Location and appeal — evaluate whether the location has broad appeal, not just personal appeal, and consider whether it draws visitors in the off-season too.
Laws and regulations — check local short-term rental rules before you buy. Some areas restrict or outright ban short-term rentals.
Mortgage matters — vacation rental mortgages are more complex and costly than primary-residence loans. VA and FHA don't apply, and renting more than a couple weeks a year classifies the property as investment, with correspondingly costlier financing.
Maintenance costs — budget 1-2% of the property's value annually. Remote ownership often means paying for maintenance or hiring a property manager rather than handling it yourself.
Insurance — you'll typically need a standalone commercial or business liability policy, not just an extension of a standard homeowners policy.
Marketing — list on platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway, plus social media. A local agent can bring real target-market marketing expertise to the process.