Short-Term Rental Markets: Beyond the Vacation Hotspots – Hidden Opportunities in 2025

The short-term rental market has evolved far beyond traditional vacation destinations. While everyone knows about beach towns and ski resorts, savvy investors are finding lucrative opportunities in unexpected markets. At FlipCo Financial, we’ve helped numerous investors capitalize on emerging short-term rental markets across our lending territory, and we’re here to share insights about these often-overlooked opportunities.
The Changing Landscape of Short-Term Rentals
The short-term rental market has fundamentally shifted since 2020. Remote work, extended business travel, and changing travel preferences have created new opportunities in markets that traditionally weren’t considered vacation destinations. According to AirDNA’s market research, mid-sized cities and secondary markets are seeing some of the highest returns on short-term rental investments.
Emerging Markets in FlipCo's Lending Territory
Texas Markets
Austin and Surrounding Areas
While Austin itself is well-known, surrounding areas like Round Rock and Georgetown offer exceptional short-term rental opportunities. These markets benefit from:
- Major tech company relocations
- Formula 1 and other major events
- Medical tourism at Dell Medical Center
- University parent visits
- Business travel overflow from Austin proper
Houston’s Medical District
Houston’s medical corridor presents a unique opportunity for short-term rental investors. With the world’s largest medical center hosting over 10 million patient visits annually, there’s consistent demand for:
- Extended patient stays
- Family accommodations
- Medical professional housing
- Conference attendee lodging
Florida Opportunities
Orlando’s Hidden Gems
Looking beyond Disney, Orlando’s medical city and research park areas offer strong short-term rental potential:
- Lake Nona Medical City visitors
- Research park business travelers
- Sports tournament participants
- Convention center overflow
- UCF parent visits
Tampa’s Growing Market
Tampa’s diverse economy creates multiple short-term rental opportunities:
- Medical district visitors
- Corporate relocations
- Sports events
- University-related stays
- Tech sector business travel
The Business Traveler Opportunity
Business travel has evolved, with many professionals now seeking apartment-style accommodations for extended stays. Markets with strong corporate presence offer consistent demand without the seasonality of vacation rentals.
Key Business Markets to Consider
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte’s banking sector drives consistent demand:
- Financial sector consultants
- Training program participants
- Corporate relocations
- Convention center events
- Sports industry visitors
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s diverse business landscape creates multiple opportunities:
- Film industry accommodations
- Corporate training centers
- Convention attendees
- Medical district visitors
- Tech sector travelers
The Sports and Entertainment Market
Major sporting events and entertainment venues create regular demand for short-term rentals. Several markets in our lending territory excel in this category.
Notable Markets Include:
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s entertainment industry drives year-round demand:
- Music industry professionals
- Concert attendees
- NFL game weekends
- Healthcare convention visitors
- Television production crews
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis offers unique opportunities through:
- Blues and BBQ festivals
- Medical district visitors
- FedEx hub business travelers
- Sports events
- Music industry professionals
Medical Tourism and Healthcare Markets
Healthcare-related travel creates consistent demand for short-term rentals. Several markets in our lending territory have strong healthcare sectors.
Prime Healthcare Markets:
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis’s medical district generates steady demand:
- IU Health complex visitors
- Medical conference attendees
- Clinical trial participants
- Visiting medical professionals
- Family members of patients
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland’s renowned medical facilities attract visitors for:
- Cleveland Clinic patients
- Medical research participants
- Healthcare conferences
- Visiting doctors
- Medical education programs
Investment Considerations
When evaluating these markets for short-term rental investment, consider:
- Local Regulations
- Research current short-term rental ordinances
- Understand zoning requirements
- Review HOA restrictions
- Monitor pending legislation
- Market Analysis
- Study occupancy rates
- Analyze average daily rates
- Consider seasonal variations
- Evaluate competition
- Property Selection
- Location relative to demand drivers
- Property type and size
- Renovation requirements
- Parking availability
Financing Your Short-Term Rental Investment
FlipCo Financial offers several loan programs tailored for short-term rental investors:
- Fix and Flip Loans for properties needing renovation
- Bridge Loans for quick closings
- Refinance options for portfolio expansion
Our loans feature:
- Quick closings
- Competitive rates
- Flexible terms
- Local market expertise
- Straightforward process
Ready to Invest in Short-Term Rentals?
The short-term rental market continues to evolve, creating opportunities beyond traditional vacation destinations. With FlipCo Financial’s hard money loans, you can quickly capitalize on these emerging markets.
Our team of experts can guide you on the best investment markets available and put you on a path to investing success.
Start Your Journey Today With FlipCo Financial
Contact our team to discuss your investment plans. Call us at 888-703-FLIP for immediate assistance. Apply online for quick pre-approval. Don’t miss out on these emerging market opportunities. Let FlipCo Financial help you expand your short-term rental portfolio with our flexible financing solutions.
Visit our blog regularly for more market insights and investment strategies. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the exciting world of short-term rental investing.
Remember, successful short-term rental investing starts with the right financing partner. FlipCo Financial combines local market knowledge with fast, flexible funding solutions to help you achieve your investment goals.