How to Buy a Second Home on 30A for Rental Income (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money)
So… you’ve fallen for the sugar-white sand, turquoise waves, and the kind of sunsets that make people break into spontaneous poetry. We get it. That’s exactly why so many buyers are eyeing a second home across the dreamy stretch of Northwest Florida — from Miramar Beach to Inlet Beach, Destin to Santa Rosa, and our beloved 30A.
But here’s the twist: this isn't just about sipping rosé on the porch (although, highly recommended). It's about turning your beach crush into a cash-flowing investment.
Buying a second home for rental income in this region? Totally doable. But also—there are a few things you should definitely know before diving in headfirst like it’s day one of spring break.
Let’s break it down:
1. Get Clear on Your Goals (And Your Tolerance for Sand in Weird Places)
Before you start Zillow-scrolling at midnight, ask yourself:
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Are you looking for a high-occupancy short-term rental?
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Do you want personal vacation time carved out?
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Do you plan to eventually retire here and become that local with the best beach chair setup?
Your answer will shape everything from location to layout. A 3BR condo in Miramar Beach performs very differently than a 5BR new build in Seagrove.
2. Know the Rules (Because Nothing Kills Vibes Like Zoning Laws)
30A and its surrounding areas are famous for their charm—and their wildly different rules. Some neighborhoods love short-term rentals. Others? Not so much.
We help our clients decode:
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HOA restrictions
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City & county regulations
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Zoning quirks (hello, Walton vs. Okaloosa County)
A great rental investment starts with a green light from the rulebook.
3. Run the Numbers Like a Local Landlord-In-Training
It’s not just about purchase price and potential nightly rate. You’ll want to factor in:
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Property management fees (20–30% is common here)
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Maintenance (salt air is not gentle on exteriors)
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Utilities, insurance, taxes (yes, you still have to adult)
We’ll help you dig into comps and occupancy data so you’re not guesstimating from Google.
4. Furnish for Five Stars
This isn't your college beach rental. Today's guests want vibes—and they're willing to pay for them.
Think: bunk rooms for the kids, spa-worthy bathrooms, board games, blackout curtains, margarita machines (we’re not kidding). Bonus points for shiplap and swing beds.
Stunning photos = higher booking rates. Higher booking rates = more money for more swing beds. See the cycle?
5. Work With Agents Who Actually Know This Market
(Hi. It’s us. You’ve found them.)
We’re the Kendall Hood Collection—RealTrends #1 Medium Team in NW Florida by Volume in 2024. That means we’ve helped a lot of people like you navigate this whole second-home-meets-rental-income journey.
From helping you spot high-performing properties to connecting you with trusted inspectors, lenders, property managers, and margarita machine installers (seriously, we have a guy)—we’ve got you covered.
Final Word:
A second home that pays you back? Yes, please. A built-in vacation spot that future-you will thank you for? Double yes.
The key is working with a team who knows where the real ROI lives—and how to make it work for your lifestyle.
Thinking about buying a rental property in 30A or beyond? Shoot us a message, and let’s chat strategy over a (virtual) beach cocktail.
