Rova/Research Desk

Research Desk

Forward-looking intelligence for real estate investors

Hidden Market

Why Huntsville, AL is Quietly Becoming the Top MTR Market in the Southeast

Job growth from aerospace and defense, a flood of traveling professionals, and virtually zero STR regulation — the perfect MTR storm.

Market Score

88

MTR Yield

11.2%

Job Growth

+6.8%

Avg Price

$285K

Published May 20, 2026·6 min read·Rova Research Team

Read Full Report View Live Data

Regulation Watch66 B

Nashville Just Tightened STR Rules — What It Means for Investors

New permit caps and owner-occupancy requirements take effect July 1st. Here's how to protect your position.

Affected listings2,400+

Score impact-8 pts

Markets affected3

May 18, 2026 · 5 minRead →

Arbitrage Opportunity82 A

The 5 Best Markets for Rental Arbitrage Under $2,500/Month Lease

Our analysis of 200+ markets reveals the widest STR spreads for zero-capital investors.

Avg spread$2,100/mo

Top marketPigeon Forge

Regulation riskLow

May 16, 2026 · 7 minRead →

Rate & Deal Monitor

DSCR Loans Just Got 0.25% Cheaper — Which Deals Open Up?

A quiet rate adjustment by 3 major DSCR lenders is making deals viable that weren't 6 months ago.

New qualifying deals+14%

May 14, 2026 · 4 minRead →

Market Report84 A

Gatlinburg STR Market: Mid-2026 Update

Occupancy rates holding strong despite 12% supply increase. Here's what's driving demand.

Avg revenue$6,800/mo

New listings+12%

May 12, 2026 · 8 minRead →

Tax Intelligence

The Augusta Rule: How to Earn $15K Tax-Free From Your STR This Year

Most investors are leaving money on the table. Here's exactly how to use the 14-day rule legally.

Max tax-free14 days

Avg savings$4,200/yr

Applies toAll strategies

May 10, 2026 · 6 minRead →

Hidden Market79 B+

Bowling Green, KY: The Overlooked MTR Play With 14% CoC Returns

A major EV plant expansion is bringing 1,200+ contractors needing furnished housing for 18 months.

Score change+11 pts

May 8, 2026 · 5 minRead →

The MTR Opportunity Index

Monthly ranking — updated May 2026

Rank	Market	Score	MTR Yield	Trend	Why Trending
#1	Huntsville, AL	88 A	11.2%	+6	Aerospace jobs
#2	Bowling Green, KY	79 B+	14.1%	+11	EV plant
#3	Fayetteville, AR	77 B+	9.8%	+4	Walmart HQ growth
#4	Greenville, SC	75 B+	9.1%	flat	Manufacturing hub
#5	Knoxville, TN	73 B	8.6%	+2	University demand

Regulation Watch

STR law changes — last 30 days

You have 1 saved market with a recent change (Nashville, TN).

City / County	Change	Effective	Impact
Nashville, TN	New permit caps (500 limit)	Jul 1	🔴 High
Scottsdale, AZ	Annual renewal required	Jun 15	🟡 Medium
Gatlinburg, TN	No change	—	🟢 None
Austin, TX	Owner-occupancy required	Aug 1	🔴 High

Rate & Deal Monitor

How the market moved this week

↓ Rates trend

Down 0.55% since February

At current rates

68% of Rova-analyzed properties cash-flow positive

Updated daily

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