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  • 🔥 How a 528 sq ft Poconos cabin pulls $46K (while bigger properties sit)

🔥 How a 528 sq ft Poconos cabin pulls $46K (while bigger properties sit)

3 vetted picks + 8 member deals. Failed 2024 listings back 15% cheaper. Zero competition = your leverage.

STR Scout Members,

Markets are getting softer. Deals are surfacing.

Here's what you can expect going forward:

Every week, STR Scout delivers first-pass triage on active deal flow.

Market Focus = I audit the data, flag the questions, connect you with local agents.

Member Marketplace = 102K investors sharing what they're buying and selling.

I filter signals from listing noise. You decide what deserves your attention.

Happy scouting!

Andy T.

MARKET FOCUS | POCONOS

The Landscape Pocono Pines operates as buyer's market with high inventory and low competition. Long Pond shows balanced supply-demand dynamics.

The Numbers Homes sell approximately 4% below list price. Time on market ranges 58-84 days depending on zip code. Price per square foot spans $175-$502 across properties reviewed.

The STR Picture Two properties report $46K annual STR revenue at vastly different price points and sizes. Identical revenue claims between 528-square-foot cabin and 1,938-square-foot home warrant documentation scrutiny.

The Opportunity One property shows 15% price reduction across eight months with failed previous listing attempt. Fresh inventory and extended market times create leverage for revenue documentation and property verification negotiations.

The Connections I run forensic scans so you skip bad data. Local STR experts know the market and what performs. I connect you directly. Zero pressure. Real knowledge. Real value. Competant connections. That's it.

POCONO PINES MICRO-STR - $46K REPORTED, PUBLIC RECORDS SHOW 2 BEDS

$265,000

314 Anthony Ln, Pocono Pines, PA 18350

At a Glance

Metric

Value

List Price

$265,000

Market Age

41 days

Price/Sq Ft

$502

Est. 2026 Tax

$73/month

HOA Dues

$0

Price Reductions

No

The Big Picture Pocono Pines (18350) operates as buyer's market with inventory high and competition low. Average home sells 4% below list price and goes pending around 84 days.

The Property Picture Listing reports $46K revenue last year operating as turnkey Airbnb. Fully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath retreat spans 528 square feet with modern finishes and furnishings. Sold furnished exactly as operated on platform.

What This Signals Public records show 2 bedrooms while listing markets 1 bedroom—configuration discrepancy creates permitting uncertainty and resale complications requiring county verification before offer.

The Data Audit

  • Public records list 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 528 square feet

  • Listing advertises 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 528 square feet

  • Bedroom count conflict between public records and marketing materials

  • Listed December 10, 2025 at $265,000

  • Last sold September 2021 for $150,000

  • 76% appreciation since 2021 purchase

  • Foundation type pillar/post/pier with no basement

  • Shared well water source requires capacity verification

  • Shared septic system needs guest volume capacity confirmation

  • Baseboard heating only with no cooling system

  • Minutes from Lake Naomi but outside HOA with zero dues

  • 528 square feet markets as romantic escape or solo traveler hideaway

Questions for Verification

  • Can seller provide documented revenue history with occupancy data and expense breakdown?

  • Why do public records show 2 bedrooms while listing advertises 1?

  • Which bedroom configuration is accurate for permitting and certificate of occupancy?

  • What is shared well capacity and historical performance during peak seasons?

  • What is shared septic capacity for advertised STR guest volumes?

  • Are there any well or septic maintenance agreements or fees?

  • How does baseboard heating perform in winter with no supplemental system?

  • What are actual utility costs during heating season with baseboard electric?

The Bottom Line Revenue requires documentation. Public records bedroom discrepancy creates permitting risk and demands county verification before close.

Get the Details Request documented revenue history, county bedroom/bath verification, shared well capacity report, and shared septic system documentation.

Source: Redfin and MLS #: PM-137719.

LAKE NAOMI TURNKEY CHALET - PUBLIC RECORDS CONFLICT

$400,000

113 Gross Dr, Pocono Pines, PA 18350

At a Glance

Metric

Value

List Price

$400,000

Market Age

24 days

Price/Sq Ft

$257

Est. 2026 Tax

$465/month

HOA Dues

$81/month ($970 annual)

Price Reductions

No

The Big Picture Pocono Pines buyer's market shows homes selling 4% below list and pending around 84 days. Inventory high with low competition favoring buyers.

The Property Picture Fully furnished 5-bedroom, 2-bath Lake Naomi chalet spans 1,557 square feet per listing. Engineered hardwood main floor with new kitchen cabinets, quartz counters, and stainless appliances. First-floor bedroom plus four upstairs bedrooms with new carpet.

What This Signals Public records show 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths versus listing's 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths—permitting discrepancy creates resale risk and requires county verification.

The Data Audit

  • Public records show 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1,461 finished square feet

  • Listing advertises 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1,557 square feet

  • 96-square-foot discrepancy between public records and listing

  • Bedroom count conflict: 4 beds recorded vs 5 beds listed

  • Bathroom configuration conflict: 1.5 baths recorded vs 2 full baths listed

  • Listed December 27, 2025 at $400,000

  • Coming soon December 26, 2025

  • Lake Naomi Club optional membership at $970 annual fee

  • HOA fee $970 annually for road maintenance only

  • Well water and on-site septic system

  • Baseboard electric heating with wood stove backup

  • Cooling via ceiling fans only—no air conditioning

  • Crawl space foundation with no basement

  • Backs to community property for privacy

Questions for Verification

  • Why do public records show 4 beds/1.5 baths while listing claims 5 beds/2 full?

