors annually—making it one of the most visited destinations in the United States.

Recurring travel demand, premium amenities, and a diverse market create real opportunity for investors who approach it with the right information.

Location matters. Experience matters. And the details make all the difference.

Demand Drivers

Recurring travel demand fueled by proximity, national parks, and seasonal draws.

Premium Amenities

Hot tubs, views, game rooms, and design-forward spaces drive higher nightly rates.

Repeat Visitor Appeal

The Smokies generate repeat visits—guests come back season after season.

Market Flexibility

Diverse property types and price points allow strategic positioning.

Interactive Map

Explore Investment Areas

Click any region on the map — investment data and example properties appear instantly below.

Data Layer:
Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge
Sevierville
Knoxville
Wears Valley

Select a Region

Click any highlighted area or marker on the map — investment data loads here instantly.

Market Intelligence

Compare Investment Areas

Each Smoky Mountain sub-market has a different risk/reward profile. Toggle between areas to see what fits your strategy.

Gatlinburg

Premium mountain town with the highest rates & brand recognition

MetricValueContext
Avg Daily Rate (ADR)
$289
Peak season $400–$600+
Avg Occupancy
64%
Strong year-round demand
Typical Entry Price
$350K–$600K
Higher competition
Cash-on-Cash Return
6–10%
Best performers exceed 12%
Annual Revenue Estimate
$62K–$95K
Per year, 2BR–3BR cabin
STR Regulation
Moderate
City permit required
Market Competition
High
5,000+ active STRs
Best Fit ForLuxury / romantic cabins with views

Strengths

  • Highest brand awareness
  • Premium nightly rates
  • Strong international tourism

Considerations

  • Highest entry prices
  • Most competition
  • City permit required

Tools

STR Investment Calculator

Model your Smoky Mountain cabin returns — ADR, RevPAN, cash-on-cash, cap rate, and seasonal revenue projections.

Want live revenue data for a specific address? Try Rabbu's Airbnb Calculator

Property Inputs

$550,000

Total acquisition cost

$150,000$2,000,000
$289

Avg nightly rate you'll charge

$75$1,200
62%

Smoky Mtn avg: 58–68%

30%90%
20%
10%100%
6.5%
4%12%
25%

PM fees + OTA commissions

10%40%

Estimated Annual Cash Flow

+$7,362

After mortgage, management & operating costs

Cash-on-Cash

6.7%

Cap Rate

7.4%

ADR

$289

RevPAN

$179

Rev per avail. night

Projected Monthly Revenue

Smokies seasonality applied
FebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Annual Breakdown

Gross Revenue$65,314
Management & OTA (25%)-$16,329
Taxes, Insurance, Maintenance-$8,250
Net Operating Income$40,736
Mortgage (6.5%, 30yr)-$33,373
Down Payment Required$110,000

Annual Depreciation

$16,000

Est. Tax Savings

+$9,739

Tax-Adj. Cash Flow

+$17,101

* Projections only. Fixed costs estimated at ~2.5% of property value. Seasonality based on Smoky Mountain market trends. Consult a financial advisor before investing.

Like What You See?

These Numbers Could Be Yours

The calculator gives you the model. A strategy call gives you the market intelligence to make it real — specific areas, real comps, and what's actually working right now.

Investor Stories

Real Results from Real Investors

These aren't cherry-picked outliers. They're investors who came in with questions and left with cash-flowing properties.

"We were skeptical at first, but our cabin averaged $3,800/month in its first year. Vernon's guidance on location and setup made all the difference."

$45,600 gross in year one

Marcus T. · Atlanta, GA

2BR Cabin, Sevierville

"We had looked at properties in Florida and the Smokies. The ROI comparison wasn't even close. We closed in 60 days and were booked solid within weeks."

68% occupancy, first 90 days

Jennifer & Dale R. · Charlotte, NC

4BR Lodge, Gatlinburg

"As a first-time STR investor, I needed someone who knew the market cold. The strategy call alone saved me from buying in the wrong area."

Cash-flow positive month 3

Chris L. · Nashville, TN

1BR Romantic Cabin, Pigeon Forge

Common Questions

FAQ for First-Time STR Investors

Free Guide

What's Inside the Guide

Top-performing areas in the Smokies
ROI examples from real properties
What guests actually want in a rental
Common mistakes that hurt returns

Ready to Talk Through Your Goals?