Three hot short-term rental investment picks across Arizona, South Carolina, and South Dakota - plus the latest insight on why shoulder season bookings are booming in drive-to markets. Whether you're eyeing desert luxury, beachfront views, or Black Hills cabin income, these deals pack serious ROI potential. Let’s get into it.

📍 Scottsdale, Arizona | 💰 Listed at $2,699,900 | 🔗 View Listing

Desert luxury meets resort-style living in this high-performing Scottsdale retreat. Fully remodeled in 2023 and STR-legal, this multi-structure setup delivers serious short-term rental potential just minutes from Scottsdale’s biggest draws.

Highlights:
☑️ 5-bed/4-bath main home + 1-bed/1-bath pool house with full bar and lounge space.
☑️ Heated pool, pickleball court, bocce, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, covered patio & more - all on nearly an acre.
☑️ Vaulted ceilings, open-concept layout, solar panels, and premium finishes throughout.

👉 Ideal for large-group bookings, bachelor/bachelorette trips, or golf getaway rentals in one of the country’s top-performing STR markets.

Ready to experience luxury smart homes in breathtaking destinations? Wander offers beautifully designed, fully remote-work-ready vacation rentals with guaranteed consistency and five-star service - whether it’s an oceanfront escape or mountain retreat.

✅ Private pools, EV chargers, floor-to-ceiling views.
✅ Fast, reliable Wi-Fi and ergonomic work setups.
✅ 24/7 concierge support for a seamless stay.

🔗 Book your next Wander trip and save $350 off your first trip using code “WFEXYXAQ”

📍 North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | 💰 Listed at $810,000 | 🔗 View Listing

This 11th-floor gem in North Myrtle Beach checks every box for coastal investors. With three spacious bedrooms, a split layout, and AAA 4-Diamond resort amenities, this turnkey unit delivers effortless ownership with maximum guest appeal.

Highlights:
☑️ Direct ocean views from the balcony, open-concept living, and private en-suite guest rooms.
☑️ Resort perks include pools, lazy river, hot tubs, fitness center, oceanfront tiki bar, and private beach access.
☑️ Walkable to restaurants, live music, festivals, and the iconic Main Street nightlife scene.

👉 A perfect mix of vacation ease and investment return in one of the East Coast’s most reliable beach markets.

📍 Hermosa, South Dakota | 💰 Listed at $489,000 | 🔗 View Listing

Looking for a low-maintenance, high-occupancy vacation rental in a national park hotspot? These two luxury-rustic cabins in the Black Hills of South Dakota are already cash flowing - with room to scale.

Highlights:
☑️ Two fully furnished 2-bed/2-bath cabins on 2 acres just minutes from Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
☑️ Proven 90%+ occupancy rates with utility, cleaning, and maintenance team in place.
☑️ Zoning and land layout allow for additional cabins or tiny home expansion.

👉 An ideal entry point or portfolio add for investors looking to own a piece of one of America’s most visited nature destinations.

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According to AirDNA’s July 2025 Demand Trends Report, shoulder season travel (September–November and March–May) is seeing stronger-than-expected growth - especially in markets with remote work appeal. Year-over-year, bookings in shoulder season windows are up 13%, led by guests extending weekend trips into midweek stays or booking full weeks outside peak travel periods.

Top-performing regions include the Southeast, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest - areas offering a blend of nature, WiFi-friendly homes, and flexible booking options.

👉 The takeaway? Investors should pay special attention to pricing and marketing during the "in-between" seasons. Highlight remote-work-friendly features (desks, strong WiFi, quiet spaces) and consider offering weekday or long-stay discounts to capture this expanding demand segment. Shoulder season is no longer the slow season.

Source: AirDNA 2025 U.S. Market Outlook (Mid-Year)

Hope this week’s lineup sparked some ideas for your next move. Whether you’re chasing sun-soaked bookings, beachside ROI, or mountain cash flow, we’ll be back next issue with more curated STR deals and fresh market insights. Catch you then.

Until next time - keep your calendars booked, your guests happy, and your ROI sunnier than a Scottsdale pool deck.

See you later,
Jack O’Neill
Founder, The STR Wire

This newsletter is published by The STR Wire LLC, and affiliated entities (“we”, “us”, or “our”) for informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, investment or real estate advise. We are not licensed under any securities laws, and nothing in this publication constitutes an offer to buy or sell any security or investment. All property details, pricing, availability, and financial figures are based on sources believed to be accurate at the time of publication but are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

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