  • Which configuration is accurate for permitting and resale purposes?

  • Which square footage is correct: 1,461 or 1,557?

  • Has fifth bedroom and second full bath been permitted with county?

  • What is well capacity and septic system capacity for 5-bedroom occupancy?

  • What are Lake Naomi Club STR restrictions if membership pursued?

  • Does HOA restrict short-term rentals with or without club membership?

  • How do ceiling fans perform for cooling in summer months?

The Bottom Line Turnkey chalet with strong Lake Naomi amenities, but public records discrepancy creates permitting uncertainty. County verification needed for bed/bath count and square footage.

Get the Details Request county bedroom/bath configuration verification, square footage confirmation, well capacity report, septic system capacity documentation, and Lake Naomi STR restriction details.

Source: Redfin and MLS #: PAMR2005918.

EMERALD LAKES ACTIVE STR - $46K YTD, 15% PRICE CUT

$340,000

1591 Clover Rd, Long Pond, PA 18334

At a Glance

Metric

Value

List Price

$340,000

Market Age

74 days

Price/Sq Ft

$175

Est. 2026 Tax

$347/month

HOA Dues

$100/month ($1,200 annual)

Price Reductions

Yes

Reduction Amt/%

$59,900 (15%)

The Big Picture Long Pond (18334) shows balanced market with equal supply-demand. Average home sells 4% below list price after 58 days on market.

The Property Picture Listing reports active STR grossed $46K year-to-date with $58K annual projection. Fully furnished 4-bedroom, 2-bath retreat spans 1,938 square feet. New mini-splits for heating and cooling plus low-maintenance TREX decking.

What This Signals Identical $46K revenue claim as 528-square-foot property despite 267% larger size suggests either inflated projections or severe underperformance—eight months marketing and 15% price cuts amplify documentation urgency.

The Data Audit

  • Public records show 2,010 finished square feet

  • Listing advertises 1,938 square feet

  • 72-square-foot discrepancy between public records and listing

  • Listed March 21, 2024 at $399,900

  • Price reduced May 9, 2024 to $384,900

  • Price reduced June 13, 2024 to $379,900

  • Price reduced December 30, 2024 to $374,900

  • Listing removed March 21, 2025

  • Relisted November 5, 2025 at $340,000

  • Total price reduction $59,900 from original list (15% cut)

  • Failed marketing attempt requiring listing removal before relaunch

  • 74 days current market time with no sale

  • Ductless mini-split heating and cooling system

  • Well water and septic tank system

  • Emerald Lakes HOA $1,200 annually with community amenities

Questions for Verification

  • Can seller provide documented revenue history with occupancy data and expense breakdown?

  • Why does 1,938-square-foot property report same $46K revenue as 528-square-foot property?

  • Why was listing removed in March 2025 after one year of marketing?

  • What market feedback caused four price reductions totaling 15%?

  • Which square footage is accurate: 1,938 or 2,010?

  • What is septic system capacity for STR guest volumes?

  • What are Emerald Lakes HOA STR restrictions or regulations?

  • What is well water capacity during peak rental seasons?

The Bottom Line Revenue claims require documentation. Eight months marketing and 15% price cuts suggest either market rejection of projections or undisclosed property issues.

Get the Details Request documented revenue history with expense breakdown, failed sale explanation, price reduction rationale, septic capacity verification, and Emerald Lakes STR restriction documentation.

Source: Redfin and MLS #: PM-137097.

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MEMBER MARKETPLACE

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1BR/1BA, 1,000 sqft - Built November 2024 on 1.2 acres, generated $66K revenue launching December 18, 2024, already trending 10% higher for 2026. Professionally furnished modern cabin sold turnkey, seller can continue managing after sale, most modern 1BR/1BA properties in market sell $550K-$700K.

4BR/2BA, 1,872 sqft - Short-term rental-friendly raised ranch in Towamensing Trails with mountain chalet feel on 0.43 acres, fully furnished with open floorplan, hardwood floors, wood stove, and newer roof. Community amenities include lake, beach, swimming pool, ATV trails, surrounded by state game lands with quick access to Big Boulder Ski Resort.

4BR, 3-level cabin with professional redesign plan and $22,540 already booked for 2026, projecting $120K-$140K annually. Features hidden bunkroom, game room, deck views, king suites, resort amenities with zipline, minutes to Dollywood and Gatlinburg with no steep roads for year-round access.

4536 Powdermill Estate Rd in central location with game room featuring pool table, shuffleboard and arcade plus private hot tub patio and peekaboo Mt. LeConte views. Expansive kitchen and living spaces ideal for groups, quiet setting with easy access and no steep mountain drive, minutes to Gatlinburg attractions and Dollywood.

Beach house on Bolivar Peninsula with 60+ five-star reviews, motivated sellers offering fully furnished turnkey property with successful STR track record on Airbnb and Vrbo. Near-new condition with open-concept layout, bonus loft, spacious deck, and proven rental performance just minutes from sand.

6BR/6BA, 5,344 sqft - Modern villa in upscale Opal neighborhood with private pool, fully fenced for privacy and security. Each bedroom features private ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, sold fully furnished with high-end designer furniture and covered outdoor terraces on both floors.

Happy scouting.